Hinson promises to ‘drive down’ costs
Senate hopeful brings campaign to Fort Dodge
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U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson brought her campaign for the Senate to Fort Dodge during a Wednesday afternoon rally at which she was introduced by U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley.
The Republican said she is committed to working on childcare, housing, tax relief, energy independence and family farm issues.
"There's more to do to drive down the cost of gas and groceries," she said.
About 60 people attended the outdoor rally at Decker Truck Line Inc. The group was surrounded by parked trucks. Hinson stood on a stage with her blue campaign bus as a backdrop.
Hinson faces Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek in the November general election.
Early in her remarks, Hinson addressed an issue that has emerged during the Senate campaign.
"I don't trade stocks and I don't think people in Washington, D.C., should be trading stocks," she said.
The candidate devoted much of her speech to attacking Turek.
Hinson accused him of lying about her record.
She asserted that he would repeal tax cuts, allow illegal immigrants to get government benefits and make it easier for climate activists to sue farmers.
Asked for a response, the Turek campaign issued this statement:
"Josh Turek has repeatedly voted with Republicans to cut property and income taxes for Iowa families, veterans, and seniors and has said multiple times that he agrees with President Trump on no taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security. Meanwhile, Ashley Hinson is a millionaire who went to Congress, increased her net worth by as much as $8,000,000, lied to Iowans about selling her stock, and championed a tax break that benefits her own fortune. No matter what she says now, the truth is that Hinson herself reported owning up to $5 million in private insurance stock on her personal financial disclosure."
In an interview following her public comments, Hinson returned to the issue of gas prices, saying she favors a temporary pause on fuel taxes as a way to give drivers a break.
She also called for reinstating the blenders tax credit, saying that would result in an immediate $1 off the price of ethanol.
Hinson said a plan to import diesel fuel from Russia "makes me nervous."
The war against Iran is widely considered to be the cause of the spike in fuel prices.
"I know the war has to come to an end,” Hinson said during the interview." I trust the U.S. military to devise a way to do that."
Hinson said she believes a bipartisan commission must be established to figure out how to shore up Social Security as its trust fund shrinks. She said she is opposed to cutting Social Security benefits.