Schmett scorns Obama idea
THE DES MOINES REGISTER • August 12, 2008 • By JENNIFER JACOBS • jejacobs@dmreg.com
Waving a tire gauge in the air, Republican Kim Schmett, a Clive
Republican running for the 3rd District U.S. House seat, focused on
energy policy at The Des Moines Register's Soapbox on Monday.
THE RACE:
Schmett faces 12-year incumbent Rep. Leonard Boswell, a Des Moines
Democrat, in the general election this November. Boswell had 13 times
as much cash on hand as Schmett as of June 30. The 3rd District
consists of Benton, Grundy, Iowa, Jasper, Keokuk, Lucas, Mahaska,
Marion, Monroe, Polk, Poweshiek and Tama counties.
KEY MESSAGE: Americans must drill for oil in the United
States, Schmett said. The country also must be innovative with ethanol
and wind power, he said. But Democratic presidential candidate Barack
Obama "made all my thoughts irrelevant" by proposing saving gas by
inflating car tires, said Schmett, who gave away about 60 free
Chinese-made tire gauges he dubbed "Boswell-Obama Meters."
CROWD:
About 30 people listened to Schmett's 20-minute speech, while a few
dozen more tuned in as they strolled by. A couple crowd members yelled
"Yeah!" when Schmett asked whether Iowans ought to expect more from
Congress. A man in a U.S. Navy T-shirt yelled: "You can fill your tires
up with Democrat hot air!"
QUOTE: "If you're a father or
someone providing for your family, you've got to have one of these
(tire gauges)," said Schmett, a lawyer who until June was the executive
director of a coalition for children's homes and shelters. "These
things are miracle-working devices. They will save a fortune for your
family."
Fellow Iowan,
I am running for Congress because I believe Iowa's 3rd District has the perfect mix of rural and urban vitality to build on past successes and create new opportunities.
The District needs a voice that focuses less on talk, and more on action. As your congressman, I will be vigilant in my work to:
· Strengthen the economy, with a focus on bringing more jobs into the 3rd District
· Defend America and honor our veterans
· Make schools more accountable, filling our classrooms with the tools we need in order for our
children to compete in a global economy
· Establish our District as a world leader in renewable energy
· Provide expanded access to safe and affordable health care
· Rein in reckless government spending and waste
· Support our families through common sense reforms and community values
These are just some of the things I hope to accomplish as your new congressman.
America has always grasped the opportunities, and stood up to our challenges. I will make sure Congress is up to the task, representing our District and changing the way Washington is run.
If you want to help our shared cause, please be sure to sign up by clicking the above links. Together, we can change Congress and secure the future for Iowans.
Sincerely,
Kim Schmett