To the editor:

I recently read RV Clapp’s letter to the editor and find it perplexing that he chose to use an old campaign finance report (which he referred to as “the most recent”), when a newer report is available.

I looked up the reports, and while it is true that more people from out of the city have given to Megan Srinivas than those of us living in the district, many of them have ties to Fort Dodge and/or House District 9. To those donors, I say thank you for seeing the value in electing a hometown girl, a very bright young woman who has a plan to take care of health care, has actually seen patients recently, and is capable of working with people on both parties in order to make a true difference for those of us here in District 9 and the entire state.

The Democratic Party is traditionally made up of people that work hard, many of them in lower paying jobs. Many have little to share beyond their needs, yet they have gladly donated what they can to elect to this exceptional woman. Campaigns are very expensive, especially when the Iowa Republican Party’s Eisenhower Fund has spent over $300,000 in this race alone on behalf of Megan’s opponent (Mr. Clapp’s letter failed to mention that). While it may sound noble to raise all your funds from campaign donors within your district, when faced with that kind of PAC money, it becomes necessary to look beyond Fort Dodge to raise funds.

Thankfully there are women from Fort Dodge like Ann Trotter, now living in Iowa City but who still thinks of Fort Dodge as home. Ann met Megan and was so inspired by her message and genuine desire to serve that she drew a crown together in Iowa City to fundraise for Megan’s campaign. Other donors include family and friends who have known Megan for years, as well as those who have recently met her are drawn to her knowledge and compassion.

The Megan Srinivas campaign has nothing to be ashamed of for seeking funds where they can to elect this talented Fort Dodge girl to the Iowa House. She will do it at a much lower campaign cost that the funds spent on her opponent.

Let’s get out and vote for Megan Srinivas for the good of our district and the state!

Mary Allard

Fort Dodge