Local GOP hosts speakers at block party

The Jasper County Republicans held its second block party on Monday night.

The group obtained a permit to block the road in front of their office, 207 W. Second St. N. Folding chairs were set up, pizza was served and music played in the background. Roughly 50 people braved the heat and humidity to hear from speakers and discuss Republican politics.

With the courthouse in the background, former State Party Chairman Matt Strawn addressed the crowd and spoke about his recent trip to Israel. Strawn is a co-founder of Iowans Supporting Israel, a nonpartisan group of statewide business and civic leaders who advocate for stronger ties between Iowa and Israel. The former party chair explained how Israelis only have 90 seconds to take cover when the missile alarms sound.

The local GOP also heard from Tamara Scott, their National Committeewoman. Scott echoed some of Strawn’s sentiments regarding Israel and blasted the educational reforms known as the Common Core Standards which are currently being implemented in American schools.

Local candidates were given an opportunity to address the group as well. State Senate District 15 Candidate Crystal Bruntz, State House District 29 Candidate Patrick Payton and County Supervisor Candidate Jeremy Heaberlin all gave remarks about their campaigns.

Marshall Critchfield, chairman of the local Republican Party, updated the crowd on the state of the party and discussed his race for Jasper County Recorder.

Critchfield closed the speaking portion of the meeting by exclaiming, “welcome to the new Grand Old Party.”

The Jasper County Republicans will be at Thanks With Franks on Sept. 4 and their next block party is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Sept. 22.

For questions or comments, please contact Marshall Critchfield at (515) 508-1750.