David Kochel and Sara Craig, former Iowa staffers for Mitt Romney’s 2012 Presidential campaign, organized a new 501(c)4 – Priorities for Iowa. In their launch video they take aim at Congressman Bruce Braley (D-IA) who urged a vote on Obamacare and then during a Meet the Press appearance said he didn’t know how it will impact Iowans.
Kochel who will serve as the executive director for Priorities for Iowa said in a released statement: “There is an underrepresented majority of Iowans who are looking for a voice and a vehicle to take action on the general drift of the country away from free market principles. Whether it’s the impending drubbing of small businesses by Obamacare, the doubling of the federal debt over the past five years, or the stifling regulations around energy production, Iowans are looking for a way out of this mess.”
Kochel referenced recent polling that suggests that 60% of Iowans think the country is headed in the wrong direction, he listed key issues the group would focus on. “They want more domestic energy production, they want to derail Obamacare, or at least give individuals the same break President Obama just gave businesses,” said Kochel. “Unfortunately, Congressman Bruce Braley went against Iowans when he voted to delay the Obamacare mandate for corporations but didn’t extend the same rights to individuals.”
The group’s website says, “We are focused on strengthening our economy, standing up for Iowa families, and defending our Iowa values.” Former State Representative Renee Schulte, Dallas County Recorder Chad Airhart and Luke Martz who were also connected to Romney’s Presidential campaign joined Priorities of Iowa as board members.