Hinson lacks credibility and honesty

Do credibility, honesty and truth still matter? First district voters will decide in choosing between U.S. Rep. Abby Finkenauer and her opponent, state representative Ashley Hinson.

Hinson is embroiled in a self-generated plagiarism scandal; in other words, intellectual theft. She's accused of stealing entire passages of policy essays, articles, and position papers, including copying near-identical passages from Finkenauer's policies on veterans' issues.

Her actions are especially egregious for an ex-journalist. They're taught to constantly fact-check their own work and that plagiarism is the worst professional offense they can commit. Hinson has issued a typical non-apology apology commonplace among today's politicians - blame everyone but themselves for their transgressions.

Then again, Hinson seems to excel at questioning her own credibility. Not long ago she praised Planned Parenthood through a personal story of how she used their services. Then turned on them when it became politically expedient. She claims to be a health care advocate for Iowans. Yet, she stands with President Donald Trump in trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which would be disastrous for Iowans amid a pandemic and economic crisis.

Meanwhile, Finkenauer has helped pass critical emergency aid to working families and small businesses and fought to make ensure the aid reaches our small towns and rural communities. Finkenauer is a compassionate people-first leader who embodies the qualities Iowa needs right now: credibility, honesty, and truth.

Peggy Stover

Cedar Rapids