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FAIRFIELD, IOWA -- In preparation of Iowa’s June, 8 primary, KTVO is talking with candidates in some races across the heartland.

The first race we will look at is the Republican State Senate seat in District 45. The incumbent is Sen. Becky Schmitz (D), Fairfield.

The three Republican Candidates looking to challenge Schmitz are Randy Besick, Sandy Greiner, and Rick Marlar.

Today’s candidate is Randy Besick of Keosauqua.

 Regarding the role of state government:

Besick believes government should largely do only what people cannot provide for themselves.  He included education, roads, law enforcement, and courts as examples.

“You should decline federal money where there is extortion involved and it requires you to do this, this, and this. If at all possible, I would avoid using it,” Besick said.

“My concept of government…our form of government is the only government on this planet that was formed with the expressed purpose of protecting our liberties and freedoms.  And we’re off the tracks on that.”

Regarding government spending and balancing the budget:

Besick said he believes the government is doing too much right now and that is part of the reason for the budget crisis in the state.

“I think what we need to do is instead of cutting funding to lower the size of government we need to cut the regulations to lower the size of government and that that will lower our costs to the taxpayers,” Besick said.

Regarding gay marriage:

Besick opposes gay marriage, though he does not feel it is the government who should decide its fate.

“I’m against using the brute force of government against people for reasons like this to begin with either one way or the other. That’s why I support referendum so that the people can decide,” Besick said.

If the decision is reversed, Besick said he does not know what he will do regarding those who have received legal benefits thus far.

KTVO will introduce you to another candidate in this race tomorrow.

Tune in to KTVO News at 5,6, and 10 to hear from the candidates and check back to heartlandconnection.com for more details.