This is kind of stunning. Feenstra challenger, Virgil (R) urges supporters to vote for Ryan Melton (D)

Feenstra challenger urges split ticket, vote for Democrat in IA-04

Kevin Virgil, who gained nearly 40 percent of the vote in the Republican primary to represent Iowa’s fourth Congressional district, has encouraged his supporters to consider splitting their votes: Donald Trump for president and Democrat Ryan Melton for Congress.

Virgil shared one of Melton’s posts on X/Twitter on the evening of August 23, praising the Democrat for opposing “land seizure for CO2 pipelines” and “corporate capture in Iowa and in DC,” while asking “hard questions about Iowa’s sky-high cancer rates.”

“If you care about our children’s future,” Virgil wrote, “then it’s time to think about voting for a split-ticket with Trump and @melton4iowa.”

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Melton shared Virgil’s post on August 23, saying he was “grateful” for the consideration. “Kevin and I disagree on a number of issues, but we align on the issues he highlights, and I’d argue they are among the biggest issues causing the most harm” in the district. The Democrat also said he respects Virgil “for calling it as he sees it without hesitation despite the powerful in his own party wishing he wouldn’t.”

Melton provided this additional comment to Bleeding Heartland on August 24.

I’ve spoken with so many Republicans in the district that are fed up with Feenstra selling them out to Bruce Rastetter and other big moneyed corporate donors, and have decided it’s time for a protest vote to wrestle back power for themselves. I agree that their anger is warranted, and will work to listen to and represent all citizens of the district regardless of political affiliation if I receive the honor of winning the election in November.

Time and time again, when I meet Republicans, we typically agree we share more common ground than the powers that be that want to keep us divided want us to recognize. Once Republicans in the 4th meet me, they see they can trust me, as I’ve always rejected all corporate PAC money and always will. I don’t use party taking points and I don’t pay consultants to tell me what to say. My words are my own and my word is my bond.

much more at: https://www.bleedingheartland.com/2024/08/24/feenstra-challenger-urges-split-ticket-vote-for-democrat-in-ia-04/