To the editor:

In my loneliness, I contemplate my purpose on earth. Perhaps, if any purpose, it is my son. He is a born leader who is totally dedicated to being the very best state legislator possible.

He devotes time above and beyond the norm to learning the issues and representing his constituents and the State of Iowa. One of the best examples of this was the third-longest session in Iowa’s history in 2011. Dan worked at the Capitol for weeks without pay or expense reimbursement in order to carry out his duties. The session lasted 172 days, and often he was the only one present in the empty House Chamber.