OCHEYEDAN - Citing the need to change course away from excessive government spending and legislation that kills jobs, state Senator David Johnson has announced he will seek re-election in 2010.
"A clear majority of my constituents say our great state is headed in the wrong direction," said Johnson, a Republican and assistant minority leader from Ocheyedan.
"The 2010 election will be pivotal in reversing spending policies that are out of control. It would be an honor and a privilege to serve northwest Iowa again. I pledge to do my part to make fiscal discipline a priority at the state Capitol."
Democrats control both the House and the Senate as well as the governor's office. Johnson noted that non-partisan fiscal analysts at the Capitol point to a projected revenue shortfall of nearly $1 billion when legislators return in January to hammer out the next budget.
"And the shortfall will be much larger if the majority party and Governor Culver don't take bold action. Republicans will continue to offer constructive proposals to cut spending. There are only two options in dealing with the shortfall: cut state spending or increase taxes," he added. "Iowa families, as well as business and industry, have a large enough tax burden already.
"State revenues continue to decline while the number of unemployed Iowans has increased," he said. "While thousands of private-sector manufacturing jobs have been lost, hundreds of government jobs have been created. Iowa families know that it is taking our state down a path that will be paid for by their children and grandchildren."
First elected to the Iowa House of Representatives in 1998 and re-elected in 2000, Johnson successfully campaigned for an open Senate seat in 2002. He easily won a second term in 2006.
Johnson, 58, is the top Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee. He is currently serving his fourth year as president of State Agriculture and Rural Leaders, whose members are key rural policy lawmakers from the United States, Canada and U.S. territories. When the Iowa Legislature is not in session, he works on an Osceola County dairy farm.
"Too many Iowa farm families are facing difficult financial challenges," Johnson said. "Livestock production and renewable fuels are both vital to this state."
Johnson is also the ranking member of the Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee, where his focus has been on programs serving Iowans with disabilities and seniors.
In addition, he serves on the Appropriations, Natural Resources, Education and Human Resources committees.
Johnson's legislative accomplishments include leading bipartisan efforts to win passage of legislation for more use of Iowa-based renewable energy sources, initiating needed programs to boost soil and water conservation, building consensus on water quality and environmental issues, improving water safety and control of invasive species in Iowa's lakes, and maintaining shelters and programs for victims of domestic violence.
"I look forward to hearing from voters on a variety of issues between now and the 2010 election," he said. "There are good things happening in northwest Iowa, and I want to help ensure we remain a bright spot in our state."
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