March 19, 2024

David Young takes issue with budget deficit in race for U.S. Senate

"I've learned from the master in a lot of things — Sen. Grassley. He's been a good friend and a mentor."

This is what Van Meter native David Young said during a campaign stop at the Osceola Sentinel-Tribune July 8.

For seven years, Young was the chief of staff in Washington, D.C., for U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa.

In early June, Young entered the Republican race to replace longtime U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa. Harkin has announced he will not run for another term.

Entering the race

"That's why I'm running — to try and make sure the next generation has a shot at the American dream, like we have," Young said.

Young also made stops in Creston, Corning, Clarinda, Shenandoah and Red Oak July 8 in an effort to tour all 99 counties in Iowa.

The Republican primary is in June 2014.

According to Young, the U.S. Senate seat is an opportunity to work for Iowa at another level.

"I said, I'm going to do this," he said. "After a lot of time and prayer, talking to family and friends, being encouraged, asking a lot of questions and getting my head, heart and gut straight, it was time."

Three deficits

When it comes to politics, Young said there are three deficits to be concerned about — budget, jobs and political trust.

"We have a $17 trillion debt, and I'm an equal-opportunity watchdog when it comes to the budget and guarding the taxpayer dollars," he said. "I don't care if it's a Republican or Democrat in power, debt is debt and deficits are deficits. It hurts everybody."

Young added, Iowa is doing better nationally with the jobs deficit, but people can't be satisfied with a 7.6 percent national unemployment rate or "see that as the norm." He said he believes it should be cut in half.

Young said he is also concerned with the number of scandals happening in government.

"I don't care who's in power, there needs to be integrity and transparency and accountability in our government," he said. "Iowans, when they see something, they know it's a bunch of malarkey … I want to help restore Iowans' faith in government."