June 4th, 2010
Op-Ed: Why I’m Supporting Bob Vander Plaats
Why I’m Supporting Bob Vander Plaats for Iowa Governor
I wholeheartedly support Bob Vander Plaats for Iowa Governor because I believe Bob has the passion and drive to stand up for his principles and not compromise his values.
It was difficult choosing between Bob and Rod Roberts. My wife and I sat with Rod at the fall 2009 Dubuque County Republican Party dinner. We had a great conversation.
I literally could have gone either way. Both Bob and Rod know and speak intelligently about the U.S. Constitution, enumerated powers, states’ rights, etc. Could a Vander Plaats/Roberts ticket be in our future?
What finally sealed the deal was visiting with Bob at a small event in Dubuque and watching the gubernatorial debates. Bob has visible passion, energy and enthusiasm for life. I could tell by watching and listening to him that his freedom movement principles and values are authentic; not contrived or phony.
Bob talks about not only cutting taxes but cutting spending as well. Shrinking government in our lives is important to me and everyone in the freedom movement.
His experience as president and CEO in the private sector, as an educator and school administrator, and his turnaround of a non-profit organization leads me to believe he can use the same free market principles to lead Iowa.
I believe he understands government’s limited powers and how private, non-profit organizations including local churches can play a leading role in providing a hand up rather than government hand outs. I trust he will cut state programs that make it too easy to remain on the public dole.
I had the privilege to work for a man much like Bob – a coach, a businessman, a leader. People with the ability to truly lead others are few and far between in this world. When you meet them and are inspired by them you become a better person.
I believe Bob is this kind of person. He will not compromise with liberals in the legislature but rather he will educate them, inspire them, motivate them, and lead them to his ideas.
The fact that Bob has not held public office is a good thing in my book. He doesn’t have people in the legislature to whom he owes favors. He hasn’t made alliances with anyone. He is a fresh slate ready to take action in Des Moines and across Iowa.
Win, lose or draw next Tuesday Bob has run a positive, upbeat campaign. He has inspired many to look to the private sector for solutions. He is a strong Christian who believes in the rule of law and knows (unlike our liberal senator Tom Harkin) that our rights come from God; not the government.
I hope if you are still undecided my words here may inspire you to support Bob Vander Plaats for Iowa governor.
Jeff Luecke
Co-organizer of the Dubuque Tea Party
