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Ruth Smith (Iowa)

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Ruth Smith

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Independent

Personal
Profession
Physical Therapist, Small Business Owner
Contact

Personal website

Ruth Smith was a 2016 independent candidate for District 14 of the Iowa State Senate.

Smith was also a 2014 independent candidate seeking election to the U.S. Senate from Iowa. She was defeated by Joni Ernst (R) in the general election on November 4, 2014.[1]

She was the Democratic Party candidate for the 2011 special election to District 48 of the Iowa State Senate. The special election took place on January 4, 2011.

Biography

Smith is a life-long resident of Decatur County, where she graduated from Lamoni Community Schools. She went on to pursue a degree in chemistry from Graceland University, a degree in physical therapy from the University of Miami and a degree in Public Policy and Administration from Walden University.[2]

She works as a physical therapist in southern Iowa. Smith has previously worked as an adjunct instructor at Graceland University, high school coach and small business entrepreneur. She also is serving as a council member with the city of Lamoni.[2]

Campaign themes

2014

Smith stated the following in a biographical submission to Ballotpedia:

“ I feel the urgent importance to get the BIG MONEY out of politics, specifically in campaign fundraising. This reform must happen before any national issues are most effectively resolved. American voters need to realize that politicians are 'buying their vote' instead of doing their job.[3] ”

[4]

Smith highlighted the following themes on her campaign website:[5]

  • Accountability
Excerpt: "Hold Congress accountable by withholding their paycheck (or some form of legal action) when it can't compromise on reasonable spending and fair taxation."
  • Entitlement programs
Excerpt: "[T]he costs of our Medicare and Medicaid programs along with Social Security must be drastically reduced. Prevention in healthcare always pays off and delaying eligibility for retirement benefits might also be considered...the more-fortunate taxpayors [sic] must provide "American Family" support through programs such as food and housing assistance until the less-fortunate are able to give back to society."
  • International relations
Excerpt: "[A]s we remain alert and able, we resist the temptation to strike first...we would rather avoid the confrontation. 'Global power' will inevitably change with growing economies... the U.S. must be a strong defender of world peace by forming stronger relations with all nations. Through mutual respect and honor, American leadership must balance our own national security interests with similar interests of people across the globe."
  • Environment
Excerpt: "Since global warming is mostly caused by the use of fossil fuels---such as oil, coal, and natural gas---our primary energy production must NOT rely on these sources. Instead, renewable sources---such as wind, water, solar, and plants---must be developed. Nuclear power sources are clean but management of nuclear waste continues to be a challenge. And a no-brainer...a hefty tax on carbon dioxide pollutors [sic] will definitely give adequate incentive for more responsible business practices!"
  • Immigration
Excerpt: "Sufficient control at the borders is an essential start, but our out-dated process to legal citizenship must be more flexible and responsive to our country’s economic needs...let’s consider a compromise like a 'conditional' green card until the immigrant shows sufficient commitment to our American way of life."
  • Education
Excerpt: "Let’s give students better career guidance and security. And as our economy continues to change, let’s encourage life-long learning through adult education."
  • Healthcare
Excerpt: "Heathcare [sic] costs---for all Americans---have been out-of-control for way too long. Because the healthcare industry has been unable to fix this problem, government must participate in solving it."
  • Minimum wage
Excerpt: "[I]n order to enable all full-time workers a chance to stay out of poverty, the minimum wage must be annually adjusted with inflation."

2011

Smith's 2011 special election campaign site emphasized several key policy positions and campaign themes:

  • Healthcare Policy
Excerpt:"I will support healthcare policy which promotes affordable and accessible medical services, including both mental and physical health for all Iowans... Healthcare affordability must address those areas of low cost-effectiveness in the current healthcare system and encourage preventative practices which allow for early detection and treatment of disease... Alternative healthcare options— research-based, holistic approaches— should be incorporated into the medical system for more comprehensive strategies... Because of the increasing numbers of rural elders, community developers must be encouraged to meet the various elder housing and service needs... Finally, Iowa legislators must promote prompt and top-quality healthcare services for Iowa veterans..."
  • Education Policy
Excerpt: "I will lobby for education policy which advocates a well-rounded K-12 curriculum and encourages health lifestyles... Adequate financial support from state resources is critical to the success of rural public education. By increasing wages and benefits for teachers and staff, we place a higher value on our children’s education and future... To optimize educational outcomes, accountability standards for teachers and administration must be effective and reasonable...Advanced education, through both community colleges and universities, must continue to prepare young adults to effectively enter the ever-changing work world. Both vocational and professional programs are necessary for a vibrant rural economy..."
  • Small Business and Industry Policy
Excerpt: "Infrastructure needs– adequate transportation means, sufficient water and energy supply, and suitable communication technology– form the foundation for economic prosperity in rural Iowa...For greater workforce stability and productivity, labor wages must be fair relative to the area’s living costs. The interdependent relationship between business management and the labor force must be recognized to create employee loyalty and accountability, leading to better performance and profits...In order to attract tourists, new residents, and additional business, “main street” of most rural communities needs re-vitalization. Entrepreneurs and developers must be supported by both financial assistance and planning resources. Currently, most small business owners are overburdened with commercial property taxes; therefore, more equitable taxation strategies are appropriate."
  • Farming Policy
Excerpt: "New, research-based practices must be supported to increase production, maximize efficiency, and reduce waste. Unnecessary regulation which discourages the initiation and development of new farming markets should be minimized...Environmentally-friendly practices must be considered for the well-being of rural communities. Advancements in safer, more conscientious farming materials and methodology will respect the quality of life for rural residents and the condition of our natural resources... “Green” energy development– bio-fuels, wind, solar, and water energy– shows much economic potential for farming commodities and rural landowners... Agricultural research and education must result in practical recommendations which improve the competitiveness of the small farmer. Iowa must preserve and restore the opportunities for farmers to sustain a livelihood in the farming industry..."

Candidate Forum

On December 14, 2010, Smith and Joni Ernst (R) took part in an open forum sponsored by the Creston News Advertiser and KSIB.[6]

Elections

2016

See also: Iowa State Senate elections, 2016

Elections for the Iowa State Senate were held in 2016. The primary election took place on June 7, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was March 18, 2016.

Incumbent Amy Sinclair defeated Ruth Smith in the Iowa State Senate District 14 general election.[7][8]

Iowa State Senate, District 14 General Election, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.png Amy Sinclair Incumbent 74.25% 19,482
     Independent Ruth Smith 25.75% 6,755
Total Votes 26,237
Source: Iowa Secretary of State



Incumbent Amy Sinclair ran unopposed in the Iowa State Senate District 14 Republican primary.[9][10]

Iowa State Senate, District 14 Republican Primary, 2016
Party Candidate
    Republican Green check mark transparent.png Amy Sinclair Incumbent (unopposed)

2014

See also: United States Senate elections in Iowa, 2014

Smith ran in the 2014 election for the U.S. Senate, representing Iowa. Smith ran as an independent candidate. She was defeated by Joni Ernst (R) in the general election on November 4, 2014.[1]

U.S. Senate, Iowa General Election, 2014
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngJoni Ernst 52.1% 588,575
     Democratic Bruce Braley 43.8% 494,370
     Independent Rick Stewart 2.4% 26,815
     Libertarian Douglas Butzier 0.7% 8,232
     Independent Ruth Smith 0.5% 5,873
     Independent Bob Quast 0.4% 4,724
     Write-in Other 0.1% 1,111
Total Votes 1,129,700
Source: Iowa Secretary of State Official Results

2011

See also: State legislative special elections, 2011; Iowa state legislative special elections, 2011

Smith was defeated by Republican Joni Ernst in the January 4, 2011 special election to Iowa State Senate District 48.[11] With 62 of 62 precincts reporting, Ernst has won with 67.4 percent of the vote.[12][13]

Personal

Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Smith and her husband of 20 years, Ted, have three children.[2]

Recent news

This section links to a Google news search for the term "Ruth + Smith + Iowa + Senate"

Ruth Smith News Feed

See also

External links

Footnotes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Huffington Post, "Election 2014," accessed November 6, 2014
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Ruth for Senate, "About Me," accessed August 19, 2014
  3. ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  4. ↑ Information submitted on Ballotpedia’s biographical information submission form on July 10, 2014
  5. ↑ Ruth Smith for Senate, "Issues," accessed August 19, 2014
  6. ↑ Creston News Advertiser, "Ernst, Smith focus on social, economic issues," December 15, 2010
  7. ↑ Iowa Secretary of State, "General Candidate List, 2016," accessed August 24, 2016
  8. ↑ Iowa Secretary of State, "2016 General Election Canvass Summary," accessed December 16, 2016
  9. ↑ Iowa Secretary of State, "Candidate Listing by Office," March 21, 2016
  10. ↑ Iowa Secretary of State, "2016 Primary Election Canvass Summary," accessed August 22, 2016
  11. ↑ Official Iowa Candidate list
  12. ↑ Iowa SOS, Unofficial Election Results
  13. ↑ Des Moines Register, "Republican Ernst wins state Senate seat," January 5, 2011


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