When I announced as a candidate for the Iowa State Senate my goal was, and remains, to be a voice of moderation.  To elevate the debate by leading with solid thought provoking ideas which aid Iowans with respect to education, jobs, business issues, health care and being inclusive for all.

I still stand by that.

Let me, however, call attention to a troubling act being played out in the Iowa Senate.  This past week a Republican State Senator who announced to the media that he was going to the Capitol to “…burn the place down” once again injected fear mongering and name calling into the public discussion.  This week, in a fund raising e-mail he said fellow lawmakers Senator Joe Bolkcom, Senator Jack Hatch and Senator Brian Schoenjahn were “pro-death” and “pro-murder”.  He also called Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal a “pro-death dictator”.

Seriously?

This is the kind of leadership Iowa wants and respects?  This is the sort of bullying we tolerate? Sadly, that seems to be the case.  And I am dismayed and saddened by the lack of outrage among those of you who prefer to sit on the sidelines, shake your head, mutter a “tisk, tisk” and go about your business.

This is the new face of the Iowa Republican Party and if that is “just fine with you” stop following my Twitter feeds.  Stop following me on Facebook and on my campaign site.  However, if you are as shocked and horrified at this childish behavior as I, join me in not only pointing it out to friends and family but also working for common sense, thoughtful leadership and inclusiveness in campaigns.  We allow bullies to triumph when we do…nothing.