OTTUMWA – Republican candidate Mariannette Miller-Meeks announced today her campaign has released a television advertisement, entitled "Waiting for Leadership". The ad began airing across the Second Congressional District early this morning. The ad is available for viewing on Google Video at this link, or you may view it below:

"Waiting for Leadership" gives voice to the thousands of Iowans in the Second Congressional District most impacted by the June flooding. Dr. Miller-Meeks has been vocal in both her empathy for flood victims and disappointment in the response of congressional representatives in promoting a comprehensive relief bill. "Although Cedar Rapids and Linn County have the resources to hire a lobbyist to navigate the intricacies of a relief package, who will advocate for those in Columbus Junction, Oakville, Burlington or Eddyville or the numerous other smaller communities? That’s the job of our elected congressman, and that job isn’t getting done."  Miller-Meeks said.

"As more recent natural disasters have occurred, flood relief for our district threatens to be pushed from the back burner to off the stove completely.  A $60 billion package was approved for New Orleans within weeks of Hurricane Katrina, and we are only asking for equitable treatment," Miller-Meeks added.

Miller-Meeks has also launched a radio entitled "Not Getting the Job Done." This 60 second spot highlights how the City of Cedar Rapids and Linn County have been forced to hire a Washington, DC lobbying firm at $10,000 per month to secure flood relief. The radio ad is available on Google Video at this link, or you may listen to it below:

Dr. Miller-Meeks indicated that Senator Grassley and others have been extremely critical of the federal package that was "not prompt, not timely and not enough," almost 3 months since the floods swept into the Second District.  "The job of our elected officials is to lobby for us and I would define our congressional leadership as AWOL when a major city goes to the rare extent of hiring a Washington, DC lobbyist," said Miller-Meeks. "I am most concerned with the most vulnerable of homeowners and small businesses who lack these resources…who lobbies for them?"

Miller-Meeks’ advertising campaign coincides with the release of the Rebuild Iowa Advisory Commission, which today announced its disaster recovery findings and recommendations.

In its 64-page report, the Commission recommended:

• $946 million in unmet needs for single-family and multifamily housing.
• $2.5 billion to $3 billion in damage to agricultural crops, grain and grain-handling infrastructure.
• $2.78 billion in unmet needs for damage to small and intermediate businesses.
• $703 million in unmet needs for repair and rebuilding of public buildings and infrastructure.

The Commission also noted the recommendations carry a "sense of urgency." Miller-Meeks said she couldn’t agree more. "We have been patient, self-reliant, and Iowans have given tremendously to each other. But there are certain jobs with which we need the help of the federal government. For those affected by the June floods, time and patience is running out. They need our help, and I intend to do everything in my power to get the job done."