Carlin calls current politics into question

MT PLEASANT — Iowa State Sen. Jim Carlin visited Mt. Pleasant twice this week on his U.S. Senate campaign trail.

Wednesday Carlin, who is facing off against Sen. Chuck Grassley in the Republican Primary, appeared at a Noon Rotary lunch to meet and eat with voters.

Carlin spoke at two other events Saturday before landing back in Mt. Pleasant for a meet and greet at the Veteran hall.

“Good people are worth fight for, and we’re in for a fight,” Carlin said in opening at the Veteran’s hall.

Carlin presented a platform based on fighting for families, freedom, and faith at each events.

He introduced himself as a grandpa, a lawyer, an Iowa state senator, and a man concerned for Iowan families because he feels Grassley has not been voting in line with Republican ideals.

“Who benefited, who suffered, and who got paid?” Carlin asked the audience.

More pointedly, he applied the questions to health care.

“Who benefited from Obamacare?” Carlin asked. “Big insurance companies.”

“Who suffered?” Carlin asked. “The voters.”

“Who got paid?” Carlin asked. “Grassley’s campaign.”

Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance company has donated $167,623 to Grassley’s campaign throughout the duration of his political career, according to Open Secret’s website.

Carlin reassured his audience that he would continue to work in the interest of the conservative Republican agenda because he would not take money which would influence his vote.

Carlin promised to vote and work for the convictions he will be elected on.

The heartbeat bill was an important project to Carlin and an issue he continues to fight for.

Much of Carlin’s platform is based on fighting for American families via support of pro-life bills, advocacy for veterans, elderly, children, and parents.

“A little love in the soul of a child does a whole heck of a lot for mental health,” Carlin said. “Our lives are being sold and your children are being controlled.”

Those in attendance nodded in agreement as Carlin explained his desire to continue to pursue voucher options to put power back in the hands of parents.

One concerned attendee asked Carlin about the potential for families to take advantage of the voucher system by home schooling their kids and simply making money.

Carlin responded that the vouchers are meant for a small percentage of families within a certain income standard so they can have the same education options as more well-off families.

The intent, described by Carlin, is to make private education an affordable option for families much like the Iowa Tuition Grant for college students.

Keeping with conservative Republican trends, Carlin touched on points of election fraud concerning the 2020 election of Joe Biden as well as immigration politics.

“It is my duty and responsibility to protect my grandchildren,” Carlin said in an analogy about keeping a fence around his yard to keep his grandchildren safe. “I get compassion, but my first duty is to protect the people of this country.”

Primary elections in Iowa will take place June 7.

The U.S. Senate election will be held Nov. 8.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com