Republicans tout state’s economy, leadership in politics

Economic development was one of the first things Gov. Terry Branstad mentioned during a Republican fundraiser in Osceola.

He said he’s focused on revitalizing the economy and bringing more businesses and jobs to Iowa during a fundraiser for himself and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds Thursday, Sept. 18, at The Loft on Clay.

“I’m really proud to say we’ve brought the unemployment rate down from well over 6 percent to 4.5 percent,” Branstad said.

He added, Iowa has the seventh lowest unemployment in the country.

Branstad is seeking re-election for governor in the November election. He will face Democratic candidate Jack Hatch.

In attendance at the fundraiser was Reynolds and Rep. Joel Fry, the Republican incumbent candidate who is running for re-election for Iowa House District 27. Fry is running against Democratic candidate Fred Diehl, Osceola’s long-serving mayor.

Branstad’s wife Christine also attended the fundraiser.

Local recognition

Branstad gave praise to Valley of the Moon turkey hatchery, Osceola Foods and Reynolds being involved with Osceola’s Main Street program when it first started.

He also touted getting a property tax reduction passed, which reduces commercial and industrial property taxes to help “Main Street businesses and make Iowa more competitive.”

“There’s a lot of good things going on and it’s just been a real privilege to have the opportunity to serve you,” Branstad said. “And, I’m especially blessed to have Kim Reynolds, who you’ve trained so well here in your courthouse. You all in Clarke County know the great job that she did as a county treasurer in this county.”

He added, “In fact, I like to say, you know, when you’re county treasurer from a small county in rural Iowa and you get the national award as the best county treasurer in the United States, you got to be doing some things really well.”

This drew a big round of applause from the crowd.

Reynolds

When it was Reynolds’ turn to speak, she first mentioned Clarke County becoming a Skilled Iowa Initiative and Home Base Iowa county recently.

Home Base Iowa is a non-profit, private-public partnership that focuses on recruiting veterans and active duty service members for quality, well-paying private-sector jobs in Iowa.

“You are the only county in the state that has both of those designations. Go Clarke County!” Reynolds said.

At the end of Reynolds’ speech, she said she wanted to touch on leadership in politics, especially concerning Branstad.

“Leadership matters and leadership makes a difference,” Reynolds said. “When you look at this country, and the direction that it’s going in, it is scary — the dysfunction and the chaos and the debt. When you look at what’s happening in Iowa, and we have a great story to tell. And, it goes back to the leadership at the top.”