It may seem like election season is barely behind us, but these days, it never ceases. Some are already gearing up for the 2022 elections, including a potential U.S. Senate candidate who stopped by Clarion last week.
Jim Carlin is a Republican from Sioux City. He is originally from Massachusetts but has resided in Iowa for most of his life. He is a lawyer in Sioux City. In the past, he has served in the Iowa House of Representatives. He is now in the midst of his second term in the state senate for district 3.
Carlin is planning to run for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by long-time Republican Senator Chuck Grassley. Grassley, who is 87 years old, has not announced whether or not he plans to run again but has said he’ll make that decision by this fall. Grassley’s seat is viewed as particularly important in 2022 as he is widely viewed as a lock if he runs again. His retirement could lead to an interesting battle for the seat with major money spent on both sides.
On his Clarion stop last week, Carlin spoke with around 20 potential voters at Pizza Ranch. He explained that he had decided to not run for the U.S. Senate seat if Grassley planned to run again. But when Biden was elected in November, he decided to run either way.
He spoke about his frustration with the general election and how he believed that fraud was not adequately investigated. He remains concerned those who perpetrated election fraud were not held accountable so it will likely happen again.
Carlin reiterated his continued support for former President Trump. He called Trump “someone who fought for us” and said, “that’s why we love the guy.” On the other hand, he called Biden “a bully who will come to your house…take your guns….and indoctrinate your kids.”
He spoke against “big tech” who he said is responsible for addicting kids to media and locking them in a “cage of tyranny.” He added that companies like Facebook and Twitter are responsible for censorship and that conservatives need their own social media outlets.
The crowd asked questions and raised several concerns themselves, including about children and what they are learning at school, especially in regard to race. Some complained about the local curriculum and said they have no idea what their children are even learning because of the use of technology.
Carlin said that if elected, he will hold on to his positions after some in the crowd raised concerns about politicians changing their tune once they get to Washington. He also said he will take a hard line and fight against the opposing party. “We are playing in a dirty game against dirty people,” he said. “If we’re passive, we lose. You aren’t going to improve freedom by rolling over and getting along with people.”
In the end, Carlin’s staffers passed around a petition to get him on the ballot. He also promised to be back in the area again soon to continue conversations.
