By Seth Boyes,
A total of three candidates will face off at the ballot box next month in the race for Iowa’s District 2 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson is facing challenges from Democratic candidate Sarah Corkery as well as independent candidate Jody Puffett. District 2 includes 22 northeast counties as far west as Hardin County and as far south as Poweshiek County. The Decorah Leader contacted several campaigns and submitted questionnaires to the candidates facing contested races this cycle. Their responses are printed here to help inform voters ahead of the upcoming election.
What inspired you to run for Iowa’s District 2 seat in the U.S. House?
Corkery: After having breast cancer twice, I lobbied with the National Breast Cancer Coalition — a bi-partisan group — to help change policies to help people with breast cancer. Ashley Hinson was the hold-out in the House of Representatives to sign it. Even though all the other Republicans in office in the House Of Representatives did sign it. She finally co-sponsored the Metastatic Breast Access to Care Act on the day I filed my federal papers to run against her in October of 2023.
Hinson: I got into this job for two reasons, and their names are Max and Jax. I ran for office because I wanted to make sure my boys – and the whole next generation – have all the opportunities in the world. But, I’m worried about the direction of our country after four years of a Harris-Biden Administration. I’m proud of my work to push back on harmful policies while also delivering on Iowa’s priorities, but there is more work to do. We have more work to do to reduce the inflation burden on families and help lower taxes, we have more work to do to secure the border and keep our communities safe, and we have more work to do to make sure our rural communities have resources. I will be on the trail between now and November earning every single vote – talking about my record of accomplishments for the district and laying out what’s next.
Puffett: I have spent 34 years dedicated to working in the finance world – managing budgets and expenses, reporting to federal and state regulators, and being held accountable to the board of directors and shareholders for the strategic and financial performance of the company. And I am fed up with the irresponsible out-of-control federal spending and the size of our national debt. We have hundreds of billions of dollars to send to other countries, yet we have significant needs here in our backyard in Iowa that are not being adequately funded. We are not taking care of our veterans, we are not taking care of our mental health community, we are not taking care of our foster kiddos and we are not taking care of our teachers and education system. I plan to fight for fiscal restraint and making sure we invest in America first and foremost. Current representatives in Congress continue to talk the talk – but when rubber hits the road, they don’t walk the walk when it comes time to vote. It is time for change.
What do you feel the role of a U.S. lawmaker is, and how do you intend to fulfill that role if elected?
Corkery: The role of U.S. lawmakers is to get work done for the people you represent. That is done by passing policies and laws to improve the lives of the people in northeast Iowa specifically. If elected, I will work hard to meet with and represent all people in District 2. Examples of my values: I have met with Republicans at Club 45 in Winneshiek County. Before I became a candidate for Congress, I fundraised $1 million to build an inclusive park in Cedar Falls with another family who are Trump Republicans.
Hinson: The role of a member of Congress is to be a strong voice for her constituents. In Congress, I have been a fierce advocate for Iowans’ priorities. I’ve worked to bring significant federal investments back to the district, including funds to build new emergency operations centers, child care centers and flood infrastructure. This includes $200,000 for the Sunflower Child Development and Discovery Center in Decorah. My team and I are dedicated to helping Iowans navigate challenges with the federal government, and I’m proud of the meaningful results we’ve delivered. From helping families receive delayed tax refunds from the IRS, helping veterans and their families recover benefits or even medals, to reuniting families by expediting passports, my team and I work around the clock to help Iowans. When we’re providing constituent service, we don’t care about political affiliation – we will do whatever we can to make sure every Iowan has the support they need.
Puffett: The primary role of a U.S. lawmaker is to 1.) represent the will of the people of their district when voting on legislative bills, 2.) set budgets, 3.) oversee federal agencies of the executive branch, and 4.) help constituents in the district navigate through any federal issues they are trying to resolve. My goal is to ensure every stakeholder has a seat at the table in conversations and that everyone’s voice is heard. Finding balanced, middle ground solutions – especially in situations where there is dissent among the constituents and colleagues is critical for success. As an Independent candidate, I am not beholden to a political party or their platform, and I am not in this to build a political career, so I don’t have to worry about “going along” so I get a leadership position within the party. I will be in the best position to truly represent everyone in the Second District. If elected, I have committed to donating my first year’s salary to non-profits in the district.
More Q&A with the U.S. House of Representatives candidates can be found in the October 17 Decorah Leader.
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Sara Corkery is probably the worst possible candidate for any elected office.”Examples of my values: I have met with Republicans at Club 45 in Winneshiek County.” Not really. Half of the crowd there was her own personal cheerleading squad of Democrats. She wasn’t there to really take questions. She belittled and tried to ridicule me before I could even get my question out. She doesn’t have the knowledge, demeanor or attitude to even be considered as a serious candidate. Her self acknowledged values?? More US wars costing Trillions of dollars funded all over the World. Her values are not my values. My vote goes to Jodi Puffet.