Loebsack listens, then takes a stand

Rep. Dave Loebsack has been a pretty straight shooter in his time in office. He has not avoided questions. Even when he knows that the answer he gives may not be popular, he has placed the good of the country ahead of anything else, including party.

Because of this, Loebsack has cast votes for recent hot-button issues such as health care and Wall Street reform, believing that government does have a role in reining in the excesses of markets. He does not shy away from taking stands, even when it runs counter to his party's leadership.

His Republican opponent, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, was in favor of the poorly conceived health savings accounts in 2008. Now, after a self-imposed period of being without health care, she sees merit in much of what current health care reform does. However, her party has already stated it will defund health care. Republicans in the House have voted strictly on party lines for at least the last two years, and they will continue far into the future.

Dave Loebsack has done an excellent job representing this district. He does a very good job of seeking out citizen opinion. America does not need yet another faceless-down-the-line Republican vote that will be grinding government to a halt.

Dave Bradley

West Liberty