Candidates, answer these questions

Now, in the election home stretch, there are still important questions to be asked:

Mariannette Miller-Meeks: We're confused about your latest flip-flop. What is your stance on Social Security, Medicare and tax breaks for the rich? If you want to repeal Obamacare, what would you put in its place?

Dave Loebsack: Are you for or against continued tax breaks for the rich?

Roxanne Conlin: How about calling out Sen. Chuck Grassley for his backing of certain proposals, but then voting against them in steadfast loyalty to the party of “no.” A list might be nice.

Terry Branstad: Much of your time as governor was during a period of economic prosperity. Contrast that to Gov. Chet Culver's term in office. Can governors really do much about job creation? How would you fund your proposals?

Bob Vander Plaats: Do you not understand that certain minority rights are inalienable (read the Declaration of Independence) and cannot be abridged by the majority? Why do you propose to politicize the Iowa Supreme Court so that it can legislate your prejudices from the bench?

One hopes that we might still get some real answers and true debate on these, and other, issues. Maybe this might replace some of the invective we're now hearing.

James B. Larkin

Cedar Rapids