I will fight for your best interests, not special interests

As we work to recover from the worst recession since the Great Depression, bipartisanship and working together will be critical to growing an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy and connected.

Having grown up in poverty, I know what it is like to sit around the kitchen table and make tough decisions. Iowans deserve a representative who knows what they have gone through and will fight for their best interests, not special interests.

We also must continue to make smart investments in education, ensure Medicare and Social Security remain strong and clean up the mess in Washington.

In order to grow the economy, I worked to get my jobs bill, the Sectors Act, signed into law.

This legislation gives employees training and education, and matches them with employers who are looking to hire. It will strengthen those looking for jobs and companies looking to hire.

As a former teacher, I have taken a leading role in making sure our kids get the education they need to succeed. I was recently named the ranking member of the House education K-12 subcommittee. In this position, I will make sure Iowans have a seat at the table.

Ensuring Social Security and Medicare remain strong is another top priority. I know first-hand what these programs mean to people. When I was young, my mom couldn't take care of my siblings and me so she dropped us off at my grandmother's house, who relied on Social Security Survivors Benefits to support us. I never have and never will vote to privatize Social Security, turning our nation's retirement plan over to Wall Street.

I also will never vote to cut Medicare. Seniors have paid into it every month and have earned it.

Every weekend when I am meeting with folks, I hear about how dysfunctional Washington is. I couldn't agree more. That's why I've fought to end the dysfunction. I authored legislation to cut the pay of Congressional members for the first time since the Great Depression. I also helped introduce legislation to end the revolving door by permanently banning Congressional members from becoming lobbyists.

There is a clear choice this fall, and I look forward to continuing to serve you. I ask for your vote so we can continue to move Iowa forward.

' Dave Loebsack is the Democratic candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, District 2. Comments: loebsackforcongress.org