I would like to announce my decision to run for the Iowa State Senate in District 15 as a Libertarian candidate.
I am a thoracic and vascular surgeon, a small business owner, and most importantly, a husband and father of three sons. Like many Iowans, I am increasingly concerned about the size of government, resulting in the erosion of our liberties and the jeopardization of our economic prosperity. I believe that most Iowans believe in the fundamental principles espoused in the founding documents of our nation and our state, and are frustrated that our political leaders and institutions have failed to live up to those ideals.
As a parent, I believe that the foundation of moral behavior begins not in the school, but in the home. Likewise, I believe that good governance does not begin in Washington, D.C., but in our state, our counties, and in our communities. We cannot look beyond our state borders for help in confronting the challenges we face within them. The principle of self-government is plainly stated; that we should govern ourselves. Government is not the solution; we are the solution.
If we citizens of Iowa can reestablish our state government in accordance with the principles of our national and state constitutions, we can be assured of our inalienable rights to liberty and prosperity. Iowa can reform itself to better serve its citizens, to serve as a model for other state governments, and can enjoy sustainable economic growth in harmony with its resources.
I made the decision to enter the race for the Iowa State Senate in District 15 for one simple reason: to use my candidacy as an opportunity to raise issues related to the preservation of liberty and prosperity. Like many Iowans, I am concerned about the increasing size and scope of government, and the deleterious effects that growth has had, and will continue to have, resulting in the gradual erosion of our personal freedoms and economic well-being.
Unfortunately, very few politicians, and neither of the two major political parties, are making serious efforts to honestly and comprehensively address these issues. There are very good reasons for this; politicians are generally concerned primarily with the next election cycle, which necessitates that they measure their words and actions in a manner that will optimize their chances for reelection, and the two major political parties fear a reduction in their influence, and their donor base, if the size and scope of government were to decrease.
I have no such limitations; I am not fearful of losing an elected position I do not hold, I have no influence or donor base I fear will contract, and I do not even harbor unrealistic expectations that I will win this election. I do, however, share the fear of many Iowans that if we do not return our state and our country to the values upon which they were founded, we will continue to experience further decline in our personal liberties and economic prosperity. Therefore, I will use my candidacy for the Iowa Senate as a platform from which these concerns can be candidly discussed.
You can check out Dr. Peter’s website here and connect with him on Facebook as well.
