Exclusive: Auditor Rob Sand candidate for Iowa Governor

Audio version:

State Auditor Rob Sand is running for Iowa Governor. As the lone Democrat in Iowa public office, backed by a significantly weaker Democrat party, is he going to run as a Democrat or Independent? He discussed why he may not actually be opposed to the new ESA law, how he’ll handle a GOP majority, and discusses his opposition to gender being removed from the Iowa Civil Rights Act.

Sand is positioning himself as an independent voice for Iowans but he has a difficult road ahead, especially as the national Democrat party faces a 30% approval rate, which is likely to lower after polls are conducted post the Biden cover-up news. But Sand is hopeful and explains why the time is perfect to win his campaign for Governor.

Is Sand Running As A Democrat?

Sand is asked about the Democrat’s image. Before last week’s revelations of the Biden health cover-up, the party’s approval rate according to CNN was 30%, down 28 points, a record low. As the lone Democrat in a red state, is the Democrat party an anchor or an asset?

This question is especially important as Sand continues to brand himself as anti-corruption, pro-transparency, independent thinker, and across-the-aisle reacher, but does that change his party affiliation? Sand says no. That means, even if elected he has his work cut out for him.

Should Sand become Governor, he still faces a red state. But Sand is confident his reasonable approach will be able to do good, even with a GOP-controlled senate and GOP-controlled house.

ESAs: what’s the problem?

Sand also tackled the question of ESAs. Does he agree with the familiar “public money belongs in public schools” line? Not exactly. Sand explained he main concern isn’t tax money going to private schools, but the lack of oversight and transparency. Sand says there’s presently zero accountability for how those dollars are spent, and zero visibility into where the money goes.

One frequent criticism of funding for public schools is often that’s they’re underfunded. When asked about the proper number, Sand was cautious to be specific, offering that he’d be willing to collaborate to find agreement. When pressed about tying it to inflation, he reiterated his commitment to compromise.

Rob Sand on Trans rights

Sand was also asked about SF418, a bill that removed gender identity as a protect class in the Iowa Civil Rights Act. Sand was asked about SF418. Before the law was enacted, an Iowa business would have no legal authority to intervene should a biological man, who identifies as a a woman, use the women’s restroom.

Sand was asked if private business owners rights should be superseded by individual preferences to enforce their own rules as they see fit. Sand discussed women’s sports instead.

“ Anyone who wants to know the truth about that bill to go read it. What you will not find in that bill are specific references to sports and bathrooms.” said Sand. “What you will  find is an entire wholesale removal equal protection against discrimination.” When pressed that the issue isn’t about sports, Sand again discussed women’s sports. “How many bills are they gonna pass that they claim is another necessary bill to protect fairness in girls’ sports before people go, ‘ that’s what you said last year. Why do you keep bringing this up?’”

Rob Sand on Glyphosate

As a hunter, Sand is passionate about protecting land and clean water. When asked if he’d ban Glyphosate or synthetic pesticides, Sand said he hadn’t looked into the legislation or proposals surrounding the issue, but will soon. “I don’t really trust either party, Justin. So just because a Democrat tells me it says this mean that I’m not gonna read it for myself. I’m independent minded. I haven’t read the bill.”

Sand committed to a future discussion on the topic.

“ Let’s talk about it next  year when I have a chance to read the text of it. It’s not the job that I have had. Is it related to the job I’m asking for? Yeah, but we got a long way to go before we  get there.”