Abigail Barefoot – Daily Staff Writer

Health Care: Latham believes health care reform has been one of the biggest debates in Washington. One solution Latham offered, the Health Care Security for All Americans Act of 2009, allowed for containing health care costs, increasing competition, expanding consumer choice and individual control of a consumer’s health care.

 “I felt that when the debate ended and the votes tallied, we had to ensure that Congress and the Obama administration had done the right thing for all of America,” Latham said.

Jobs and Economic Development: Latham believes Congress needs to shift its focus to job creation by approving fast-acting tax relief for American families and small businesses. He said a sound federal budget gains a greater sense of stability in the job market.

“I believe Congress must ensure that hard working American families can pay their mortgages and put food on the table, and we cannot rest until every American who wants a job can find a job and economic security,” Latham said.

Civil Rights: Latham said all Americans are entitled to the basic civil rights in the Constitution, he also believes no individual should receive preferential treatment based on these same criteria.

Immigration: Latham believes the act of entering or remaining in this country illegally is in direct violation of our laws.

“From the fraudulent use of Americans’ identities, to the strain added to our social programs, the large population of undocumented individuals in America contributes to many economic and security concerns that cannot be ignored,” Latham said.

Background: Latham, an eight-term Republican, has represented the people of Iowa since January of 1995. Latham is a farmer and owns Latham Seeds, a company his father started in 1947.