Vernon can reverse Tea Party harm

When I support a person for election to Congress, I look carefully for these qualifications: integrity and purpose, demonstrated leadership, progressive insights on issues and an independent thinker who will put country above party. In 2014, I've found that person in Monica Vernon.

I've known her parents for more than 60 years and watched Monica grow up to become an accomplished business woman and an outstanding public servant. She is a proven problem-solver whom we need in Washington.

She believes in a strong middle class and a growing economy that will put people back to work at good wages. Her common-sense positions on creating manufacturing jobs and growing new small businesses, investing in infrastructure, tackling climate change, addressing women's issues, improving education, saving Social Security and Medicare, ending unfair trade agreements and many other important issues are listed on her website. Check them out on monicavernonforcongress.com and you'll agree with me, she's the one.

Voters have to reverse the harm the Tea Party extremists and extortionists have done to our economy and our country. Fortunately, 1st District voters have a unique opportunity to elect an outstanding progressive to fill Bruce Braley's seat in Congress this fall. I urge you to vote for Vernon in Tuesday's primary.

Norman Barnes

Hiawatha