“We respect you,” Gov. Kim Reynolds told about 45 people gathered in a conference center at Lizard Creek Ranch. “We respect your freedom.”

Reynolds said under Republican leadership, Iowa has rejected pandemic lockdowns, kept kids in school, supported law enforcement, “protected girls sports for girls,” eliminated taxes on retirement income and cut other taxes.

“We’re not done,” she said. “We’re going to keep bringing those taxes down.”

U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Hull, said that in Washington, D.C., liberal progressives are “shoving their policies down our throats.”

-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
Gov. Kim Reynolds talks about the things Republicans have accomplished Saturday evening during a rally at Lizard Creek Ranch. Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg is behind her.

He said if Republicans gain control of Congress in the Nov. 8 election, they will begin working to balance the federal budget as soon as they take office in January.

“It is our job as protectors of our Constitution to get out and vote,” Feenstra told the audience.

Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said God made Iowa for agriculture. He said he has worked to develop markets for the products of Iowa farmers while also striving to protect the state’s soil and water.

“Let’s secure that bright future for our state,” Naig said. “And remember, when agriculture is strong, our state is strong.”

Secretary of State Paul Pate touted Iowa’s voter ID law and said that voter turnout has set records in the last three elections.

-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
A lineup of Republican officials and candidates were on hand Saturday evening for a campaign rally at Lizard Creek Ranch. They included, from left, state Sen. Jesse Green, R-Harcourt; state Sen. Roby Smith, the nominee for state treasurer; Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig; Guthrie County Attorney Brenna Bird, the nominee for attorney general; Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg; Gov. Kim Reynolds; U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Hull; state Rep. Ann Meyer, R-Fort Dodge; and Secretary of State Paul Pate.

Guthrie County Attorney Brenna Bird, the Republican nominee for Iowa attorney general, promised to “back the blue and enforce our criminal laws.”

She criticized Democratic Attorney General Tom Miller for suing the administration of former President Donald Trump, but then said she would sue the administration of President Joe Biden.

State Sen. Roby Smith, R-Davenport, the nominee for state treasurer, touted his experience as a banker and promised to stand up to the Internal Revenue Service.

-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg speaks Saturday evening during a Republican campaign rally at Lizard Creek Ranch. Guthrie County Attorney Brenna Bird, the Republican nominee for Iowa attorney general, listens at left.