OSAGE – North Iowa Republican legislator Josh Byrnes came up short in his bid to become the next House Speaker, but says he feels encouraged by the support he saw on his social media account.
“So I had 439 people on Facebook like my announcement on running for Speaker in the Iowa House. Most I have ever had for a post,” Mr. Byrnes said Thursday after news broke that Linda Upmeyer was chosen as the next House Speaker.
Byrnes, a NIACC instructor and farmer from Osage, said he “appreciate(s) that support and it sends a message that people want grounded leaders to represent them.” It was said that Byrnes offered a more moderate stance on some issues as compared to Linda Upmeyer, who is farther right on the political spectrum.
Byrnes said that a message was delivered by the support he saw on his social media account.
“Even though I didn’t win the Speaker position today, your message was delivered. It’s my hope that Speaker Upmeyer was listening and will consider these comments in creating her leadership agenda. Thanks again for the support.”