While most political candidates are waging negative campaigns, one uncontested candidate does not have to worry about mudslinging and name calling.

Teresa Garman, republican candidate in the Iowa House of Representatives 63rd District, has served part of Story county for 10 years. Prior to her service to the state, Garman’s occupation was a homemaker on her farm.

The incumbent thinks grants to college students should be abolished. Students should be able to finance their education with loans that have interest rates as low as three percent. These types of loans are more fair than grants, she said.

All students should have these loans, she said, regardless of the parental financial situation. Although a family’s net worth may be high, Garman said there is not necessarily disposable income that could finance a college education. This is often the case with farm families, she said.

In the area of university research programs, Garman said “research is fine,” but education should first concentrate on having professors in the classroom. ” … Basic education is the most important thing … ,” she said.

One of the biggest problems plaguing the state is gambling, Garman said. “I think it’s one of the worst things that’s happened in this state.”

The economic, commercial and social implications of gambling are not always considered, Garman said. Gambling has resulted in addiction, bankruptcy and divorce, she said.

“I have no objection to people who can afford to gamble [to go] gambling,” she said. But most problems occur when Iowans who cannot afford to gamble take such chances with their money, she said.

The gambling industry entices people who do not have the money, she said. Garman cited one example of encouraging Iowans to come to the casino after they receive their paychecks. The $7 billion gambled in Iowa yearly can be better spent on homes, cars, groceries, shoes and families, she said.

Large hog lot confinements are also dangerous to Iowa, Garman said. While many people are concerned with the odor the hog lots cause, Garman said the environmental impact is much larger and more important. She plans on addressing this issue in her next term.