Fiorina campaigns in Cedar Rapids, vows to ‘not shy from a fight’

CEDAR RAPIDS — Former tech executive Carly Fiorina told a crowd of more than 100 Sunday that the best way to get Washington under control is to get the money it spends under control.

The GOP presidential candidate's vision includes a 'simple three-page' tax code, passing zero-base budgeting legislation, repealing the Affordable Care Act, standing for religious liberties, securing borders and defeating the Islamic State.

'I have been around bureaucracies all my life and the only way to get them under control is to get control of the money,' she said. 'That is why changing the way the government handles and spends your money is so important. Because after all, the money is yours and not the government's — something the government has forgotten long ago.'

Fiorina, who spoke at the Clarion Hotel and Convention Center, holds support from 2.4 percent of likely GOP caucusgoers, according to a Real Clear Politics average of polls.

One of them is Ashley Hinson, a former news anchor for KCRG-TV9 and now a candidate for Iowa House District 67, a seat being vacated by Republican Rep. Kraig Paulsen.

'I like what she had to say about taking the government out of places it shouldn't be involved in. That needs to happen in Iowa, and on a national level,' Hinson said. 'I find her to be captivating, engaging, and has a really unique knack for responding to tough questions. I personally don't know why she doesn't have greater momentum.'

Fiorina answered questions from the crowd, and emphasized the need for strengthening borders, the importance of removing the government from the student loan industry and how she would defeat terrorists with help from allies in the Middle East.

'I would love to caucus for her, but the impression right now is there's not a chance,' said Greg Monroe, 38, of Marion. 'But if my wife and I go to caucus tomorrow, and she has a big following, she is my No. 1 choice.'

Fiorina's campaign was set to make its last stops before the caucuses in Clinton and Davenport before ending up in West Des Moines.

'You can count on me,' she told the crowd. 'I will not falter. I will not shy from a fight. I will do what I tell you I'm going to do, but I need you tomorrow night to stand up for me.'