Hinson is politicizing the derecho

Never underestimate the GOP's ability to turn a crisis into a political moment - particularly one with the 'television touch” like State Rep. Ashley Hinson.

The recent derecho left thousands of Iowans without power, hundreds displaced from their homes, and devastating damage across nearly every neighborhood in Eastern Iowa.

Yet Ashley spent her time doing the only thing she knows how to do: attacking her opponent, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer.

Abby was the top Iowa leader calling for an expedited disaster declaration. She was the first to volunteer her time in damaged communities, while Hinson and Gov. Kim Reynolds remained noticeably absent.

Now Hinson is accusing Finkenauer of 'politicizing” the disaster by running a TV ad sharing storm-relief resources - while simultaneously running her own political ad showing the disaster mixed with video of Hinson playing violin while people like myself are suffering. The hypocrisy is absolutely shameful.

I am exhausted by the dirty politics Hinson is playing. While Abby continues to work for Iowans, Ashley has made it clear she's only willing to work for her political run.

Tanya Burgess

Cedar Rapids