Achieving universal health care and getting American troops out of Iraq are priorities for congressional candidate Kurt Meyer.
And the Democrat from St. Ansgar believes the people of Iowa’s 4th Congressional District and millions of other Americans are prepared to make those changes.
‘‘Change is in the hearts and minds of the American people right now,’’ he said Friday during a visit to Fort Dodge. ‘‘They are ready for something new and something different.’’
The executive who has worked with numerous nonprofit groups is now seeking to represent a sprawling congressional district that includes Webster County and all its surrounding counties.
His sole opponent for the Democratic nomination is William J. Meyers, of Humboldt.
‘‘Part of the interest in this race will hinge on our similar names,’’ Meyer said. ‘‘I think it’s amusing.’’
Whoever wins the June 3 Democratic primary will face U.S. Rep. Tom Latham, R-Ames, in November. Latham is seeking his seventh term.
Putting in place a health care system that covers all Americans will have benefits beyond keeping people well, according to Meyer.
‘‘We would be healthier and we would ultimately find ourselves wealthier,’’ he said.
Although he lists universal health care as one of his top priorities, Meyer doesn’t offer any specifics on how to achieve it. He said he believes there will be a strong opportunity to implement that coverage early in the next presidential administration, especially if the new president is a Democrat. He added that whatever initial health care plan is enacted will likely change.
Meyer said he believes the United States’ objectives in Iraq have become ‘‘very blurry.’’
‘‘I think that without that clarity of thought that it’s time to gradually, but with sort of a relentlessness, withdraw from Iraq,’’ he said.
He said he doesn’t think pulling out of Iraq will increase the risk of terrorism in the United States.
The candidate accused the current national leadership of ‘‘whistling past the graveyard’’ regarding the economy.
As a first step to address the weakening economy, Meyer wants to implement a moratorium on home foreclosures. He also wants the federal government to invest in roads, bridges and high-speed Internet. He added that he’d like the country to have a more extensive passenger rail network.
Global warming is real, Meyer said, and caused by overdependence on fossil fuels. He wants the country to move toward using more and more renewable sources of energy. He expects that process will take perhaps 25 years.
Meyer said he is open to the possibility of using more nuclear power. He is opposed to drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska.
Contact Bill Shea at (515) 573-2141 or bshea@messengernews.net
