Recognizing that Iowans don’t change governors very often, The FAMiLY Leader Board of Directors made a rare move on Tuesday by announcing its unanimous and enthusiastic endorsement of Adam Steen.
The board took this action because of the high stakes to keep Iowa moving forward where families can flourish, and because Iowa is literally and figuratively one state away from being Minnesota or Illinois. All Iowans have to do is to look at the mismanagement and misguided, failed policies in those states to determine that leadership matters.
Kim Reynolds, without a close second, is and has been the best governor for Iowa in my and in our ministry’s lifetime. She has championed religious liberty, the sanctity of life, the foundation of marriage and family, parental rights, gender clarity and so much more. In addition, she has been diligent in the management of state government while greatly reducing the tax and regulatory burden.
That foundation and her diligent leadership have provided the environment for families to flourish. The FAMiLY Leader’s endorsement of Adam Steen is with the desire to keep Iowa’s families flourishing while building on Reynolds’ record and legacy.
Utilizing President Trump’s often-used description, Adam is “central casting” to be Iowa’s next governor. He comes from great parents who instilled a firm foundation of faith, commitment to family, and service above self. Adam is accomplished as a leader, sought after voice in business, and his charisma and enthusiasm are contagious.
Adam most recently served as the director of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services under Governor Reynolds. His role was akin to being the chief operating officer of a multi-billion dollar corporation. Adam’s leadership is cheered by those who served with him in championing Governor Reynolds’ vision of making Iowa the best place to live, work and play.
His ability and winsome nature were recognized by the Iowa Senate when it came time to reconfirm Adam to his appointed role. In a rare, unified vote, Democratic and Republican senators unanimously voted in favor. Adam’s record of experience and accomplishment leads The FAMiLY Leader’s Board to conclude that Adam is the best equipped and prepared to lead Iowa on Day 1.
However, The FAMiLY Leader recognizes that this desired vision and leadership for Iowa doesn’t happen unless Adam wins. Only winners get to lead, and that’s the ultimate reason for our rare endorsement decision.
Since at least the 1890s, Iowa has not elected a member of Congress to the governor’s office. Given the choice in 1994, 1998 and again 2006, Iowans rejected members of Congress to be their governor because they instinctively believe our solutions, wisdom and prosperity come from state and local leadership, not years in Washington.
Thus, we believe it is a fool’s errand to nominate another member of Congress after those efforts gave us the then long-shot state Sen. Tom Vilsack and the ill-prepared Chet Culver. We fully understand that State Auditor Rob Sand is far better financed and has a more persuasive story to tell than either Vilsack or Culver.
Randy Feenstra supported my campaigns for governor, and I supported his candidacies for state senator and congressman. Thus, given our long friendship it would only make sense that The FAMiLY Leader Board and I would support his gubernatorial campaign.
However, allow me to end where I began: the stakes are exceptionally high for the state of Iowa – far too high for personal friendships to trump Iowa’s need to win. Thus, our endorsement for Adam Steen isn’t against Congressman Feenstra or any other candidate in the race; it is for the state of Iowa and the future of our people.
We hope you will help shape a better future by joining us in supporting and voting for Adam Steen.
Bob Vander Plaats is the president and chief executive officer of The FAMiLY Leader, a statewide network supported by influencers, activists, donors, and thousands of Christians.