As the Nov. 3 Election Day draws closer, voters across the state are receiving the last appeals for candidates in their mailboxes, including those in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District.

A mailer recently sent by the Congressional Leadership Fund targeted Rita Hart, the Democratic candidate and former state senator vying against Mariannette Miller-Meeks, currently a Republican state senator, for an open seat in the U.S. House.

The Congressional Leadership Fund, a conservative Super PAC, made three specific claims against Hart.

The first points to Hart’s voting record in the Iowa Legislature: “In the State Senate, she raised the gas tax, voted against simplifying the income tax system, and supported allowing a tax increase on cattle.”

The ad also claims, “Hart is supported by national Democrats who voted to allow the US Export-Import Bank to provide loans supporting the Chinese government.”

Finally, the ad’s third claim: “In the State Senate, Hart voted to allow exemptions for certain health plans to drop coverage for preexisting conditions. One health insurance company that benefited from this vote had previously contributed to her campaign.”

The Fact Checker team checks statements made by an Iowa political candidate/officeholder or a national candidate/officeholder about Iowa, or in ads that appear in our market.

Claims must be independently verifiable.

We give statements grades from A to F based on accuracy and context.

If you spot a claim you think needs checking, email us at factchecker@thegazette.com.

This Fact Checker was researched and written by Michaela Ramm and edited by Craig Gemoules. This episode of the Fact Checker Podcast is hosted by Michaela Ramm and features Erin Murphy, John Steppe, and Marissa Payne.

Music is Lobby Time by Kevin MacLeod.

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3986-lobby-time/

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