U.S. Senate Republican: Matt Whitaker

You often hear politicians say that this is the most important election in history. Politicians don't always tell us the truth. However, looking at the 2014 congressional elections, there is no doubt that conservative voices in Washington are needed now more than ever.

Our Constitution was drafted more than 200 years ago, but it still remains relevant today because its principles are timeless and its rules are simple. The current administration, though, has assaulted many of those basic tenets our government.

Never in our nation's history has a president so flagrantly disregarded our Constitution, laws and the will of the American people. President Obama's first legislative victory, the economic stimulus, was riddled with waste and kickbacks to political supporters at the cost of $831 billion. Not content to run our country further into debt, the president and his congressional allies then forced through Obamacare, a $1.2 trillion tax on every American. All the while, the IRS was illegally targeting those organizations that dared to stand against the president's liberal agenda. Yet, the greatest of all this administration's sins was the criminally negligent response to the tragic attacks on our embassy in Benghazi.

I believe that our country cannot afford to allow President Obama to continue with his extreme, inept and often lawless agenda. America needs bold, fearless leadership, and I am ready to lead the charge. My record as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa is a clear indication of what type of senator I will be. As the highest-ranked federal law enforcement officer in the state of Iowa, I did not back down from the big challenges.

In Marshalltown, I pursued those who hired illegal immigrants. I aggressively went after the corporate bandits of the Central Iowa Employment and Training Consortium, standing up for the American worker. My office pursued crime at every level, putting countless thugs and dangerous criminals behind bars.

My experience has equipped me with the unique skill set needed to hold this administration accountable. I know how to pursue the truth. Too many Republican leaders are content to allow Obama to continue enacting his agenda while offering only token opposition. Sitting idle on the sidelines was not how I conducted myself as U.S. Attorney, and that won't be my approach in the Senate. I'll follow in the footsteps of other constitutional conservatives who share my background, such as Senators Ted Cruz and Mike Lee and Congressman Trey Gowdy.

This election is important because we need to turn around this country. We need politicians to fix big problems instead of worrying about their re-elections.

Getting answers and returning our nation to full strength is what the American people deserve - and it will be my mission from day one as your voice in Washington.

' Matt Whitaker of Clive is a Republican candidate for U.S. Senator. Comments: http://www.mattwhitaker.org/form/contact