×

Judge visits with WC supporters

Democratic Senate candidate Patty Judge stopped in Webster City Saturday morning to meet with supporters and local canvass volunteers.

The former Iowa Secretary of Agriculture and former Lt. Governor during Chet Culver’s administration, is facing longtime Iowa Republican Senator Charles Grassley. She defeated three other Democrats in the June primary for the nomination.

“This has been the strangest and most disturbing election cycle that I’ve seen in my lifetime,” said Judge, adding, “We’ve got to do better.”

Judge said she decided to run for the U.S. Senate because of what she called the “gridlock and deliberate obstruction in Washington.”

“I’m proud of President Barack Obama and his administration and the eight years he has served and what he has been able to accomplish, ” she said. “I think about what might have happened, for the good of this country, if U.S, Senate had been willing to meet him halfway, hold civil conversations and discuss issues that are affecting working families all over this country.”

She said that there were many issues she would like to see addressed by Congress, including the improving stagnant wages and creating good jobs

“I think we also need to invest in infrastructure in this country,” she said. “We haven’t done that in way too long.”

Bringing high-speed broadband technology to all areas of the country so even the most rural areas can be connected and able to compete globally was another issue she brought forward.

Judge said one of the most serious issues facing young people is the cost of college and the resulting long-term debt that graduates face.

“On the first day they go to work out of college, they’re looking at astronomical debt,” she said. “Something like $30,000 to $100,000 in debt financed at a high rate. And we can do better. Let those people refinance the debt, drop the interest rate.

Judge also criticized her opponent’s failure to hold confirmation hearings for Obama’s Supreme Court nominees, Merrick Garland. Garland was nominated by Obama following the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. Grassley is head of the Senate Judiciary and has said hearings won’t be held until after the new president is elected.

Judge said hoped she and her opponent would have an opportunity to debate before the election, but Grassley backed out of one scheduled with Iowa Public Television. She one debate is planned for Oct. 19 in Sioux City. Another is planned for Nov. 4 with WHO-Radio at 4 p.m. She said the Grassley campaign has yet to confirm that debate.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $3.46/week.

Subscribe Today