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

One of the races KTVO is looking at is the Republican U.S. Representative seat in District 2.

Rob Gettemy, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Steven R. Rathje and Christopher Reed are the four republican candidates looking to challenge incumbent Dave Loebsack.

Today’s candidate is Mariannette Miller- Meeks of Ottumwa.

Regarding the role of the federal government and job creation:

Miller Meeks said the government needs to work to keep companies and jobs in the United States.

“The proper role of the government is to protect our liberties. Now that does not mean there is no role for government in making smart policies, especially when we have a global economic workplace. We are no longer isolated to our four borders. We’re competing with companies all over the world.”

Regarding balancing the budget:

Miller-Meeks said we need to look at how programs and departments operate in today’s technological environment and find inefficiencies and redundancies.

“So I think in all aspects of the Federal Budget, we need to do what (former President Harry) Truman did when he was vice president and that is look at every area. See where you can reduce the size of federal government, what truly is within the purview and domain of the federal government, and then shift responsibility back to the states where they belong.”

Regarding taxes:

At minimum, Miller-Meeks said, they need to keep taxes steady.

She said a payroll tax holiday could do a lot of good.

“Maybe they could keep an employee on instead of letting someone go. Like I said there are smart ways to cut taxes that stimulate the economy if that increases the revenue stream to the Treasury. In effect, you have a net positive rather than a decreased source of revenue stream to the treasury.”

KTVO continue introducing you to primary candidates for the Republican race for Iowa’s US Representative District 2 seat.

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