Koch brothers care only for corporate interests

Despite being almost 10 months from election day, attack ads from the Koch brothers are starting to fill Iowa's airwaves. A recent attack against Congressman Bruce Braley came with the disclosure that it was funded by Americans for Prosperity, a Tea Party group that was founded by Charles and David Koch.

The Koch brothers made billions in the oil industry and have used their wealth to further a self-interested political agenda. In particular, they have used Americans for Prosperity to fight against increasing the minimum wage and to oppose Iowa-friendly policies such as the Wind Protection and Tax Credit and the Renewable Fuels Standard. They even oppose a long-term renewal of the Farm Bill.

Braley, on the other hand, has represented Iowa in the U.S. House for the past seven years where he has fought for policies that support Iowa's middle class. Braley actively supports raising the minimum wage, which would impact 34,000 Iowa workers, and has supported the Wind Protection Tax Credit and the Renewable Fuels Standard, which collectively support 60,000 jobs in our state.

While Braley has a long track record of supporting veterans, workers and the agricultural community, the Koch brothers care only about supporting their corporate interests. We should be mindful about their attempts to influence our politics.

Helane Golden

Cedar Rapids