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The Conservative Reader:
Iowa

3 Questions With Iowa House Candidate Jim Givant

3 Questions With Iowa House Candidate Jim Givant

After talking to a number of Des Moines based candidates in the last few weeks, we head out to Northeastern Iowa to touch base with the Republican candidate for Iowa House District 64, Jim Givant.

The republican side of the ledger in this district was pretty chaotic leading up to the filing deadline, as incumbent Republican Dan Rasmussen opted not to run at the last minute.  Oelwein Republican Jim Givant stepped up to the plate and set up a showdown with Democrat Oelwein City Council member Bruce Bearinger.  After getting a late start, Givant now has the campaign on schedule and already has sent 4,000 mailers and has signs and banners on the way.  For further info on his campaign and positions head to his website at www.givantforiowa.com.

House District 64 is composed of the Southern half of Fayette County and all but the Southeast corner of Buchanan County, with the biggest population centers by far being the cities of Oelwein and Independence.  HD 64 firmly qualifies as a swing district with a Democrat registration advantage of 1,355, and 8,553 Non-Party registered voters.  A win by Mr. Givant in November would go a long way in strengthening the Republican majority in the Iowa House.

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#1.  What is the feeling on the ground in your district concerning all the races on your ballot this November (presidential included), and give us a brief summary of how your campaign has been going so far?

It is going to be a tough race. Both Romney and Obama visited Iowa recently, both to large crowds of supporters. The current polls show Obama ahead by 2 percent but Iowa is listed as a tossup state.  In my county/district local races will also be close.  Republicans will need to get involved to turn this election around.

My campaign has had a slow start. I will be getting some signs out and building name recognition. I have a new website at www.givantforiowa.com . In the June primary I received 99.2 percent of the Republican vote which is a good sign. In my district there are a greater number of registered Democrats over Republicans.

 

#2.  As you call on voters in your district, what are the two or three state-level issues that are concerning them the most? 

A) Property Taxes – There have been many discussions about raising both business and personal property taxes.  House speaker Kraig Paulsen stated, that with a 60-40 split in the house, we will need to pick up two seats in the senate to gain a majority to push though the tax reforms that are needed.

B) Education – I believe in honoring good teachers, providing them with a competitive salary and the tools they need to teach the students. To serve as an example for the rest. There is also much discussion of leaving the no child left behind mandates and putting more control of Iowa education at state and local levels.

C) Gas Taxes – These need to be regulated, when gas prices go up all prices for goods and services go up accordingly. This is one of the major issues that affect our economy.

 

#3.  Assuming you win in November and enter the Iowa House, what are the three votes that you most look forward to casting and why?

A)  DOMA – I believe in the bible that it states that marriage is between a man and a woman.

B)   Agriculture issues – Legislation to protect family farmers.

C)  Education Reform – As stated previously.

 

 

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