New Legislators Exemplify Energy and Enthusiasm Needed in the Republican Party

The Conservative Breakfast Club met early this morning at the Republican Party of Iowa Headquarters. The Republican Party of Iowa’s new State Chairman Matt Strawn had just begun to speak before being interrupted so everyone could move their cars to avoid getting parking tickets from the State Trooper knocking at the door.

Chairman Strawn resumed giving an eloquent speech emphasizing the need for Republicans to stand up and band together to preserve our freedoms and our way of life. He noted the irony of Governor Culver’s plan to rebuild Iowa by going into debt during a world-wide economic crisis. Chairman Strawn also pointed out Culver’s idea of economic development is getting on a plane and flying to Washington to beg for table scraps. As Republicans, it is our job to stand up for fiscal responsibility and to protect Iowa’s economy.

Representative Annette Sweeney from Buckeye, Iowa and Senator Kim Reynolds from Osceola, both freshman legislators, spoke briefly about themselves and their runs for office.

Representative Annette Sweeney from House District 44 is a former teacher who returned Buckeye to manage her family’s farm after her father’s death when she was just 24. Representative Sweeney is the face of hardworking conservatives and the can-do attitude that is the heart blood of the Republican Party. To this, she credits her success as well as maintaining a positive campaign and emphasizing conservative values.

Senator Kim Reynolds is from Senate District 48 – geographically the largest senate district in Iowa – is comprised of 7 counties in Southwest Iowa. Senator Reynolds credited her success in the race in part to tireless door knocking in all corners of the district as well as maintaining a public presence at every opportunity. She also credited her experiences and contacts she made as the Clarke County Treasurer for the past 13 years to help her connect to voters in all counties.

Governor Branstad added that the party needs enthusiastic and energetic legislators like Representative Sweeney and Senator Reynolds, and that we must start now to recruit them.