Interviews shed light on candidates

Recently, Iowa Public Radio conducted interviews with Rod Blum and Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Republican candidates for Congress in the 1st and 2nd districts.

Blum began by stating his desire to work across party lines and compromise when necessary. This flies in the face of his call to repeal the Affordable Care Act even though millions have coverage and all insurers have seen expanded benefits.

Blum admitted not knowing enough about tar sands fracking to form an opinion even though this issue has been on the front pages.

He seemed to get twisted up in right wing talking points concerning marriage rights. He suggested the issue should be decided by a vote of the public unless it was unconstitutional, then it should be decided by the courts. Huh? He must not be following what is going on with this issue nationally, because over and over again the courts are deciding that limits on marriage are indeed unconstitutional.

Miller-Meeks spent her time filibustering rather than answering the questions. She would not say whether she still supports the repeal of ACA and stated that the same-sex marriage has already been decided in Iowa. I am sure evangelicals will not be happy with her on that one.

Like many Republican candidates who swung too the far right to win the primary, these two are now faced with the daunting task of trying to moderate their stated views to attract the majority of voters who do not share the extreme right's views.

Rosemary Schwartz

Vinton