An Open Letter to Rob Sand’s Campaign
Dear Rob Sand for Iowa, et al:
Rob, you have done a phenomenal job as State Auditor. I truly commend you in your outstanding performance, not only digging in to uncover and expose injustices, but also in speaking up in times of adversity while holding a much-needed flame to Governor Reynolds’ feet.
That said, it is a glaring concern that your campaign is backed by the Lauridsens. After all, several members of the Lauridsen family — including your father-in-law – backed the very Republicans who are currently harming us.
You and I have met twice in person: first at Coffee with the Candidate on October 22, 2022 in Nevada, Iowa, and second at your Wake Up the Watchdog event at Iowa State University on February 20 this year. As you recall, I told you I had announced my candidacy on March 31, 2023, and requested that we meet because it was rumored that you might run for governor. Honestly, I find it rude and inconsiderate that you did not take the time to reach out to me. As a transgender woman who is being severely harmed by Republicans your family helped put into office, it is unacceptable that you would pass me over like this, and not meet with me to discuss anything prior to running.
Through the candidates your family chose to finance, Iowans are unconstitutionally having more than $200 M in tax dollars siphoned out of public schools and put into private religious institutions, we’re having Medicaid and SNAP benefits ripped away, reproductive rights violated, and it is not safe for transgender people to work or even live in Iowan.
As someone who is personally being harmed by the Republicans your family financed and helped put into office, I have no doubt that any Iowan in a similar position to myself is thinking the same thing: “there is no way I will vote for Rob.” Your campaign appears firmly centered around being kind to and playing nicely with Republicans while placating and giving lip service to those of us who are being severely harmed. We don’t want a charming personality: we want someone who will stand up and fight for the rights of all Iowans, even when that means standing up to Republicans.
Republicans currently in office have blatantly committed color of law crimes, racketeering, and extortion, as is shown in the suit I filed earlier this year, Wilson et al v. Trump et al. That case will move forward soon enough, and my amended petition will include a great deal of additional information. The fact is that your family bankrolled many of the defendants implicated in my suit. Your “Let’s be nice to them as they hurt us” campaign is already splitting Democrats, and we’re not even close to the primaries. The Republican Party of Iowa is already gearing up to dig into this issue and split Democrats and turn off potential voters if we put you into the general election.
Rob, I firmly believe you are the right person for State Auditor, but Iowans need a governor who will enforce the laws — including color of law crimes. We must see no possible conflict of interest. I will enforce those laws, work to ensure Iowans who have had their rights violated be given redress, and send a clear message throughout the state and nation: no one is above the law, and no one better try to violate the rights of or harm Iowans! I am prepared to make that promise. Are you?
Once the Watchdog Act is passed — which I named in honor of your Wake Up the Watchdog event at ISU, the leash (SF-478) that was put onto you will be removed, and my office will gladly have you do your very favorite thing in entire the world: find meat.
With due respect toward Rob Sand, his campaign team, his family, and those who are backing him, I respectfully request that Rob Sand steps down from his bid for governor and endorses my campaign. The $7 M the Laurdidsens gave to Rob’s campaign, after backing the same Republicans who are actively harming us, means to Iowa’s prospective voters that Rob is compromised. We need to stand on a united front and remove all doubts from Iowans in regards to the integrity of the Democratic Party.
Sincerely,
Sondra Wilson
Iowa is Not a “Deep Red State”: We’re a Deep Jade State
Republican financiers are backing Rob Sand’s campaign for Governor