In just a few short days, the midterm elections will come to a close (as well as the obnoxious political advertisements). In the 3rd Congressional district, the race could not be closer between Republican David Young and Democrat Staci Appel. Both candidates entered the House of Representative race when longtime Rep. Tom Latham, R-Iowa, announced he would not run for re-election.
Polls are far too close to call at this point, with each candidate taking the lead at various points. But the clear choice is Young.
Understanding the elusive idea of the American dream, the Young family has sown its roots in Iowan soil since 1881, and he has yet to call another state home. Young’s history with Iowa is an indication for how he will represent this state in the House.
The 3rd District (in various different configurations because of redistricting) has been held by Republicans for most of its history, including Sen. Chuck Grassley, who held the seat from 1975-1981. After serving as the senator’s chief of staff, Young will try to take another step in his service of the people of Iowa.
Young has proposed a set Better Budget Principles. These include the Balanced Budget Amendment, never spending more money than the government has revenue, and Zero-Based Budgeting, every year, the budget for all government programs will begin again at $0, creating a level playing field.
While these proposals may never see the light of day in Congress, demonstrating fiscal responsibility is a positive trait for any candidate. Appel, on the other hand, has not made her position on raising the federal debt known.
A strong supporter of veterans, Young believes that veterans, those who have laid their life on the line for America, deserve the fastest and best care available. As a proponent of an investigation into the inexcusable actions of VA hospitals, he has invested time and effort into fixing these problems.
As for health care, Young is avidly looking toward dismantling Obamacare. He doesn’t believe in a “one size fits all” system and says individuals should be able to purchase insurance across state lines and to have price transparency, as well as improving follow-up care in effort to reduce hospital readmissions (ultimately saving money for the individual). To be fair, Appel has looked to make improvements to the act, but we question to what degree. We are still dealing with the effect of President Obama’s landmark legislation, and taking a critical eye to its flaws is important.
He’s not perfect. Young has dismissed the current science on climate change and believes the cause is still undecided. His views on abortion and other social issues are opposed to what we have advocated for in the past.
But in representing the people of his district, David Young is the best choice to replace his Republican predecessor in Iowa’s 3rd District.