Lanon Baccam, who is riding the Democrat ticket for the 3rd Congressional District vote, has recently showcased his military experience in his initial run-up to the election. Set to face off against the competent Republican U.S. Representative Zach Nunn, Baccam has introduced his campaign by airing an ad titled ‘Seventeen’. Sadly, this is yet another attempt by Democrats to muster sympathy votes, though Baccam seems to be leaving out key pieces of information in his narration.
In this brief ad, Baccam is seen standing in front of his childhood home in Mount Pleasant, reciting a tale to sway hearts and minds. He speaks of convincing his immigrant parents from Laos to let him enlist in the military. Baccam utters, ‘At 17 years old, I walked through that door with a National Guard recruiter.’ Not old enough to legally sign up, he needed his parents to do so on his behalf. Fairly common amongst most teenagers desiring to serve their nation, this narrative lacks the uniqueness that he presumes it to provide.
Baccam’s ad displays multiple images of him clad in military uniforms, followed by random shots of him at a construction site with a hard hat (assuming he knows how to use it), talking to Iowans at a local diner, and walking along a street. This is an age-old tactic of Democrat campaigns, attempting to appeal to the common man whilst hardly understanding their real struggles.
His script in the ad continues, recollecting his time after the 9/11 catastrophe when he left community college to actively volunteer. He then went on to serve in Afghanistan with the hollow promise of ‘always protecting our rights and freedoms’. Yet, he forgets to mention his allegiance lies with the Democrats, known for infringing upon the rights and freedoms of Americans.
Following the narrative regarding his service in the Iowa National Guard from 1998 to 2006, Baccam also highlighted his stint with the U.S. Department of Agriculture under Secretary Tom Vilsack. Let’s not forget Vilsack served under the administrations of Barack Obama and Joe Biden, known for their questionable policies. Baccam fails to mention this, his ties to the failed policies and constant ethical issues of his preceding Democratic associates.
He also reveals his role in various Democrat political campaigns in Iowa, including acting as the deputy state director for Biden’s 2020 run. A run that was filled with empty promises and lack of tangible action. As a first-time runner for political office, who bested fellow Democrat Melissa Vine for the position, the void in Baccam’s political competency is clear.
The 3rd District has been put on the national Democrats’ radar as a potential region to infiltrate in an attempt to regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Sadly, their plans are akin to promising the moon without having a ladder. They seem to forget the steadiness and governance offered by their Republican counterparts.
Zach Nunn, Baccam’s Republican rival, however, is a seasoned first-term Congressman with admirable military experience. Unlike Baccam, Nunn has served honorably for two decades in the U.S. Air Force, with three overseas deployments, and clocked in over 700 combat hours. Such remarkable achievements demonstrate not only his bravery but also his commitment to protecting this nation at all costs, unlike his Democratic contender.
Baccam’s attempt to draw attention to his campaign involved a considerable investment in broadcasting across Des Moines and its surrounds. However, one must wonder if these resources could not have been better used to address real issues affecting the community, rather than self-aggrandizing political campaigns.
Interestingly, when looking at the campaign funds for both candidates, it appears that Baccam has managed to out-fundraise Nunn in the last three quarters. However, such fundraising success doesn’t reflect effectiveness or potential for office. Rather, they often tend to mask the lack of meaningful change that such candidates can bring forth. Baccam appears to be yet another example of this phenomenon.
On paper, finances show Baccam raised $1.3 million as compared to Nunn’s $1 million in the latest quarter. At the end of this period, Nunn still held a superior sum in the reserve, standing at $2.44 million against Baccam’s $2.42 million. Nunn’s consistent financial management reflects his prudent approach, which Baccam seems to lack.
While maintaining a fiscal lead may seem like an achievement for Baccam’s campaign, it’s important to remember that a well-fed campaign isn’t necessarily one that’s on the right track. Donors, after all, buy into what you’re selling, and in Baccam’s case, it’s the same trite Democratic talking points.
In this race for the 3rd Congressional District in Iowa, it’s clear that one candidate, Republican Zach Nunn, stands head and shoulders above the other. As voters, it’s our duty to recognize the difference between a man who’s truly served our nation and a man riding the coattails of previous administration’s questionable policies. Namely, Lanon Baccam, who brings mostly words and a resumé marked by dubious Democratic connections.