Friend,
I'm going to tell you about how
Iowa became one of only three states nationwide to enact police reform legislation after George Floyd's murder, and the role I played in it. Please take a moment to read this longer note, then consider
chipping in $3 to our campaign.
Five years ago, I was elected to the legislature not as a career politician, but because of my background in community building and activism. It's the main reason I've been able to get results in the GOP-controlled legislature, while others struggle.
Last summer, after the murder of George Floyd, many Americans who previously ignored racial injustice began to wake up to police brutality. As a legislator, chair of the legislative Black caucus, and an Iowan -- I got to work to make sure that another murder like George Floyd's didn't happen on our watch.
Instead of turning to the political elite and lobbyists, I went to the people first -- because I still believe that the true power lies with the people. That meant that before I brought our police reform bill --
Plan for a More Perfect Union -- to the floor, I knew there was a movement building that couldn't be ignored. You see, there are times when you crawl through the legislative process and there are times when you have to sprint. Last spring, we were called to sprint.
I won't lie to you, friend, it wasn't easy. I was tasked with bringing together members of law enforcement, Black Lives Matter, GOP leaders, and Governor Kim Reynolds herself. Because that's what real democracy and leadership requires.
It paid off. With a Republican trifecta in Iowa, we unanimously passed a law that bans chokeholds, holds officers of past misconduct accountable, and permits the Attorney General to investigate officer-involved shootings. And we were one of only three states to do it.
Taking a quiet moment following the vote. (Photo credit: Iowa Starting Line)
Since then, Governor Kim Reynolds has worked tirelessly to undermine what we did. Rather than bring us together, she pitted Iowans against one another -- passing a bill that would allow people to run over protesters if they blocked traffic. That's the type of leadership she's shown, and it's why I knew I needed to run for governor.
Now that you've heard about the work we've done to create a more perfect union, will you chip in $3? Far-right Governor Kim Reynolds has to go, but we can't replace her with just any Democrat -- we need a champion of, by, and for the people.
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As an Iowan who has spent time in many communities across the state -- from my family's farm in rural Iowa to my home in urban East Waterloo -- I have a unique understanding of what it's going to take to bring Iowans together to find solutions to our common struggles.
I know what it means to put the people first, and that's what I'll do as Iowa's next Governor.
Thanks,
Ras Smith
Democrat for Governor
