Out with the old, in with the new.
Iowa Republican U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks has served as the representative for Iowa’s First Congressional District since 2021. Christina Bohannan, a University of Iowa law professor, is running for the seat as a Democrat.
This isn’t the first time the two candidates have faced off. Miller-Meeks and Bohannan ran against each other in 2022, with Miller-Meeks coming out on top with 53.4 percent of votes.
This year, should Bohannan win the Democratic primary, Iowans should vote for her simply because Miller-Meeks is weak on policy and has a sketchy record with campaign finances.
In all fairness, Miller-Meeks is far from the worst Republican in Congress. She voted to codify same-sex marriage, expand the Violence Against Women Act, approve legislation to investigate the Jan. 6 insurrection, and even co-sponsored America’s Children Act in order to protect immigrant children’s VISA from expiring.
Miller-Meeks, like many conservatives, is against lowering the expensive costs of prescription drugs, against gun reform, and against abortion.
When it comes to the expensive costs of prescription drugs, Miller-Meeks explained how lowering prices would “interfere with the doctor-patient relationship.” This vague argument makes more sense when you know that Miller-Meeks is likely influenced by drug companies, considering she has accepted contributions from healthcare companies.
Miller-Meeks can use whatever excuse she wants, but it’s obvious she will listen to companies and not people. Bohannan has explained on X, formerly known as Twitter, that she’s all for lowering the cost of lowering prescription drugs.
Miller-Meeks also falls short when it comes to the issue of abortion. As of 2023, 61 percent of adult Iowans are in favor of abortion while 70 percent of Iowa women are also in favor. Miller-Meeks has stated that she is against abortion except in the cases of rape, incest, and life of the mother. She endorsed a bill from Senator Lindsey Graham that would prohibit abortion after
15 weeks.
Meanwhile, Bohannan has expressed her support for abortion rights. This is not to mention Miller-Meeks did co-sponsor the “Life at a Conception” bill that criminalizes abortion at the national level, and prosecutes any woman who would attempt an abortion.
Miller Meeks also has questionable views on gun control. Miller-Meeks opposed the bipartisan “Safer Communities Act,” which increased background checks for people ages 18 to 21 who want to buy a gun and sent millions of dollars toward mental health and school safety programs, due to “constitutional” concerns despite a lack of an explanation on how it infringes on gun rights.
Bohannan, however, respects the Second Amendment but does advocate for safer gun reforms so Americans can buy guns safely.
It’s not just Miller-Meeks’ policy that voters should be concerned about. Since 2021, Iowa Democrats called for an investigation into Miller-Meeks’ non-disclosed income. It turns out that Miller-Meeks failed to disclose $34,646 in income from the Iowa Great River Health System and a state pension.
Miller-Meeks is simply not trustworthy and does not have your best interests in mind. It’s time to try something new, and if it works, then our lives can change for the better. Let’s make it happen.
Columns reflect the opinions of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Editorial Board, The Daily Iowan, or other organizations in which the author may be involved.
