Rubio will unite America

This summer I endorsed U.S. Senator Marco Rubio for president and took a role on his Statewide Leadership Committee. Before that, like most Iowa caucuses goers, I had spent a good deal of time meeting and speaking to the record number of candidates campaigning in Iowa. While many are still sifting through the crowded field, I knew almost immediately after meeting Marco Rubio that he was the right choice to lead our country - here are just a few of the reasons why.

Marco speaks powerfully about how technology is causing our economic reality to change more rapidly than ever before in human history. Here in Iowa, proving just how encompassing this truth is can be done by looking at how technology has revolutionized everything from how we get rides in the city, to how we plow our fields in the country. But beyond just seeing it, Senator Rubio has laid out a plan which rightly recognizes that harnessing this new economy is not a choice - it's a necessity.

The fact that he both sees and aggressively embraces the future reveals in him a trait that many great leaders of the past have shown - the ability to cast a vision that both unites and moves us forward when we need it the most.

It has been said by some that Marco is too young. That he will be president someday, but he should 'wait his turn”. This thinking not only runs contrary to the American Spirit, it misunderstands the scope of rapid change and advancement that we now face. In many ways, the defining challenge of our time is converting this rapid change into prosperity for all Americans. To do this we need a president that not only instinctively knows this, but who can unite and lead us to meet the challenge - and Marco will.

In addition to this, I enthusiastically support Marco because of his history on the issue of eminent domain. I have spent a great deal of my time in public service championing and fighting for the property rights of all Iowans. This issue is relevant not just because it is vitally important on its own, but because it is truly symbolic of how a candidate views the fundamental role of the citizen and the government in our democracy.

Most candidates talk a good game and support property rights, but here is what Marco actually did as a legislator and as Speaker of the House in Florida. In response to the Supreme Court's 'Kelo” decision, which was one of the biggest threats to private property rights in our nation's history, Senator Rubio authored, floor-managed, and successfully passed some of the toughest property rights laws in the nation. The heart of his bill limited the state's authority to seize private property without demonstrating a true public good. Going one step further, he also authored, passed, and the public ratified, an amendment to the Florida Constitution prohibiting eminent domain abuse. Due to Marco's leadership, the state of Florida is among the nation's strongest in protecting private property rights.

Even as we stand in the doorway of an exciting new century with a new technology-driven economy, the American people's trust in government and politics is at a historic low. But just under the surface, the stubborn optimism that defines us is ready to be joined with the vast economic opportunity that awaits - we just need the spark of being united and inspired again.

Truly uniting our country requires all of us taking part, and underscores that our nominee must be able to communicate with every American - regardless of generation, background, or political persuasion.

Simply put, Marco Rubio has a clear respect for the power and rights of the individual American, while having the ability to speak directly and inspirationally to all Americans.

This is what uniting is. This is what we need. This is why I am supporting Marco Rubio for President.

' Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, R-Wilton, is Chairman of the House Government Oversight Committee. Comments: bobby.kaufmann@legis.iowa.gov