At least two prominent Iowa Republicans won’t be in Cleveland this week for the party’s national convention. Iowa Congressmen Rod Blum and David Young says they’ll be skipping the big event. Young says he’ll bypass the convention in order to get some work done back in Iowa. “When we are not voting and we’re on our work periods and on weekends, I go home,” Young says. “Home is where I want to be. It’s a lot better than going to Cleveland. Nothing against Cleveland, personally, but I want to be home. So, I’ll be watching like other folks are and listening to some news bites.”

Iowa Senator Joni Ernst is expected to speak at the convention tonight (Monday) during prime time. Ernst, of Red Oak, said she withdrew her name from consideration as Donald Trump’s vice presidential running mate in order to continue working for Iowa in the Senate. Young says Ernst will shine tonight.

“I am excited to hear her speech at the convention and I’m glad she’s talking about national security issues,” Young says. “She has credibility on that issue and she’s eloquent in talking about it and personalizing it and letting people know what the real threats are out there. I’m anxiously awaiting her speech and I’m proud of her.” Iowa Republican Party chairman Jeff Kaufmann says Young has made a “good decision” to skip the convention.

“I’d rather have David Young down in southern Iowa doing five coffees, than listening to the 17th speech in Cleveland,” Kaufmann says. According to Kaufmann, a candidate has two basic jobs: “knock on doors and raise money.” Among the other Republicans in the Iowa delegation, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley does plan to attend the convention in Cleveland, while Congressman Steve King will also attend as a delegate.

(Radio Iowa)