While I believe either candidate would be a far cry better than the incumbent State Senator Steve Sodders (D-State Center) I feel that there is plenty of contrast within this primary. Here we have an establishment candidate and former legislator in McKibben. Jech is a tea party activist and in touch with the grassroots.
It’s a no brainer for me… especially when you consider McKibben’s record. Some votes and positions of concern:
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In 2008 he voted for the universal preschool program (2008 H.F. 877).
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He voted in favor of a mandatory HPV vaccination coverage (2008 H.F. 2145).
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He favors raising the gas tax.
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He voted for the $800 Million Iowa Value Fun (2003 – HF 683/SJ 1255).
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He voted in 2007 to increase Iowa’s minimum wage (HF 1)
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He voted to required employers to give time off for the Iowa Caucuses – (2008 SF 2355) – I’m in favor of people being active in the Caucuses, but the state should not force businesses to give time off.
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He also favors exceptions for rape and incest for abortion which prevented him from getting a recommendation from Iowa Right to Life. I realize that some might feel that is extreme, but I believe it is tragic to create another victim in circumstances such as that. Innocent life shouldn’t be put to death because of the sin of the father.
Jane Jech is a constitutional conservative…
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Believes in local control in education and school choice. Let parents and local communities control education dollars instead of educrats in Des Moines.
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Along that vein she wants to restructure the Department of Education to become a resource and have an advisory role instead of a bureaucracy that takes decision making ability and dollars away from parents and communities.
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She wants to budget in a way that makes Iowa less dependent on federal dollars.
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She wants to restrict the size of government.
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She wants to pass property tax reform with shifting the cost.
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She wants to design state laws that protect us from an ever-growing Federal bureaucracy with their unfunded mandates.
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She is pro-life and favors a constitutional amendment protecting the definition of marriage.
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She respects the U.S. and Iowa Constitutions.
Frankly, McKibben had his time in the Iowa Senate. It’s time for fresh blodd. I believe Iowa Senate District 36 will be best served by Jane Jech. Please vote for Jane this Tuesday.