U.S. Senate Republican: Scott Schaben

As the primary season winds to a close, the future of the Republican Party of Iowa will be decided in the coming weeks.

This decision is larger than just a candidate for the U.S. Senate. After the elections of 2012, we were all told the Republican Party needed a face-lift and to fine-tune its message. Whoever we nominate in this primary will be the answer to the questions of 'With whom does the Republican Party identify?” and 'What is the future for the Republican Party?”

Time and again we have heard it is too hard to tell the candidates apart. That is for good reason. For the most part, members of the field answer the questions the same way with varying degrees of volume and theatrics. Balance the budget? Yep. Second Amendment? Support it. Veterans? Support them.

I'm the only candidate who has separated himself from the field on these and a few other issues from day one. I haven't deviated from that message.

Regarding our nation's debt, I was the only candidate who desired a path to solvency on day one. The rest of the field was (and some still are) content with just balancing the budget, or worse yet, continuing with more of the same.

As one of the 250,000 permit-to-carry holders in our state, I put more than lip service into supporting our Second Amendment. I would introduce legislation for a 50-state conceal carry permit for the everyday American.

With more news being released every day about the current crisis within the Department of Veterans Affairs, I have been and continue to be the only candidate willing to say more than 'I support our troops.” If I am fortunate enough to become your next U.S. Senator, I will introduce legislation that will see to it that our veterans will have their benefits clearly defined on their date of discharge, specifically which benefits they will or will not receive. Waiting 4-6 weeks or longer for an answer you should have in writing on the day you leave is unacceptable and wrong. Our brothers, sisters, sons, daughters and neighbors deserve better than the current process.

On Tuesday, don't buy into the lip service being offered by the rest of the field. I ask you to reward me for having a plan and more than just lip service throughout my campaign.

' Scott Schaben of Ames is a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate. Comments: scottschaben@gmail.com