Candidates often send out suggested remarks endorsing a candidate for others to read. I have dispensed with that language since Brad is not a typical candidate. You can look up Brad’s background on his website. I will provide a more personal perspective on Brad.
Brad is a friend – he’s my friend because I trust him to always do the right thing. We often hear about the calculations that one elected official makes to endorse another. Mine are very simple, Brad will make decisions and lead the state of Iowa based on what is legal, moral, and ethical, not politically convenient or based on the benefit of a powerful few.
I’ve known him since we both were sworn in as House members in back in January of 2023. I have watched him take on demanding issues and not flinch. I have been with him when he faced some very tough challenges and witnessed him stay strong in his faith. Lesser men would have faltered. Brad stood strong.
Brad does not equivocate. Brad is crystal clear in his views on issues that are important to our state. One of those, as most of you know, is human trafficking. Brad understands the gravity and the depravity that is a scourge on our state. He will take the proactive necessary steps to attack the problem – not continue to study it.
He is pursuing the senior-most leadership position in the state. Based on my 20 years as a Marine officer and over a decade as a senior executive in our federal government I consider him eminently qualified to lead our state. Here are the principles I believe transcend USMC and civilian leadership in any capacity that apply to Brad.
– Set the example, from personal professional appearance to sharing personal hardship and with those who turn to him, Brad gets it done. Brad looks and acts like a leader.
– He takes responsibility for his decisions and for the actions of those for whom he is responsible.
– He seeks self-improvement in himself as he inspires others to do the same. He will surround himself with good people who he will listen to, regardless if it fits the current narrative. No one who works for Brad will think they need to kowtow to his ego.
– He’s a team builder. He knows how to build and sustain alliances.
– He has the courage of his convictions. The next governor will be responsible for nominating many of the senior positions in state government, such as DPS, DHS, the IUC, and judgeships. We need a man of Brad’s character nominating those vacancies.
Brad shows up for the hard discussions, he doesn’t hide behind slogans. There are several good people running for this office – Brad is the best.