Over the last month or so, a flurry of negative ads criticizing the two-term incumbent’s voting record have aired on television stations in the Des Moines media market. In one of them, it is said that Cahill voted against new police officers, turned her back on disaster response, as well as on drug enforcement and human trafficking.

Blom said the claims are based on Cahill’s voting records on House File 2693 (HF2693) and Senate File 562 (SF562). Both are bills making appropriations to the justice system. He said it is important voters know that Cahill voted against the bills.

“Sue and I met and decided we would talk about the issues and voting records,” Blom said. “Sue has a voting record.”

Cahill did vote against the bills but wanted to clarify her stance, contending that the advertisements contain “partial truths.” She said one reason was the lack of money in the large justice department bill for corrections officers.

“It was the same session as (when) a correctional officer was killed in Anamosa,” Cahill said. “There was no additional money for personnel training. That is why I voted — I found it anecdotally flawed. I did not turn my back on the corrections officers. Some of the statements in the ads are definitely taken out of context.”

The same bill also contained funding for disaster response. Cahill said anyone who knows her knows she had her boots on the ground, helping fellow Marshalltown residents after the 2018 tornado and 2020 derecho.

“People know what I have done for the community,” she said. “These are things I have a solid record on. The information put out in the ads are misrepresenting views by focusing on a small part of the bill.”

An ad also claimed she was against raising teacher salaries. When she saw it, Cahill, a former educator, said she laughed out loud. The reason she voted against the bill was it also contained the controversial provisions making major changes to the state’s Area Education Agencies (AEAs).

“I could not vote for that,” Cahill said. “It was out of line with my values and what constituents believe is good for Iowa.”

Some Marshalltown community members have expressed concern about the ads on social media and believe they are false. Wolff said the claims made in the ads are true.

“The truth isn’t any more complicated than pointing to Cahill’s own out-of-touch voting record,” he said.

Godden countered, saying the Republican Party is lying about Cahill and trying to smear her name.

“It’s what everyone hates about politics these days,” she said. “The people of Marshall County won’t be fooled by it.”

The negative ads have not only come after Cahill. One has suggested that Blom is against abortion and holds an extreme position on the issue. Even though Blom, a first-time candidate who has never held office, does not have a voting record, Cahill said it is important to know where legislators stand on that issue and for voters to know who is influencing them.

Blom said it was unfortunate the ad was run, and his position is to protect and support mothers and families. He hopes to see the state move forward in expanding access to Medicaid for new mothers and families.

“Protection for the family is important,” he said. “We need to make sure every baby is protected and cared for and loved, and every mother is respected and cared for as well.”

Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext 210 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.