I was very excited to caucus for the second time on Monday, February 5th. In 2016, I caucused for my first time, and I caucused for Bernie Sanders for President. Unlike 2016, this year, caucusgoers did not automatically separate into preference groups, and my precinct chose not to divide into preference groups. But, if we had, I would have caucused for Dr. Andy McGuire because I believe she is the gubernatorial candidate who knows what it takes to defeat Gov. Reynolds in November.
Dr. Andy McGuire has the perfect combination of experience, expertise and compassion to help resolve the worsening health care crisis in our state. From denying women access to health care to creating a disaster with Medicaid privatization, Gov. Reynolds has failed again and again to make access to affordable health care a priority for her administration.
The Reynolds administration has also ignored our state’s mental health and substance abuse crisis. Gov. Reynolds has been in the executive branch for over 8 years and stood by while our state closed essential mental health facilities with no alternatives for care. Gov. Reynolds applauded the closure of Planned Parenthood facilities that gave women access to family planning. She and Iowa Republicans promised to provide alternative family planning facilities, and now we know that they have failed to fulfill that promise.
When it comes to fixing health care, I think the doctor knows best. I’ve met Dr. McGuire several times, and I have seen how hard she works and how much she cares for others. That’s exactly the kind of person and the kind of Governor that Iowa desperately needs to elect this November.
Madison Hocking
Jewell, Iowa
