Ames Area Animal Lovers Rally Against Steve King

Ames --- On the last Sunday before election day, John Braumann, of Cedar Rapids, traveled two hours to Ames to help protest against Steve King, R-Kiron, a candidate for Iowa's new 4th Congressional District.

Braumann was one of the 20 animal lovers (and their dogs) who gathered across the street from King's Ames Campaign Headquarters to help educate the city about the Congressman and his views on animal welfare.

"I was protesting today because I believe that if more people knew of King's radical and extreme positions they would be shocked." Braumann said, "His positions are not in line with Iowa values."

They weren't there for the fun of protesting, they were there to spread the word about Steve King's voting record and stance on many animal issues. These "radical and extreme positions" that Braumann referred to are quite shocking to any animal lover.

In the past, King has been unwilling to support legislation such as the "Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act", which would have included pets and service animals in disaster planning (such as Hurricane Sandy); the "Animal Fighting Enforcement Prohibition Act", that made it a  felony to transport animals or cockfighting weapons across state lines for animal fighting; and a bill that would make it illegal to take children to dog fights. Many of the signs reflected this. "Stop the King of Cruelty" and "King is ruff on animals" were among the most popular. 

When asked about her views, Jacquie Holm-Smith said, "I was there today because we need a Representative who "represents" Iowa's views and values, not be a punch line for late night TV!" 

Lisa Kuehl, a long time resident of Boone County was protesting at the Steve King Headquarters for similar reasons.

"Iowa needs stronger Animal welfare laws for both pets and production animals. According to the Humane Society of the United States, Iowa ranks near the bottom of all states with regard to current Animal Welfare Laws," Kuehl said. "We have a responsibility in Iowa to be a leader in humane care standards. Steve King has a dismal voting record when it comes to animal welfare issues, so Christie Vilsack has my vote!" 

Kris Bell, of Ames, unable to make the protest today, however, she is strongly against the re-election of Steve King as well.

"As a registered Republican," Bell said,  "I will support and vote for Christie Vilsack in this election. I will not support a conservative candidate who will make life worse for the animals in the state of Iowa than it already is." 

Steve King is currently running in the 4th Congressional District against Christie Vilsack, a Democrat from Ames. The polls open 7 a.m. Tuesday.