DES MOINES, Iowa (KWQC) – Vice President JD Vance spoke at a packed rally Tuesday, joined by Republican Rep. Zach Nunn as Republicans work to maintain their dominance in Iowa ahead of the November midterms.
The event at Ex-Guard Industries drew a full house with lines ahead of the program, which started at 4:30 p.m. with Vance delivering remarks.
Vance’s focus, along with other Republicans who took the stage, was on the economy, highlighting how much the administration helps factories create products and keep jobs in the country.
“If you’re building right here in Iowa, if you’re making something right here in Iowa, if you’re working every single day right here in Iowa, you deserve a tax cut, and that’s exactly what we delivered with Congressman Nunn.” Vance said.
He said the owners of Ex-Guard Industries told him the Working Families Tax Cuts helped their business.
“They meant that their business had a lot more money that they could give to workers and higher bonuses and higher salaries, that they could hire more people, that they could expand and create new jobs that didn’t exist before,” he said.
Vance also spoke on Iowa-specific issues like farmers and particularly E-15 fuel. There is legislation on this issue that could come to the House in Washington soon.
“We want Iowa farmers to have access to more markets, but number two, we want everybody, all of our fellow citizens across our 50 great states to benefit from what’s made right here in Iowa,“ Vance said. ”That’s why we’re fighting for E-15.”
Lines build as Iowans wait to attend event where Vice President Vance is to speak.
While Vance is the biggest name at the event, people also came to see Nunn, who’s in the 3rd District.
The goal of having White House team members come out to events like this is to motivate people to come out and vote not only in the primary but for the November midterms.
Nunn said many people think his district could be competitive in November.
“A lot of people are gonna tell you this is a bellwether year, that Iowa 3rd is the most vulnerable in the country,” Nunn said.
But, he said, Iowans want results.
“And each of you in this room are gonna help us deliver a resounding win this November.”
Iowa has key races in the House, Senate and for governor. Republicans want to keep their recent run of dominance in place throughout the state.
Lines build as Iowans wait to attend event where Vice President Vance is to speak.
Attendees said they had wide-ranging interests heading into the event. Doors opened at 2:30 p.m.
“I’m pro life, so that’s always an important thing to hear what they’re talking about and what they’re doing with the conservative value that they’re doing nationally that can also affect us here,” said Corey Hutchins.
Jessica Siewert said she was drawn by Vance’s personal story.
“I did like a story he shared about his mom’s struggle with addiction. Opioid addiction is a huge problem and that’s what I’m here to talk about today,” Siewert said.
KWQC streamed the event on exclusively on KWQC+.
Cancelled Iowa State event to be rescheduled
Vance was supposed to make an appearance at a campaign event and a Turning Point USA event at Iowa State University on Thursday alongside Erika Kirk, widow of Turning Point USA’s founder Charlie Kirk.
The event was cancelled due to a “scheduling conflict,” according to Turning Point USA officials.
“Additionally, despite our best efforts, Iowa State University has informed us that, with students now entering prep week and final exams, they are unable to accommodate a rescheduled date this semester,” the announcement added.
Turning Point USA said the Vance visit to Iowa State would be rescheduled for the fall.
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