Iowa’s 1st District needs a fresh start

When Rod Blum ran for Congress in 2014 the following comment was attributed to him in The Gazette article that endorsed him: 'I'm not interested in Republican-only solutions any more than I'm interested in a Democrat-only solution.” However, based on voting records kept at the website votesmart.org, he is very much a party-line voter.

The Gazette endorsement also included this quote from Blum: 'I may not always agree, but I do respect other people's opinions. I respect people enough to at least listen to their point of view.” However, Blum does not engage in town halls or, in my experience, respond to emails, phone calls, tweets or conduct face to face meetings with constituents that do not agree with his positions.

The website ontheissues.org provides a clearer understanding where Blum stands. He strongly opposes a woman's right to abortion, same-sex marriage, expansion of Obamacare and higher taxes on the wealthy. He strongly favors privatization of Social Security and school vouchers.

When we elect someone we expect, for the most part, they will try to support the interest of all constituents. His support for the tax cut (permanent for the wealthy; expiring for everyone else) and the explosion of the national debt along with his lack of support for women's issues, health care and public education would seem to indicate his support leans strongly toward the party, the wealthy and his donors.

Abby Finkenauer will provide more open, balanced and inclusive representation.

Robert Eckles

Cedar Rapids