Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan today released a public letter to all three Republican candidates for governor asking if they stand with him in support of Iowa’s military families.

“This is part of Iowa’s commitment to its veterans and military families. Iowa Democrats know that a key to moving our state forward is supporting them. I encourage these candidates for governor to do the same,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan.

Today, Governor Culver asked that the legislature move to pass House File 2110, which would expand unemployment benefits to military spouses who are forced to leave their jobs due to reassignment or deployment.

Governor Culver also expressed support for three other bills currently before the Iowa legislature that would support Iowa’s military families and veterans.

“This is about sending a message to Iowa’s hard working families, including the spouses and children of our military. Governor Culver and Iowa Democrats are fighting for them each and everyday.”

“Let’s see if any of the Republican candidates for Governor are willing to stand with Iowa’s military families and continue moving the state forward,” continued Kiernan.

Today, the Iowa Democratic Party also sent an email to Iowa Democrats asking them to sign onto Chairman Kiernan’s letter expressing support for this important bill and asking each Republican candidate to do the same.

Here is the complete text of the letter:

February 23, 2010

Governor Terry Branstad, Representative Rod Roberts, and Mister Bob Vander Plaats,

I travel across Iowa constantly. I hear so many stories about Iowa’s hard-working families and these tough economic times. None of these stories are as inspiring or as heartbreaking to hear as the military families who sacrifice each day in the name of service to our country.

At the end of the year, Iowa will have 3,500 troops deployed overseas. They’ve been a source of strength and relief in the wake of natural disasters here at home in Iowa and abroad.

The bottom line is that we have a commitment to Iowa’s veterans and to their families. We cannot take for granted or forget their service.

House File 2110 has been introduced to ease the burden on military families. It expands unemployment benefits for spouses who are forced to leave their jobs when their spouse is reassigned or deployed. At a time when so many soldiers are being sent overseas, we need to give these families, who are being affected the most, a helping hand.

This morning, Governor Culver asked that House File 2110 be passed by the legislature and enacted into Iowa law.

I urge to you, as candidates for Governor and leaders in your communities, to vocalize your support for this legislation. Send a message to hard-working Iowans that you stand with our military families.

Governor Culver fights everyday for Iowa’s hard-working families, including the families of Iowa’s military. I hope you will join him in supporting this legislation.

Sincerely,

Michael Kiernan
Chair
Iowa Democratic Party