I had backed Jeff back in September, but I wanted to renew my support before the primary on Tuesday. Jeff Mullen, the lead pastor of Point of Grace Church in Waukee is running against State Senator Pat Ward (R-West Des Moines) who moved into the district due to redistricting which placed her in a Democrat heavy district and facing a race with State Senator Matt McCoy (D-Des Moines).
Here we have a establishment candidate in Pat Ward versus a political newbie in Jeff Mullen. We have a moderate candidate in Ward versus a true conservative in Mullen.
A reminder to the voters of Iowa Senate District 22 of State Senator Wardâs record prior to this last legislative session. She had some conservative votes, but thereâs nothing like a tough primary challenge to make you fly right. Donât let that fool you however.
Des Moines Dem at Bleeding Heartland points out that Ward backed adding sexual orientation to the Iowa Civil Rights Act, and she also voted in favor of the anti-bully bill which protected only certain classes of students. She did vote in favor of a marriage amendment however. Des Moines Dem points out (and I concur) that she wasnât a leader in calling for the removal of the three Iowa Supreme Court justices (all seven in 2009 ruled against Iowaâs DOMA law) who were up for retention in 2010.
In contrast Mullen has been a leader through his Iowa Pastors Network and personal advocacy. He was instrumental in the retention election campaign through mobilizing pastors to communicate to their congregations the importance of being politically engaged.
Looking at the two candidates in Iowa Senate District 22 I believe the choice is clear. While I canât personally cast a vote in the district Iâd encourage primary voters in that district (West Des Moines â minus Valley Junction, Clive, Waukee and Windsor Heights) vote for the candidate who is a fiscal and social conservative leader. Vote for the candidate who supports individual rights and responsibility, the respect for the Constitutional rule of law, free enterprise, restraints on taxing and government spending, limited government, inalienable human rights for the born and unborn, the integrity of the traditional family as the basic unit of society, and the freedom of religion. Simply put, Jeff shares my worldview, State Senator Ward Iâm not so sure about. Jeff is man of convictions, and State Senator Ward seems to take positions that are politically expedient and comfortable, but does not lead. Jeff does.
If you are an eligible GOP primary voter in Iowa Senate District 22, please vote for Jeff Mullen this Tuesday.
Update: Jeff produced a ânewspaperâ that provides further contrast between him and Pat Ward.
