Rathje deserves vote

As in 2010, Iowans will have a chance in 2012 to send new blood to Washington, as our Founding Fathers intended. Career politicians are exactly what's wrong with Washington; they no longer listen to people and sadly they're out of touch. Incumbent 1st District Democrat Bruce Braley is that kind of tone-deaf representative.

We need more roll-up-the-sleeves/hard work ethic kind of representation and common sense in Washington, not more lawyers who are clueless about the real world.

Demonstrating how to bring jobs to Iowa, businessman Steve Rathje is in touch with what it will take to help get the economy humming again. He is the founder and chief executive officer of International Procurement Services Inc., an Iowa-based company. His company works specifically with companies across America in an effort to eliminate corporate waste, cut unnecessary spending and bring well-paying manufacturing jobs back home to America.

His focus is on the manufacturing sector, working directly with a “part specific” supply chain competing daily with countries such as China, Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, Canada, Europe and India. Basically, if you're a company that needs a machine part, Rathje will find it made in the USA, and cheaper, too. No more buying from China.

That kind of business frame of mind and real-world experience is what Washington and Iowa's 1st District needs. I have family and friends in Cedar Rapids and care about their well-being and the city's continued growth and success. Electing Rathje puts Cedar Rapids on an accelerated path to success.

Mike Thayer

Coralville