Jim Nussle: “I rise to honor President Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan once said, ``We in government should learn to look at our country…”

“I rise to honor President Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan once said, ``We in government should learn to look at our country with the eyes of an entrepreneur, seeing possibilities where others see only problems.'' It is that spirit that brought me and many others into the public service profession. I am proud to have cast my first presidential vote for Ronald Reagan in 1980. Fortunately for this country and the world, a majority of my fellow citizens agreed. Ronald Reagan served as a beacon of hope and inspiration. His vision of a stronger, optimistic America inspired me to action. In 1980 I was a young student at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and I jumped right into grassroots politics on my campus. I was selected to attend the Republican National Convention that summer and was one of the youngest delegates there. Iowans are proud of our connection to President Reagan. WOC, a Davenport radio station in my district, gave Ronald Reagan his first job out of college and he lived in Iowa for several years. Ronald Reagan made the future something to charge toward rather than fear. His philosophy was based on a brilliant truth: He knew without a doubt that having faith in Americans would create the best America. The Reagan Revolution is still the foundation for my core beliefs: The American people make better decisions about their daily life than the government can for them. Keeping America secure is job one.”