State Senator Zach Nunn has described his planned “listening tour” of Iowa’s third Congressional district as “an opportunity to learn from Iowa families, farmers, and business owners […] about priorities for their communities.”

Unfortunately, the not-quite-official Republican candidate for IA-03 can’t be bothered to check the facts before spreading false claims that suit his political ambitions.



Conservative blogger Jacob Hall published an interview with Nunn at The Iowa Standard on May 8. Why didn’t he confirm he’s running for Congress, like former U.S. Representative David Young did last week?

“We’re definitely looking,” Nunn said. “But I have service commitments that I’m not going to give up on. I have a service commitment as military commander to an Airmen training event the entire month of June. It’s wrong for me to jump into a race before I fulfill that service. I have a service commitment to my district I represent. I didn’t jump into the race while in session because that was my priority. When I run for Congress I’ll have a service commitment to get out to every county in the district, not just one county.” […] “We’ve got a Congresswoman who is a quarter of the way through her time and still hasn’t shown up in every county in the district,” Nunn said. “And we’ve got another candidate who is a good man, but we don’t want to see a repeat of 2018. That requires that we have a new narrative and a new dedication.”

Nunn’s “new narrative” doesn’t reflect reality. Representative Cindy Axne has visited all sixteen counties she represents multiple times since the November election. At the end of this post, I’ve compiled some of the ample evidence, which is easy to find on her Congressional website and social media feeds.

Those citations don’t include the tour Axne conducted before being sworn in, with public events in Madison, Cass, Adair, Polk, Ringgold, Taylor, Adams, Pottawattamie, Mills, Fremont, Page, Guthrie, and Dallas counties in December. They also don’t include any of the Democratic political fundraisers or county meetings Axne has attended this year.

I asked Nunn where he came up with this idea that Axne hasn’t shown up in some counties. He responded via Facebook message on May 13,

This information comes direct from county chairs and members of the media I’ve spoken with while traveling. She made a commitment in the Des Moines Register she would visit every county every month, there is no indication this is happening (while there are some random FB posts, there is no notice in her news letter or website where she would/did visit). If the congresswoman is able to release her travel schedule for the last five months, that may help constituents know when and where she has been in the district.

Nunn did not respond to a follow-up question: which Republican county chairs claim our new member of Congress hasn’t been in their area?

Axne’s Congressional Facebook page lists lots of events around the district, and pictures sometimes end up on Axne’s official Twitter feed. Local media outlets have also reported on many appearances, such as Axne’s visits to health care facilities in eight counties in early February.

Flooding in southwest Iowa prompted some changes to Axne’s schedule in March and April, as she made more stops in affected communities than in counties farther east. Nevertheless, she has been accessible to constituents in every part of the district on multiple occasions. In addition, her staff periodically hold office hours in every county, which are announced in advance on the Congressional website.

Nunn should double-check what he hears from Republican contacts. Spreading falsehoods is a bad look for a self-styled “leader” and fighter for “Iowa values.”

Speaking of fighting for Iowans, Axne just helped add federal funding for Iowa roads and watersheds to a disaster relief bill the House approved on May 10. Representatives Abby Finkenauer (D, IA-01), Dave Loebsack (D, IA-02), and Steve King (R, IA-04) also voted for that legislation. Finkenauer presided over the chamber during the debate.

Final note: A third candidate joined the Republican field in IA-03 on May 12. Shane Vander Hart profiled Army veteran Bill Schafer at Caffeinated Thoughts. He’s on Twitter @BillSchaferIowa.

Appendix: Sampling of Representative Cindy Axne’s events in every IA-03 county since taking office in January 2019 (not an exhaustive list)

ADAIR COUNTY

Stuart on February 1

Fontanelle on March 3

Greenfield on April 15

I promised to fight to make sure every Iowan can age with dignity. Yesterday, I stopped by senior living centers in Guthrie, Greenfield and Anita to chat with seniors, nurses and administrative officials about how Washington can better support our elderly communities. pic.twitter.com/D4rfJekp6V — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) April 16, 2019

Stuart on May 13

ADAMS COUNTY

Corning on February 1

Corning on March 3

Corning on May 6

I’m touring small businesses in some of our rural communities during #NationalSmallBusinessWeek. Chatted with the owners of Hair Designers and Spa, Backgrounds Coffeebar & Boutique and Primrose Restaurant in Corning, IA. pic.twitter.com/ti0bbtunoe — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) May 6, 2019

Lenox on May 7 (that town is part of Adams and Taylor Counties)

Chatting with the owners of Ramsey’s Ace Hardware in Lenox during #SmallBusinessWeek. Tomorrow, the House Financial Services committee will “markup” my bipartisan bill to support rural entrepreneurs. pic.twitter.com/walSeFFXDy — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) May 7, 2019

CASS COUNTY

Atlantic on February 1

I’m here at the Cass County Health System in Atlantic, Iowa on the 2nd stop of my #IA03 rural health care tour. I’m looking forward to talking with physicians & patients to learn about what I can do in Washington to ensure families in Cass County have access to quality care. pic.twitter.com/g0uUuZgvRL — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) February 1, 2019

Meeting with high school students from Avoca the same day:

During our visit to Cass County Health System last week, I ran into these great young women from the Child Healthcare class at AHSTW High School in Avoca. As part of their curriculum, they were on the way to watch a birthing simulation with the hospital’s pregnant robot. pic.twitter.com/UZJHe8bvUj — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) February 7, 2019

Anita on March 3

U.S. Representative Cindy Axne stops in Anita https://t.co/nmdB3NeWFH — 96.5 KSOM (@965ksom) March 3, 2019

Anita on April 15

Atlantic on May 5

It’s a beautiful Sunday in #IA03! Chatting with constituents over breakfast at the Farmer’s Walnut Street Diner in Atlantic. pic.twitter.com/sf6d09hEk2 — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) May 5, 2019

DALLAS COUNTY

Waukee on January 19

Enjoyed meeting friends and neighbors at Waukee Family Fest this morning. Spoke with community members running small businesses, youth sports programs, water quality efforts, public library programs, and our public safety officers. pic.twitter.com/FyJV7Dvbph — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) January 19, 2019

Redfield on February 1

Today I’m visiting 8 rural health centers, clinics and hospitals across southwest Iowa to learn about the unique challenges of providing access to quality, affordable health care in our rural communities. My first stop was at the Redfield Medical Clinic in Dallas County. pic.twitter.com/hXWHoIfnCo — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) February 1, 2019

Adel on March 3

FREMONT COUNTY

Sidney on January 18

Hearing from constituents about how the reoccurring flooding of the Missouri River is affecting communities in Sidney, IA. pic.twitter.com/fod2VjO5NU — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) January 18, 2019

Hamburg on February 23

The Grape Community Hospital in Hamburg is the only hospital on I-29 between Council Bluffs and St. Joe, Missouri. We need to make sure we’re providing our rural health care facilities with the resources they need to serve our communities. pic.twitter.com/KUWe0wv7J3 — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) February 23, 2019

Sidney on March 22

Meeting with representatives from Fremont County Emergency Management, Board of Supervisors, first responders, farmers, local and state elected officials, and residents of flood-affected communities like Sidney and Hamburg to discuss steps for recovery. pic.twitter.com/WmdPawhm6k — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) March 22, 2019

Another stop in Sidney during the same visit

Thanks @RepCindyAxne for visiting with volunteers and those impacted by flooding at one of our shelters in Sidney, Iowa where many residents of Hamburg are staying after being evacuated from their homes. pic.twitter.com/wPn0iOGsn6 — Greater IA Red Cross (@GreaterIA_ARC) March 23, 2019

Hamburg on April 6

Met with small business owners in Hamburg over the weekend to hear about how the flood has impacted them. Many folks lost everything. We talked about ways Washington can better support efforts to rebuild these communities. pic.twitter.com/4blHxWkJFm — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) April 8, 2019

Sidney on May 6

Discussing flood progress and community concerns with neighbors at Sidney city hall. pic.twitter.com/qnmqkDB9HN — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) May 6, 2019

GUTHRIE COUNTY

Guthrie Center on January 12

Over 25 people attended a meet and greet event at Art on State in Guthrie Center Saturday with US Congresswoman Cindy Axne.https://t.co/Gf48DX3URc https://t.co/Gf48DX3URc — Raccoon Valley Radio (@RaccoonRadio) January 14, 2019

Guthrie Family Medicine Center on February 1

Menlo on February 3

Menlo on March 3

Started the day at Menlo Cafe in Menlo, Iowa. We were greeted by a great group of people and some tasty pancakes! Eager to hear from folks today and learn how we can best serve you. pic.twitter.com/UkIP05dlI5 — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) March 3, 2019

Guthrie Center on April 15

I promised to fight to make sure every Iowan can age with dignity. Yesterday, I stopped by senior living centers in Guthrie, Greenfield and Anita to chat with seniors, nurses and administrative officials about how Washington can better support our elderly communities. pic.twitter.com/D4rfJekp6V — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) April 16, 2019

Guthrie Center on May 13

MADISON COUNTY

Winterset on January 12

Great to chat with the owners of this awesome woman-owned small business in Winterset! Sandra and Sarah’s store features artisan goods from artists and artisans from around Iowa. pic.twitter.com/hBumzNUkYI — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) January 12, 2019

St. Charles on February 16

Connecting with folks in St. Charles over issues like lowering the cost of insulin, providing grants to our rural communities and how we can be better stewards of our environment. pic.twitter.com/LuCgNy0IyA — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) February 16, 2019

MILLS COUNTY

Glenwood on January 18

Touring the Mills County YMCA in Glenwood! pic.twitter.com/oBapLerjPI — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) January 19, 2019

Malvern on February 23

Nishna Productions Group Home provides residential care at 21 different locations for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities in Southwest Iowa. Spoke with the Executive Director, Sherri at their Malvern site about their work placement services. pic.twitter.com/s5GVXQ51yy — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) February 23, 2019

Glenwood on March 9

Stopped by the 5th Annual Women Gaining Ground Conference in Mills County this weekend. Great event designed to empower women from all walks of life! pic.twitter.com/5lAF0JVADQ — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) March 11, 2019

Pacific Junction on April 6

Touring the flood damage in Pacific Junction. I’m doing everything I can back in Washington to help our communities. pic.twitter.com/89CC7T5QUx — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) April 7, 2019

Pacific Junction on April 23

When I said we’re all in this together, I meant it. Helping Pat, Lizzie and Aaron clean out their house in Pacific Junction. When I head back to Washington, I’ll continue to fight to make sure they get the federal resources they need to recover. pic.twitter.com/PDnPWdPISh — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) April 23, 2019

Glenwood on May 6

Connecting with friends and neighbors in Glenwood yesterday to offer updates from Washington and hear local concerns on flooding, climate action, empowering rural Iowa, and the agriculture industry. pic.twitter.com/d81xJUYgIG — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) May 6, 2019

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Red Oak on February 23

Federal grants can help communities like Red Oak with programs to improve education, increase access to affordable housing and child care. Talking with constituents about my bill to streamline the process to make it easier and cheaper for Iowans to access federal grant funding. pic.twitter.com/vMyEMEqM0a — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) February 23, 2019

Red Oak on April 6

Red Oak on May 5

PAGE COUNTY

Clarinda on January 18

At the Clarinda Chamber of Commerce in Page County talking with Executive Director Elaine Farewell and community bankers about my priorities on the Financial Services Committee, but more immediately, my bipartisan efforts to end this shutdown. pic.twitter.com/d5QM7lGlOV — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) January 18, 2019

Shenandoah on February 23

Continuing my rural health care tour today. The Shenandoah Medical Center serves over 1,200 Iowans in the region a week and over 2,000 surgeries a year. pic.twitter.com/RAY8Ifp8lL — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) February 23, 2019

Shenandoah on April 6

Clarinda on May 6

Visiting the Clarinda Carnegie Art Museum to discuss grants and growing cultural opportunities in Iowa’s small towns. pic.twitter.com/kDFHosvuNH — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) May 6, 2019

POLK COUNTY

West Des Moines town hall on March 23.

Taking questions at my first town hall! pic.twitter.com/hX4Z6U8DRj — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) March 23, 2019

Des Moines on April 18

Full house at SCAMWATCH! Unfortunately, fraudsters often target veterans and seniors. We’re here today at the Northwest Community Center in Des Moines to help Iowans protect themselves from financial fraud and predatory lending. pic.twitter.com/d5j7boYMmT — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) April 18, 2019

Pleasant Hill on April 24

Kicking off my day at The Shores at Pleasant Hill, a retirement home in Polk county. I’m joined today by two of my constituent services representatives to talk about ways my office can help our communities across #IA03. pic.twitter.com/OCSy4rEyp1 — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) April 24, 2019

Ankeny town hall on May 13

POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

Council Bluffs on February 23:

Last stop of the day: The Hub Grind in Council Bluffs. Talked with folks about how we can lower our national debt. pic.twitter.com/0DmS5dRIrf — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) February 23, 2019

Council Bluffs on March 11

Talking post grad job opportunities with robotics students at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs. pic.twitter.com/YRJUIuMwQ8 — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) March 11, 2019

Council Bluffs on March 22

Meeting with representatives from Pottawattamie County Emergency Management, Board of Supervisors, Secondary Roads, Public Works, and State Rep. Charlie McConkey to discuss the local impacts of the devastating flooding and assess the immediate needs of these communities. pic.twitter.com/6307YiHMOc — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) March 22, 2019

RINGGOLD COUNTY

Mt. Ayr on February 1

Mt. Ayr on April 24

In Mt. Ayr talking with constituents about my amendment to #VAWA19 that passed the House to increase grants for local law enforcement and giving an update on my efforts both in Washington and on the ground to help Iowans recovering from the flood. pic.twitter.com/Fnd6lKW5cy — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) April 24, 2019

TAYLOR COUNTY

Lenox on January 19

Thank you to Becky and Mike Smith for welcoming me to your soon-to-be open shop in Lenox. It was a great opportunity for me to hear ideas on how we can revitalize our local main streets and bring business back to our rural communities. pic.twitter.com/sbSYzxb8O1 — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) January 19, 2019

Bedford on February 1

Great discussion at Taylor County Public Health about how we can better provide in-house care for Iowans in rural communities. pic.twitter.com/xii24sMIEA — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) February 1, 2019

Bedford on April 6

UNION COUNTY

Creston on Febrary 4

These passionate women are dedicated to providing quality end of life care at the Greater Regional Hospice Care in Creston. I heard about the difficulties in finding staffing due to the nursing shortage across Iowa. pic.twitter.com/z8CB8DHI5L — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) February 4, 2019

Creston on April 24

Talking with the Executive Director of Homestead of Creston about how we can better support assisted living communities so every senior can retire with dignity. pic.twitter.com/RojNlc7B3N — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) April 24, 2019

WARREN COUNTY

Norwalk on January 19

Meeting with Norwalk Chamber of Commerce representatives over coffee and breakfast at Maid Rite. Discussing public safety, jobs training, business growth, food insecurity, and senior housing. pic.twitter.com/OlRis5fp7d — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) January 19, 2019

Lacona on February 16:

Great to chat with folks in Warren County this weekend during one of my "Connect w/ Your Congresswoman" events. Spoke w/ @kniakrls about how supporting our agriculture industry is a top concern for the community and one of my top priorities in Congress. https://t.co/LFCC21qFsr — Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) February 19, 2019

Indianola on April 28