All elections matter.

During my regular interaction with students on this campus, I am consistently amazed at how few are engaged with the governing and political issues that truly effect their lives on daily basis. During the upcoming Senate election, voters have a critical decision to make and the outcome will impact all of our lives for years to come.

The differences in the two candidates, Bruce Braley and Joni Ernst, could not be more profound. 

Bruce Braley voted for the Affordable Care Act which allows graduating college seniors the opportunity to remain on their parents’ health insurance until age 26. He believes women have the right to make health care decisions with their physicians, and has a deep respect for scientifically proven human-made climate change and the impact it will have on our leading agriculture industry in this state.

Joni Ernst, on the other hand, has positions that could not possibly be more anti-college student :

• Can’t find a job after graduating? Joni says you should be on your own to find health care insurance.
• Female and making a personal decision about your health care?  Joni’s opinion is the one that counts.
• Have a Federal loan or Pell Grant? Joni would eliminate those by her position to abolish the Department of Education. 
• Grow up on a farm? Joni’s senseless denial of human-made climate change and to do nothing about it will negatively impact agriculture in this state indefinitely.   

Bruce Braley is a truly wonderful Iowan — an Iowa State University alumnus, a Greek system alumnus and a former Cyclone football player. He is one of us.

Vote Bruce Braley by November 4. All elections matter. 

Jon L. Fleming, MD  (Meteorology, 1975 alumnus)                                   Ames