"This presidential election is not about the next four years - it's about the next 40 years," said U.S. Rep. Tom Latham, R-Ames.
Attendees of the Webster County Republicans annual Octoberfest Chili Supper at the Fort Dodge Banquet Center Sunday evening seemed to agree, considering the bursts of applause throughout Latham's speech.
The common thread touched on by each speaker was the importance of getting people out to vote - and vote Republican - this November. More than 100 people in attendance to hear Iowa politicians speak.
"This election is absolutely critical for the direction and good of this country," Latham said. "With a little over three weeks from the election, we have got to make sure we win this one."
As far as the $700 billion bailout by the federal government, Latham said it was the most difficult domestic issue Congress has been through. Latham voted against the bill.
"We will get through this because we are Americans," he said. "The worst thing we can do is end up with government involvement in private sectors."
He said energy issues are important for our national security.
"The fact that we're spending $700 million in foreign countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, is an issue of national security," he said. "We have to drill here and we have to build nuclear plants and refineries."
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey said it is important to get the Iowa House of Representatives back in Republican control.
"We can win back these races and turn things around," he said. "We can show the Democrats that they reached too far."
Northey also told the audience that Iowa has moved to the number two state as far in terms of agriculture only behind California.
"Last year, we had $19.6 billion worth of agriculture sales and we have a lot of changing dynamics and new opportunities in ag," he said.
U.S. Senate candidate Christopher Reed, who hopes to unseat Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin, spoke on the importance of bringing change to Washington.
Iowa State Representative David Tjepkes reiterated the importance of Republicans taking back control.
"We all need to realize the importance of getting Iowa back," he said. "Just remember we need to get control of the House and with your support, I'm sure we can get the job done."
Local political figures were also present to tell the audience the importance of local movements.
Webster County Sheriff Brian Mickelson is facing re-election next month.
"It's important for people to know that we are making a difference in the county," he said. "We're doing our best to keep the citizens of Webster County safe."
For Mike Littzen, who is running against Helen Miller for the Iowa House of Representatives, his decision to run for office came after the smoking ban was enacted earlier this year.
"I decided to run late," he said. "That's because I wasn't mad enough in the beginning and now I'm going there to defend everyone's rights."
Jamie Johnson, another Iowa House candidate, encouraged the audience to tell at least five individuals to vote because the election is so important.
"I am running to take back this seat for family values and give you back your rights as free men and women, without a liberal Democratic government becoming your nanny," Johnson said.
Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Stewart Iverson questioned Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama's ability to lead the country.
"Do you realize that if Barack Obama served in our military that he could not even get top secret clearance?'' Iverson said. ''He couldn't get top secret clearance because of the people he has associated with and now he's running for commander in chief."
Iverson also encouraged the audience to make their way to the polls.
"Whenever in doubt, vote Republican," Iverson said. "We have the values and common sense that we have grown accustomed to in the Republican party."
Contact Angela Burch at (515) 573-2141 or aburch@messengernews.net
