Grassley Stumps for Young in KMAland

Press Release

When applying for a new job, getting a good reference from a former employer is always beneficial.

In that case, Iowa Senator Charles Grassley is not shy about recommending former Chief of Staff David Young for Iowa's 3rd Congressional District seat. Grassley joined Young on the campaign trail this week, in hopes of boosting the Van Meter Republican's campaign against Democrat Staci Appel. Thursday's itinerary included stops in Mount Ayr, Bedford, Clarinda, Red Oak and Farragut. The two also stopped by the KMA Studios in Shenandoah for an interview for airing during our 7:35 newscast Friday morning.

Grassley says his former employee has several redeeming qualities.

"I know him; I know he'll be a good congressman," said Grassley. "I've committed myself to four days this week, maybe some more later on, to get to every county, because I want every county to know I know he'll be a good congressman. That comes from being on my staff 7 1/2 years as chief of staff, communicating with as many Iowans as I have."

Young says it's important to meet the voters in person--especially because of negative campaign commercials purchased by organizations outside of Iowa.

"Part of this is, you have to put yourself out there in front of the people," said Young. "That's what I do. I get in front of everybody I can. I take the tough questions; I'm not afraid to. This is what Iowans demand from those who want to serve them.

"Iowans are born into politics, so to speak. How many of us were two years old when our parents took us to a caucus? We take it very seriously. And, I trust Iowans to make the right decisions, especially when they see these campaign commercials out there from these third parties."

But why are outside organizations allowed to buy commercial time? Grassley says there's one big reason: the First Amendment to the Constitution.

"Money is a tool to get political views out," said Grassley. "If the freedom of speech is meant to protect any speech, it's political speech, because people, prior to the First Amendment, were actually put in jail because of the political views they had under (King) George III."

While Young believes the negative attack ads have an impact on political campaigns, he hopes voters see beyond the commercials.

"I would like to control my own image, and my own message," he said.
"Unfortunately--and fortunately, for the sake of free speech--you can't control what these groups say or do. But I trust Iowans. In the end, we're very discerning here in Iowa when it comes to politics. But I try Iowans to make the right decisions, and that they're going to see through a lot of this fog, and this bunk."

Grassley, meanwhile, notes that voters are getting sick of seeing the ads--which may be doing more harm to candidates than good.

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