(Sioux Center) — The three Democratic candidates seeking the nomination to represent the northwest Iowa U-S Congressional District faced off last evening during a debate held at Dordt College in Sioux Center. The candidates included J.D. Scholten of Sioux City, Dr. John Paschen of Ames, and Leann Jacobsen of Spencer. The three answered a wide variety of questions ranging from healthcare and abortion, to agriculture trade and tariffs, to U-S financial assistance to foreign nations, and the Mideast
situation. The three Democrats seem to agree with one another on many of the issues, and instead of noting differences, they instead directed their opposition to Republican incumbent Congressman Steve King.
Leann Jacobsen is from Spencer. The former A-T&T executive and current city council member points to her elected experience as a reason she would be the best candidate to oppose Congressman Steve King.
Jacobsen reflects on the debate and the issues that were discussed.
Dr. John Paschen of Ames is a pediatrician by trade. He says ultimately health care will be an issued discussed at our nation’s capital. Paschen says he is best candidate and believes he has the opportunity to unseat Steve King.
Paschen says he hold true to his moral values, and that is what he has based his campaign on.
J.D. Scholten is from Sioux City. Although perhaps best known for his baseball career, Scholten says his career in the legal arena, plus his youth and energy give him an advantage to be the next Congressional member.
Scholten talks about his passion for the position.
Dordt College’s Political Science professor and analyst Jeff Taylor says the debate was a successful event.
Taylor says the candidates were cordial and respectful to each other.
Northwest Iowa, and Sioux County in particular, are noted Republican dominated regions. The event did draw more than 50 people and Taylor says debate served the purpose of featuring the three candidates running for Congress.
Thursday evening’s debate was sponsored by Dordt College Political Science Division, and by the Democratic parties from O’Brien, Plymouth, Woodbury, and Sioux Counties. Voters can cast their vote early by voting at their county courthouse, or they can request an absentee ballot, or they can vote on the Primary Election Day scheduled for Tuesday, June 5th at their local precinct polling location.
