Reader supports Gary Kroeger in Congressional race

To the editor:

While much of our attention has focused on Iowa's presidential caucuses, as a lifelong Democrat, I want to express my concern that my party is trying to put forth a former Republican, Monica Vernon, as the nominee in the 1st Congressional District to run against Republican Rod Blum.

This is particularly unsettling given that our next Congress may be asked to approve a large-scale military invasion in Syria to defeat ISIS. Having lived through Hillary Clinton's betrayal when she voted in favor of George W. Bush's invasion of Iraq, I trust Vernon even less to make the right decision should our next president ask our nation to start another land war in the Middle East.

I want to make sure we put people into Congress who share my progressive values and will view war as a last resort, not the first option. And, for that matter, neither has Pat Murphy, who is one of the other Democrats running for the 1st District seat. Our next Congress likely will be remembered for its votes on military action in Syria and Obamacare.

That is why I am supporting Gary Kroeger, a lifelong progressive Democrat.

Sonja M. Bammert

Cedar Rapids