THE HOUSE DISTRICT 4 RACE IS IN

FULL SWING AND HAS BEEN UNUSUALLY

CONTENTIOUS FOR SIOUX COUNTY POLITICS.
Admittedly, I am a political junkie. I am staunchly conservative and always interested in things related to
politics, economics, family life and leadership. Sioux County is the best place in the country when it comes
to these items of interest. Because of that, I love living, working, volunteering, and raising a family in Sioux
County. My perspective is shaped by those values and our family roots here. Part of that reality is that many
folks play Dutch bingo and make family connections. We dont have to play that game long in this contest. Jeff
VanDerWerff is my brother-in-law; so, although I have reasons to be biased, please consider the following.
We have three solid candidates with various resumes. They are all conservative in the areas that are most
important to me: pro-life, pro-family, pro-religious freedom and pro-business. Where they differ slightly is in
issues related to education, immigration policy or their priorities for Sioux County.
Where the three candidates differ the most is in one key area: leadership.
Before anyone had announced a candidacy, I received a couple of calls about someone who recently transferred
from the West Coast to complete his schooling at Northwestern College. He had just taken his first job. The
callers described him as deeply conservative and ambitious. As his resume and beliefs were described to me,
I responded, He sounds great. Tell him to join the military and see us again in six years. Today, after having
gotten to know Skyler, my advice to him remains the same. He needs life and leadership experience.
I think Skylers heart is in the right place. He has conservative principles and a passion to serve that I can
appreciate. However, he falls far too short in experience, leadership and demeanor. He has not demonstrated the
ability to lead people in his limited career experience. He has not had his temperament tested. In the forums I felt
as if he showed a lack of maturity that would likely hurt his ability to represent or have influence for our district.
Unfortunately, Skyler doesnt have a resume that includes a leadership role in the marketplace, let alone have the
background to represent Northwest Iowa. In summary, I simply feel as if two years of experience as a student in
Orange City and a year of work experience split between two jobs fails to qualify him to lead and represent Sioux
County in Des Moines. It would be a disservice to us and to Skyler.
On the other hand, Kevin Van Otterloo and Jeff VanDerWerff both have a wealth of real-world leadership
experience. They each have lives shaped by serving as part of a governing team. They have each made tough
decisions impacting the lives of others. They both have the humility that comes from influencing people facing
difficult situations. Although I may disagree with Kevin or Jeff in some areas, I think they are better prepared for
the role in Des Moines.
However, it is easy to make the case that one candidate excels in the area of leadership.
Jeff VanDerWerff earned a Ph.D. in the disciplines of American government (with honors), public administration
and public policy. He has participated for many years in the Hillsdale Free Market Forums which promote
understanding and appreciation of free market economics. He has published writing on the influence of Phyllis
Schlafly and the Midwestern basis of family values. Jeff was elected by his peers to serve as faculty president
at Northwestern College. He has not only led in the role as the co-director of the Franken Servant Leadership
Institute, but also through that organization has helped bring leadership influence and training to many students
and other regional leaders. His list of leadership positions, publications and presentations is extensive and
impressive.
I am confident he will represent us in such a way that is influential and reflects well on Sioux County. It is not
hard for me to imagine individual constituents, county supervisors, college leadership, school boards, business
leaders and agricultural leaders all confidently reaching out to Jeff VanDerWerff. He, in turn, will represent each
of those groups well. I am certain he will effectively care for the needs of Sioux County. We need that. We can
and will be proud of his demeanor, accomplishments and relationships.
Jeff VanDerWeff is a wonderful father and family man who has been successful in leadership and
academia. He is the man that best reflects our values, our pride and our success. I am proud
to offer my endorsement for Jeff VanDerWerff for state representative. Please join me in
giving Jeff VanDerWerff your vote for house representative on June 7.

Respectfully,
Eric D. Rankin