COUNCIL BLUFFS/GLENWOOD, Iowa (KMTV) — Two years ago, political newcomer Cindy Axne, a Democrat, was able to narrowly defeat Republican incumbent David Young for a seat in congress, representing southwest Iowa in the House of Representatives.
She was one of 41 Democrats who helped the party take control of the House.
Now in 2020, Axne and Young are facing off again, in what appears to be another competitive race.
Congresswoman Axne tells 3 News Now she has learned a few things in her two years as a member of congress, one being a vocal proponent of your home state.
“It takes a loud voice to make sure states like Iowa get what they need, I realized that very early on,” says Axne.
She's defending her seat against the former congressman and man she beat in 2018, David Young.
Young is embracing President Trump and promises that Republicans can bring back the economy if people like him are brought back to Washington.
He thinks he can bridge the divide on issues like healthcare.
“You have to be civil as well, there’s a lot of loud voices on both sides, and they’re toxic and nobody wants to work with those people,” says Young.
As for Axne's healthcare plan, she, like Vice President Joe Biden, wants to build on the Affordable Care Act, and wants to see a public option, giving Americans the option to buy healthcare from the government, similar to Medicare.
“In no way shape or form should people in this district, or this state or this country not be able to stay healthy because they don’t have an option for healthcare,” says Axne.
Young doesn’t buy it, calling it a slow drop to Medicare-for-All.
“You limit choices when you’re simply opening up Medicare and allowing people to go into that,” says Young.
Whoever wins may be voting on a new COVID-19 relief package.
Young wants to see Congress pass funding for personal protective equipment, child care and small businesses. Plus, liability protections, making it difficult to sue small businesses in court if somebody believes they didn't handle the virus well.
“For those businesses that are trying to do the right thing, protecting customers and their employees. There’s some ambulance chasers who are trying to capitalize off of this and making sure we’re taking care of those who need the care the most,” says Young.
Axne instead wants to see more money for the unemployed, small businesses and stimulus checks, but says the bill has to first deal with vaccine distribution and the healthcare side of the virus.
“To make sure people who have contracted COVID come out of this without massive bills. And so, we’ve got to get the healthcare aspect taken care of,” says Axne.
The third congressional district, which includes Council Bluffs and Des Moines, borders the Missouri River and was hit hard by flooding.
Both have their own solutions.
Axne points to the levee the city of Hamburg built, that the government made them tear down.
“In Hamburg where they had to tear down a perfectly good levee to keep their town safe because of bureaucratic red tape. We’ve got to get rid of red tape like that in government,” says Axne.
While Young says more long-term leadership will allow for projects to get done quicker and better.
“I’d like to see their stay be longer, so they’re totally invested in the community and that district so they see a project through. They understand it. There’s accountability there and so they’re not just passing the buck to the next commander,” says Young.
Axne won the race by just over two points in 2018, so expect another close race in 2020.