March 29, 2024

Republican chairman Kaufmann becomes vocal about local politicians

Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Jeff Kaufmann did not hold back on his feelings when he was a guest speaker at a Clarke County Republicans meeting Monday, Feb. 23, at Southwestern Community College’s Osceola center.

The Osceola Sentinel-Tribune received an email invite to cover the event.

Kaufmann discussed Democrat Dave Loebsack being the representative for the 2nd Congressional District in Iowa.

“The good news is he really doesn’t do anything in Congress,” Kaufmann said. “Generally, you want a Congress person that’s pretty proactive, but given his extreme liberal left professorial roots, I’m kind of glad he is not doing much. I hear he gives great tours of the Capitol, so, I mean, we do have that to be proud of.”

Kaufmann also defended the perception of the nation’s Republicans.

He said the talking point about Republicans and the war on women was “absolute, ridiculous nonsense.” He cited newly-elected Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Red Oak as an example.

“Actually, the war on women is being waged by the people who are accusing Republicans of the war on women,” Kaufmann said. “Every glass ceiling that’s been broken has been broken by Republicans.”

Key values

According to Kaufmann, there are many key values that unite Republicans, including individuals handling their money better than government and respecting life at all stages of life.

He said there’s a good chance of the political party riding the wave of Republicanism to the 2016 presidential election.

“Of course, the stakes couldn’t be any higher,” Kaufmann said. “Of course, the Democrats are doing us a big favor. I mean, they seem to be settling on Hillary Clinton.”

He discussed the array of potential Republican candidates, including Ted Cruz, Chris Christie and Marco Rubio.

Kaufmann also praised Rep. Joel Fry, R-Iowa, whom he called an up-and-coming leader in the Iowa House.

“I could see when Joel Fry entered into the legislature when I was speaker pro-tem, he was going to go places,” he said. “He represents Clarke County well, very well. He hasn’t forgotten his roots.”

Local Democrats

While Kaufmann praised local Republicans, he also let his feelings be known on local Democrats.

“I know Fred Diehl. Here’s my response to Fred Diehl if he would’ve pulled off a miracle, ‘Oh my lord.’ Having been in the House, that would’ve been disastrous,” Kaufmann said. “I’m not trying to be mean here. I’m talking about your Republicans — so I’d have no reason to — but I mean, you’ve got one of the up and coming legislators right there representing Clarke County.”

Kaufmann said it’s his job as chairman to support and elect all Republicans, but to also embrace differences within the party.

“I will back those Republicans, whoever they are. And, I will frown on and I will say a shame on you if we have Republicans that are backing Democrats, because you are not part of a team if you do that,” he said. “As far as I’m concerned, if you’re not a part of that team, then get off the team. That’s how I feel about those kinds of things.”