LETTER: Weaver takes King to task over photo and his record

By Kim Weaver, Democratic candidate for Iowa’s 4th District

My opponent once again did something that made my mouth hang open in disbelief. This time, though, it wasn’t an outrageous, over-the-top comment disparaging minorities, or another jaw-dropping vote promoting cruelty to animals. No, this time it was a photo op dripping with such hypocrisy that I could hardly believe my eyes.

That’s Steve King on the left, surveying flood damage in eastern Iowa with Governor Branstad, doing his very best to look concerned and compassionate. If only he were in a position to make a real difference in the lives of people effected by disasters like this.

Except, of course, he is.

He’s there for the photo op, but where was Congressman King when these people really needed him?

— Voted to cut flood prevention programs in 2011 budget.

— Voted to cut $661 million from the Army Corps of Engineers’ budget.

— Voted against reauthorizing insurance program for flood victims

— Voted against reauthorizing the National Flood Insurance Program and opposed “multiperil” insurance coverage for flood victims

— Supported increasing interest rates on disaster loans

— One of 11 House members who voted against a bill providing relief for Hurricane Katrina victims.

— Supported eliminating preparedness functions from FEMA.

Unbelievable. Except, of course, it’s not.