Republicans vying for 2nd District nod discuss issues

CEDAR RAPIDS – A trio of Republicans hoping to be the party's candidate this fall in Iowa's 2nd District say they are running to get the federal government out of the way of individuals, families and business.

In issues ranging from abortion to agriculture, education and health care to retirement savings, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Steve Rathje and Christopher Reed agreed Iowans would be better off with less - or even no - federal involvement in many areas of their lives.

“I don't want the federal government educating my children in any way, shape or form,” said Rathje, a Cedar Rapids businessman.

Iowans need the federal government to “get out of my way and let me succeed,” added Reed, a Marion businessman.

Miller-Meeks, an Ottumwa ophthalmologist, called for more personal responsibility in education and health care and for the federal government to empower consumers to make their own choices.

The Republicans spoke at a Saturday forum hosted by Linn Area Pro-Life United and the Mount Mercy College Political Science Student Group. All are running in the June 8 GOP primary for the nomination to challenge incumbent Rep. Dave Loebsack, a Mount Vernon Democrat.

There were few sharp disagreements between them as they answered a dozen questions before an audience of more than 75 people, many of them writing notes as they listened, and nearly a dozen video cameras at Betty Cherry Heritage Hall at Mount Mercy.

All of the candidates are pro-life, believe in free markets, would limit immigration and oppose a federal health-care program and cap-and-trade as a way to limit on carbon emissions.

There was some disagreement on ending the military's “don't ask, don't tell” policy stopping openly gay, lesbian and bisexual people from serving.

The decision should be left to the military, said Miller-Meeks.

“For some,” the retired Army Reserve physician said, allowing openly gay soldiers to serve “may be uncomfortable.” However, if someone is willing, they should be allowed to serve as long as that's the decision of the military – not the president, Congress or the courts, she said.

“They're already there,” Reed, a Navy veteran, said about gays in the military. “It's another example of the federal government trying to fix things until they are broken.”

Only Rathje called for continuing the “don't ask, don't tell” policy.

“It's a huge morality issue,” he said. “If the generals in the field tell me it's an issue, I have to believe them.”