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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.

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 Christopher Reed of Marion, Iowa.

Regarding the role of the federal government:

Reed believes the federal government needs to leave state’s duties to the states.

“There is a place for the federal government. It is to protect its citizens from enemies both foreign and domestic, as well as provide for infrastructure. So, we need to protect our citizens and provide for infrastructure. Other than that it’s not the federal government’s place to intervene in the state.”

Regarding the budget and national debt:

Reed said not knowing the difference between wants and needs continues to force our national debt to add up.

He said that the current national projected revenue for the federal government is equal to the 2007 budget, and we are in a recession right now.

“Revenues to the government right now are lower than where they should be. So if we had a normal revenue period and we went back to the 2007 budget, we would have a surplus now and we could start working on the national debt. What we need to do is get people in Washington who understand fiscal constraints and understand the difference between wants and needs.”

Regarding helping the economy:

Reed said his views differ from Representative Loebsack on how the citizens prosper.

“I think it’s more prosperity through the sole proprietors and entrepreneurs of this country. We need to untie their hands and what I can do in Washington is lower the tax burden on employers and the productive members of society so they can buy more equipment, hire more people, that’s how you spur our government.”

Meet the Republican candidates in District 45:
Randy Besick
Sandy Greiner
Rick Marlar