They say on the campaign trail, all roads lead through Iowa. And we have seen it here. One week to the day that President Barack Obama stumped in Davenport, Republican candidate Mitt Romney makes a stop in Bettendorf.
Speaking to hundreds at LeClaire Manufacturing, Romney says there are five things he'll do to get America back on track, and that just one person can have a big impact. He says this is an election about the soul of America, that voters must decide whether they want big government or personal freedom. And he says, that freedom is what our country was built on and how it will continue to grow. "I know America is going to come roaring back if we have a President that can tap into that strength," Romney says, telling the crowd the current President is not doing that.
In fact, Romney's rallying cry was spelled out on the stage behind him. LeClaire Manufacturing employees were wearing shirts reading "Government didn't build my business, I did". "We have to champion small business," Romney says. "We have to make it easy to grow and thrive. That means keep taxes down, get regulators to encourage them."
Supporting small business, one of five things Romney says America must focus on to move forward. Along with energy. His support of the Keystone Pipeline getting some of the day's biggest cheers. So did his idea that trade must work for us. "If other nations cheat the way China has cheated, we have to call them on the carpet and make them live by the rules," he says.
He also says balancing the budget is a big issue. "What you do, is you do not pass on trillions of dollars in debt to the next generation. We live within our means and give them the economic start they deserve." Romney says that starts with education, giving adults and kids the skills they need to succeed, and making sure there are jobs waiting for them when they get out of school. He says, "That plan creates 12 million jobs in four years, and we need 'em and I'll get 'em, and we'll have more take home pay to go with it."
Whether voters take that message with them to the polls remains to be seen.
