Sen. Nate Boulton (D-Des Moines) brought his campaign for the Democratic nomination for governor to Perry Monday night, speaking to a crowd of about 50 who filled the Perry Public Library’s large meeting room.
Former Perry Police Chief Dan Brickner, a member of Perry Area Democrats, the group sponsoring the meeting, introduced Boulton, who said this was the 40th county he has visited since announcing his candidacy in May.
The Simpson College and Drake Law School graduate represents Des Moines’ east side, which includes the Iowa State Fairgrounds and the State Capitol. Boulton wants to “represent people like my parents and grandparents,” he said, adding he grew up in Columbus Junction in a “proud union family.”
In his stump speech, Boulton numbered the numerous failures of the Branstad-Reynolds administration and the disastrous results of Republican control of the Iowa Legislature.
He particularly noted the Republicans’ recent gutting of the state’s collective bargaining law, their weakening of workers’ compensation protections, chronic underfunding of public schools, defunding of planned parenthood, shutting down of mental health institutions and their irresponsible tax-break giveaways to big business — close to $600 million a year –which are “robbing Iowans of the programs and services they deserve.”
“Coupon economics” was the phrase he used to describe the tax credits for low-wage jobs favored by the Branstad-Reynolds regime. Boulton said he would work to attract quality jobs to the state and promised to pass a living-wage law of $15 an hour by 2024.
He said he also opposed Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate’s voter ID bill, calling it “just another way to reduce voter participation” and noting there have only been eight cases of voter fraud in the state, including one in his county when a woman voted twice for Donald Trump.
Bouton positive plans include improving Iowa’s natural environment by reducing water pollution and soil runoff and increasing the state’s development of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar energy.
Boulton said he would not only increase funding for education but extend that funding to Iowa’s colleges, universities and community colleges. He answered an audience question about home schooling by saying he favors more controls, testing and reporting for children in the now largely unaccountable system.
He also lamented the influence of out-of-state money on Iowa politics and said he would seek to expose the role of groups such as the American Legislative Exchange Council and the fossil-fuel-loving Koch Brothers.
Local reaction among Perry-area Democrats was positive. The senator was described as “energetic,” “well-spoken” and “pleased with the turnout” in Perry.
“It was a great opportunity to learn what his campaign stands for,” Brickner said. “Very educational.”
Jane Hermann of rural Perry called Boulton a “sharp young man” and a “good ol’ farm boy.”
Boulton’s visit was made possible by the Perry Area Democrats, who plan to host all of the candidates speak in Perry. The next meeting of the Perry Area Democrats is Aug. 16 at 5:30 p.m. in the Perry Public Library.
I’m not crazy about supporting a Democrat. Before I back this dude, I want him to be a bit more elaborate about his conservation policies.