Change is almost always hard, but I was pleased to see Iowa Senate Republicans select Paul McKinley as their new leader.
Sen. Paul Wieck of Sioux City, who has been in the post since 2007, has been a capable leader during difficult times for our party. But, just as we’ve seen with the Iowa House, fresh leadership is what’s needed in the wake of the general election results two weeks ago.
I got to know Paul McKinley when we served on the board of directors of a bank not too many years ago. It was obvious then that Paul was very bright and has true conservative values. He was also a focused and skilled businessman who led his Chariton textile firm, Neely Manufacturing, to success. He’s since sold the company and now he sets his sights on rebuilding the Iowa GOP and increasing the ranks of his 18-member caucus.
Paul’s many fine traits are going to serve him, our Senate Republicans and all Iowans well as he brings his talents to bear over the next few years to help bring his caucus back to majority status.
