“He Is Willing To Work With Anyone on Behalf of Everyone.” One Voter’s Take on Today’s Politics — and Why He’s Watching Rob Sand

“He is more concerned about what’s right than who’s right, even when it means admitting he is wrong.”

DES MOINES, IA – In a new op-ed, veteran and fifth-generation Iowan Matt Peterson reflects on what it means to be a voter who doesn’t fit neatly into either political party — and why he is paying attention to Rob Sand.

Peterson, who holds a mix of political views, describes the frustration many Iowans feel in a polarized climate that leaves little room for debate. He writes that Sand stands out for his willingness to listen, his commitment to integrity, and his openness to working with “anyone on behalf of everyone.” At a time when too many leaders focus on division instead of results, Peterson sees Sand’s approach as something different: common sense, decency, and a commitment to putting people over politics.

Read key quotes below, or the full op-ed here:

• What to do with a voter like me? To the chagrin of those who enjoy putting people in partisan boxes; I am neither Republican nor Democrat.

• But in a bipolar political milieu in which “compromise” is a vulgarity, party identity suffocates principles, and opposing views are treated as existential threats, voters like me are caught in the crossfire of extremists on both sides; it is exhausting.

• Voters like me yearn for common sense, decency, and an ideological marketplace where thoughts can be exchanged without fear of violence or personal attacks.

• We are hungry for leaders who understand, as we do in our everyday lives, that 60% of something is better than 100% of nothing, and it is possible to disagree without being disrespectful.

• As I have observed the early salvos of Iowa’s gubernatorial campaign, I am heartened by the actions of Rob Sand.

• Rob is an authentic American unwilling to use the government to advance a personal agenda.

• He is an Iowan whose professional record demonstrates a commitment to prizing our liberties and maintaining our rights. He is a white-collar intellectual with blue-collar credibility. He is more concerned about what’s right than who’s right, even when it means admitting he is wrong.

• I will not say that I agree with Rob on all things, but I believe he will listen to all voices and treat each voter with basic human dignity. I believe he is more interested in finding common ground, than in making enemies. And I believe he is willing to work with anyone on behalf of everyone. For voters like me, that is a great start.