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STATE CENTER - Becky Greenwald, the Democratic candidate for Congress in Iowa's Fourth Congressional District, Thursday defended her support of the $700 billion bailout package.

"It was the right decision," she said. "The risk of doing nothing was much worse than the risk of doing something."

Her opponent, incumbent Republican Rep. Tom Latham, voted against the bailout package twice saying it was excessive, not thought out thoroughly, and would make very little difference in the long run.

Greenwald said she understands why so many were tempted to let corporate CEOs fend for themselves when they were "standing on the edge of a cliff."

However, she added, "The problem is they're standing at the edge of a cliff with a rope tied around their neck and if they go off, then the rest of us go."

For example, Greenwald said many people have a vested interest in the stock market in the middle of America. They are depending on portfolios, such as their 401k plans, for retirement.

Further, she said there was a substantial amount of money for Iowa in the bill - in the amount of $4.6 billion for flood relief.

"How can you turn your back on that?" she asked.

Greenwald was campaigning in State Center, the Marshall County town in which she grew up and from which she graduated high school.

Greenwald also spoke about her desire to have a commitment from Congress for renewable forms of energy, which she said would not only help the country in general but Iowa in particular.

Further, Greenwald said it was time to come up with a health care plan that provided affordable access to quality care in all areas of the country.

Also speaking was Steve Sodders, a Democrat for State Senate District 22, which includes Marshall and Hardin counties.

"I feel we are going to win it," he told the crowd. "I'm very confident."

However, he noted the key will still be to work hard and talk about the issues all the way to election day.

Tim Hoy, Iowa House District 44 Democratic candidate, said economic development was one of the primary issues around the district, which includes portions of Marshall and Hardin counties.

"Small towns need a Renaissance, frankly," he said.

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Contact Ken Black at 641-753-6611 or kblack@timesrepublican.com