I have always considered myself as someone who is politically minded. I enjoy talking politics with anyone who will listen.
Recently, through some of those conversations, I discovered something about politicians that has me rather disturbed. OK, many things disturb me about politicians, but this one really got me going. The issue isn’t spending. It isn’t a social issue. It is the control of candidates, elected officials, and our country.

No longer do I see our great country as a country that is represented by “we the people.” We have less and less of a voice. Too many special interest groups, lobbyists, and political hierarchies have our representatives in the palm of their hand. They are motivated by money, power and the desire to get reelected.

My goal in this letter isn’t to damage a political party or candidate, it is simply to get as many people as I can to say “No more.” Let’s get up on our rooftops and demand representation. Let’s stop these political games and make our officials listen. The only way we can do this is to get out and meet our candidates for office. Let’s look them in the eye and ask them the tough questions; listen to their answers; and make sure they have the integrity to hold to their convictions.

I know of a few who are currently running on just such a platform. One of these men is Christopher Reed who is running in the 2nd U.S. Congressional District race. He would rather lose, standing on his convictions, than win, wavering on them. He wants to be your representative and not just a congressman. You can find out where he stands at www.reedforiowa.com, but don’t stop there. Go out and meet him and see for yourself whom he is. Don’t take my word on it. Make up your own mind.

Jon Zobel

Tipton