Former Rep. David Young on 2018: 'There was a blue wave,' but people don't want to admit it.
David Young, in one of his first public appearances since announcing he'll seek 3rd District seat, will run without the shine of incumbency.
Former Rep. David Young on 2018: 'There was a blue wave,' but people don't want to admit it. David Young, in one of his first public appearances since announcing he'll seek 3rd District seat, will run without the shine of incumbency. Check out this story on desmoinesregister.com: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2019/05/22/david-young-iowa-previews-issues-third-district-democrat-cindy-axne-donald-trump-tariffs-republican/3768888002/
Barbara Rodriguez, Des Moines Register Published 5:12 p.m. CT May 22, 2019 | Updated 6:59 p.m. CT May 22, 2019
David Young held the microphone and looked at the audience.
"Last November was kind of tough, right?" the former Iowa Republican representative said. "Hey, but that's politics, right?"
Young then added another opinion on the 2018 election: "There was a blue wave. A lot of people don't want to admit it. But it did happen." He lost re-election to Iowa's 3rd Congressional District last year to Democratic Rep. Cindy Axne.
Just after 7 a.m. Wednesday, Young shared his assessment with the Westside Conservative Club at the usual Urbandale restaurant they reserve for speakers.
Young's public appearance marked one of his first since announcing he will run in 2020 for the central and southwestern Iowa district that includes Des Moines and Council Bluffs he lost in November.
Outgoing congressman David Young thanked Iowans after being defeated by Democratic challenger Cindy Axne for Iowa's third district on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018. (Photo: Bryon Houlgrave/The Register)
"Elections have consequences. There are choices," the Van Meter Republican said as the group dug into breakfast meals that included eggs, bacon and hash browns. "But it's frustrating when you do win 15 of the 16 counties ... but you know what, we're not quitters. I'm not a quitter."
Axne's win was among the Democratic victories across the country last fall that propelled the minority party to reclaim control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Axne, a West Des Moines small-business owner who repeatedly criticized Young on his votes to repeal the the Affordable Care Act, got about 5,000 votes more than Young.
"Polk County is a challenge for us," Young said of the district's largest county and the one that sealed Axne's victory. "But I'm not going to give it up. And I know you're not going to give it up. And we have to fight for it. You know, there was a sense of complacency a little bit with our party. And you know, the Democrats, being in the minority, they were revved up, and they were ready to go."
U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne holds first town hall in West Des Moines
U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne, a Democrat representing Iowa's 3rd Congressional District, speaks to community members Saturday, March 23, 2019, during her first town hall at Valley High School in West Des Moines. Luke Nozicka/The Register
U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne, a Democrat representing Iowa's 3rd Congressional District, hugs a community member Saturday, March 23, 2019, at her first town hall at Valley High School in West Des Moines. Luke Nozicka/The Register
State Sen. Claire Celsi, a Democrat representing West Des Moines, center, listens Saturday, March 23, 2019, during U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne's first town hall at Valley High School in West Des Moines. Luke Nozicka/The Register
New campaign race, new issues
The 3rd District's nearly equal number of registered Democrats, Republicans and independents makes it one of the most competitive seats in the country.
Young previewed to the Urbandale crowd the new issues that he could highlight on the campaign trail: Axne's record during her first months in office; policy issues that have become staples of the Democratic presidential primary such as Medicare for All; and continued support for President Donald Trump.
Young said Axne hasn't focused on the issues he thinks are important: lowering taxes, building on a strong economy and securing the U.S.-Mexico border.
"They're not focusing on the people's issues, this great economy that we have going on right now. Talking about raising taxes, a Green New Deal, my goodness, what would that do to our economy?" Young said in referring to a policy that several Democratic presidential hopefuls believe could be a blueprint for addressing climate change. "What would that do to our agricultural economy? Manufacturing?"
Axne, who has said the Green New Deal "doesn't provide the practical, bipartisan solutions" needed to protect against climate change, has offered support instead for investments in wind power.
Young extended his criticisms to the Medicare for All proposal aimed at creating a single-payer health care system in the United States, calling it "Medicare for none" and speculating it could hurt seniors enrolled in the current health care system.
Axne has said she doesn't support Medicare for All, but instead wants to strengthen the Affordable Care Act.
Young also offered continued support for Trump as the president escalates a U.S. trade war with China that has affected Iowa farmers.
"I don't like tariffs. But I don't like bad trade deals," Young said.
Potential primary field
Young, who held the 3rd District seat for two terms following a surprise 2014 win, will now seek it without the shine of incumbency.
He's expected to enter a campaign trail that could include a crowded primary field. At least one Republican, Bill Schafer, has announced plans to run. Republican State Sen. Zach Nunn of Bondurant said recently he'll hold a "listening tour" of the district.
Someone in the audience asked Young about Nunn and added: "Why should we stick with you, when there are other people who have announced that they're out there, looking, listening?"
Young's response: "I will tell you this: I'm focused on Cindy Axne. I've won this district twice with your help. You know who I am. I know who you are. And I'm in it early. I'm that serious, and that's why I'm taking the fight."
Iowa's Congressional Districts (Photo: USA TODAY NETWORK GRAPHIC)
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