Pence rallies Trump supporters in Newton

Security, prosperity and the highest court of the land — those issues were the focus of Republican vice presidential nominee and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence who rallied a crowd of supporters Tuesday afternoon at the Newton DMACC auditorium.

The event was led by Tana Goretz, of “The Apprentice,” and U.S. Rep. Steve King.. Chris Barton led with a prayer, Skye Koenen with the Pledge of Allegiance and Natalie Camp with the National Anthem, all of Newton.

Pence, who was joined by his wife Karen, gave a 30-minute speech focused on what he described as the biggest issues our country face: security, prosperity and upholding the highest court of the land.

On the issue of prosperity, Pence said the United States is in the weakest economy recovery since the Great Depression and nearly 4 million more Americans are living in poverty than the when President Barack Obama was elected in 2008.

“We’re going to cut taxes across the board for working families, small business and family farms,” he said. “When Donald Trump becomes President of the United States of America were gonna put common sense, conservative principles into practice, and we’re going to get Iowa working again, and we’re going to get America working again.”

Along with tax reform, energy reform, trade reform and veteran affairs reform were issues Pence also said he would call on.

“We’re going to clear out all the personnel in the VA that have failed the American people,” he said.

On the issue of the courts, Pence said the president for the next four years will set the course and direction of Supreme Court for the next 40 years.

“Elect Donald Trump as President of the United States, I promise you, you’ll have juries appointed to the Supreme Court and every court in the land who will uphold the constitution of the United States.”

He also reinforced his allegiance with the Republican presidential nominee Trump.

“My family and I joined his team in a heartbeat because you have nominated a man for president who never quits, who never backs down. He is a fighter. He is a winner, and he is going to fight every day for the next four years to make America great again,” Pence said.

In response to the weekend news of Trump’s lewd sexual comments about women, Pence said it takes “a big man” to apologize and admit wrongdoing and America got to see a compassionate side to Trump in his apology.

The event was attended by a few hundred local and state-wide supporters as well as many members of the media.

Former officer for the Newton Police Department Richard Hoffman, 74, was among those in attendance. Hoffman, who now works with horses on his land in southeast Jasper County, is a Trump supporter because he believes Trump will return liberty to the country.

“I’m here to back Trump,” he said. “I want to keep our country free, basically to keep our freedom. Shut our borders down, and the First Amendment, I’m very strong on that. Maybe he’ll bring our economy back, I hope.”

Lori Irons, chair for the Trump campaign in Louisa County, also attended the rally coming from Wapello, 150 miles away. Irons missed the televised vice presidential debate because she was on vacation, so she came to Newton to hear his plans for the future.

“I love Gov. Pence. I love what he stands for — he’s principled and he’s a statesmen.”

Pence answered a few audience questions following his speech.

Contact Kate Malott at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or kmalott@newtondailynews.com