Jeb Bush talks economics, Middle East strategy in Newton

Jeb Bush believes some goals can be accomplished in the Middle East.

However, as he told a gathering of about 150 people during a town hall meeting at the Newton DMACC-Career Academy on Tuesday evening, there must be some drastic action taken first.

“The (recent) Vienna talks are not going to be successful unless we have military victories,” Bush said.

Strategy in the Middle East and economics were the main topics during the town-hall meeting, held in a shop class area. It was Bush’s first official public campaign event in Jasper County and part of a busy few days in Iowa as the Feb. 1 Iowa Caucuses loom.

Bush spoke for about 19 minutes and then took about 10 questions. In somewhat of a departure from the usual campaign avoidance of increasing expenditures, he acknowledged it will take some major adjustments to get the U.S. military back to what he feels is an adequate level of staffing and technology.

“It’s going to cost some money,” he said. “But you don’t lead from behind.”

Several of those who asked questions — including Bush’s Marion County chair, banker Mike Olson — traveled to Newton from outside the county. However, there were some local residents, too, such as Larry Pauly, who asked about both prescription drug prices and renewable fuel standards.

Bush said reducing the amount of time patenting and exclusivity are in place would help reduce drug costs. Regarding renewable fuels and wind energy, he said he “doesn’t think government should pick winners and losers of the tax code,” and echoed much of the sentiment expressed by other candidates regarding simplifying tax rates and eliminating loopholes.

“Our economic growth could be happening so much faster,” he said.

Bush, the son of former President George H. Bush and brother of former President George W. Bush, and his allies have redoubled efforts to increase his visibility in Iowa since it became apparent he was nosediving in polls earlier this fall, stepping up TV commercials and a schedule of in-person appearances in both prominence and quantity. Monday’s slate also included appearances at the stop at the University of Dubuque and at the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum in Waterloo.

Regarding education, Bush said he applauds legislation that gives more power back to the states, preventing the federal government from imposing Common Core. He went on to add that he feels states do not have enough power, in general.

“Roads, schools, Medicare and more should be administered by the states,” Bush said. “The 10th amendment has been trampled on.”

Contact Jason W. Brooks at
641-792-3121 ext. 6532
or jbrooks@newtondailynews.com