"Mariannette represents the best that the Republican Party has to offer for service to this state. Her unique background places her in a perfect position to take the lead on health care issues, national defense, and economic development," Kaufmann said.  "Her conservative credentials are without question and her background as a soldier and a medical doctor are exactly the diverse background and level of expertise that that we need in our representative in Congress."

Miller-Meeks expressed appreciation for Kaufmann’s leadership and expertise on key issues of importance to Iowans.  Kaufmann, who has been a leader on property rights, school funding, affordable health care, and veterans’ benefits during his two terms in the General Assembly, is a seventh-generation Cedar County livestock producer.  He earned his Ph.D. at the University of Iowa and is a teacher and department chair at Muscatine Community College.

    "The day I met Jeff Kaufmann I drove through a blizzard from Ottumwa to Tipton, and it was like finding sunshine when he spoke about his commitment to property rights and his efforts to overcome the challenges he faced within the General Assembly," Miller-Meeks said.  "I couldn’t have agreed with him more, and I wished he were my representative.  Jeff Kaufmann is courageous and tenacious.  Receiving the endorsement of someone so competent and dedicated to doing what’s right for Iowans is both humbling and inspiring. I am greatly honored to have his support."