Marcus Fedler is a Republican candidate running in Iowa House District 78 that includes Keokuk County and most of Washington County. He running in a contested primary against incumbent State Representative Jared Klein (R-Keota) in the Republican primary on June 7. There is currently no Democrat running.
He is a graduate of Fort Madison High School, and graduated with a B.S. in Construction Engineering from Iowa State University. He has been married to Heather for 21 years and they have two boys – Garrett (18) and Grayson (14).
Fedler owns Custom Impressions, Inc., a small business in Washington, Iowa that employs eight people. He is also a commercial property owner.
Fedler was a county chair for Congressman Ron Paul’s 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns. He has also served as a state convention delegate, served on the county platform committee and district platform committee in 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014.
Fedler ran unsuccessfully for Washington County Supervisor. In 2012 he was elected to the Iowa GOP State Central Committee.
Fedler wants to represent the people with a constitutional mind set, reduce the size and scope of government at all levels and regain local control – allow local representation to make decisions most beneficial to their communities.
Fedler answered questions in a survey that Caffeinated Thoughts had sent to legislative candidates.
Why do you want to serve as a state legislator?
My purpose for running is to change the conversation. Our Republican Governor, Legislature and Democrat Senate has been increasing the size of government every year at an unsustainable rate. This needs to stop.
Describe your worldview and what role that would play as a state legislator:
I color my decisions by what Jesus taught. Choices I have to make will consult Biblical teaching. When silent, what our constitution says. When both are silent then it’s not a role the government needs to have in our lives.
Your top three issues of concern are?
Regain local control. Reduce the size and scope of government at all levels. Effectively represent the people.
What is your position on education, in particular Common Core, Next Generation Science Standards, Iowa Core and high stakes testing?
Public Education is quickly becoming a religion. We are not educating our children about how to think. We’re not even teaching our kids about what to think. We’re teaching them how to feel.
How do you define local control in education?
Vouchers. The parents get to spend on whatever education they think fits their child the best. Education should be child focused.
When does someone become a person and at what point should they be granted all constitutional protections of a person under the law?
Conception.
Do you support recently passed legislation in the Iowa House allowing kids under 14 to use handguns with parental supervision:
The government has no right to force parents to do anything when it comes to the welfare of their child. I don’t support legislation of this sort. Our government shouldn’t have a say.
Do you support Constitutional carry and the Second Amendment:
Yes. With no exceptions.
Do you support raising any taxes. And, have you supported raising any taxes in the past? If so, which ones?
The size of our government is plenty big and enough of our money is taken already. I’d like to roll back government about 20 years.
What will you do as a state legislator to lessen the tax burden on farmers and small businesses?
Regulation is probably a larger hindrance than high taxes. However, I’d reduce both and plan to do so.
Do you support traditional marriage and is there anything you hope to do as a state legislator regarding marriage and how?
Yes I do. No I don’t. Marriage is between a man a woman and God. Our government doesn’t have jurisdiction.
What is your position on Christians refusing service at same-sex weddings?
1st Amendment is clear on this issue.
What will you do as legislator, if anything, to strengthen religious liberty?
Take away the notion that our government has a say in it at all. The first amendment of our Federal Constitution is clear. And we are guaranteed a Constitutional Republic. (If we can keep it)
Do you support allowing Syrian refugees into Iowa?
I think that refugees from any country should be allowed to enter the US and given a clear path to citizenship. This may need to include back ground checks and it may take a while. However, there is no reason why it needs to be terribly costly and shouldn’t take over 1 year. I also think that a portion of the cost associated with someone coming here should be born by the potential citizen. On a side note regarding immigration in general. 11+ million people entering a country illegally is not an immigration problem it’s an invasion and should be handled as such.
What type of pro-life bills would you support?
I support the kind of legislation that recognizes life at conception.
Should taxpayer money pay for Planned Parenthood?
No.
In what circumstances would you go against the leadership of your own caucus if elected?
Anything that would make me compromise my faith or go against my principles and convictions.