Supervisor backs Watkins for 100th District seat

Dear Editor:

I like many citizens in Lee County was shocked and heartbroken to hear of Representative Martin Graber’s sudden passing at the end of January. I spent many years serving in the Iowa Army National Guard with Brigadier General (Ret) Graber and spoke with him frequently about county concerns in his role as Iowa House 100 Representative. Martin was a caring, thoughtful and measured leader. His warm smile and wise council I will be forever thankful for. Martin will never be replaced but the time is drawing near to elect a District 100 Representative.
Lee County citizens had several individuals that stepped up wishing to fill the District 100 seat; my mind went to Isaiah 6:8 and I’m thankful we had many willing to fill the role. Mr. Blaine Watkins, a young man of 23 years age, has been selected to represent the Republicans and I wish to publicly endorse him. I have talked with Blaine who is knowledgeable, energetic and well spoken. After speaking with him it is very apparent that his learning curve will be much less than any other candidate. With the legislature already in session we need a representative who knows the issues and their way around the capital.
Blaine is a 2024 graduate of Grand View University with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Business. While going to college in DesMoines he worked with many leaders in the Iowa Capital including: Senator Craig Williams, Senator Jeff Reichman and in 2020 as a page for Majority Leader Matt Windschitl. Additionally, he knew Martin who inspired and encouraged him to be a conservative leader within the Iowa Capital.
While some I have spoken with have concerns for his youth, his name recognition and even his ties to the “machine”. I say we were all young, many of us are unknown (until given a chance) and this young man will have a seat at the table of the majority party to sway opinions and decisions. The Watkins family has deep roots in Lee County. At the Republican nominating convention, I saw his grandmother Marilyn Watkins for whom I detasseled corn 40 years ago. Blaine was a member of 4H/FFA while going to Central Lee and currently helps his father, Brian, on the family’s century farm. He is a grounded young man with a great support system.
I would ask the citizens of Lee County to give this young man a chance and vote for Blaine Watkins for District 100 Representative. Blaine has the education and experience at the capital to represent Lee County citizens on day one.

Garry W. Seyb, Jr.
Keokuk, Iowa