Patty Judge

“We must reduce the influence of money in politics, beginning by overturning Citizens United and taking back our system from the millionaires and billionaires who can give unlimited and undisclosed amounts of money to influence our elections.”

“I have worked with Chuck Grassley off and on through the years, and always had what I considered and what I think he'd consider a cordial working relationship.”

“Our culture has changed. It has become more violent. People are literally afraid to go to the movies or to school.”

“I've had a lot of careers in my life. When I think about it, I think every piece of that - from being a nurse, a farmer, dealing with real estate - has added to a skill set that I would have been able to use throughout my political career.”

“The people in Iowa know that Washington isn't working. It's devolved into partisan politics and a lot of gridlock and obstruction.”

“When I ran for secretary of agriculture in Iowa in 1996, people... were sure that Iowans would not consider electing a woman to that position.”

“I think women bring a different perspective and that we tend to be more collaborative in our approach. I served in the Iowa Senate back in the '90s, when there weren't a lot of us. At the time, I think there were five or six women, and two or three of them were Republicans and two or three were Democrats.”

“In rural communities, people are upset with the government, upset with what they see as business as usual. They saw Obama as a change agent, and they saw Donald Trump as a change agent.”

“I think it is possible to meet people in the middle, to have a discussion even though you may not agree on solutions, and find some common ground and get to consensus.”

“Donald Trump at the head of the Republican ticket affords Democrats a great opportunity.”

“Washington is broken.”

“I was the first woman elected as secretary of agriculture in Iowa.”

“From here in Iowa, it seems to be the wealthy and big corporations get enough help.”

“We have to get back to a government where leaders are willing to talk across party lines and do not have absolute politics as the goal.”

“I would certainly look at a proposal for tuition-free community college for two years if the students kept a certain high grade-point average.”

“I don't know that free trade... is good for our country and good for Iowa and Iowa workers.”

“If you are elected to do a job, you are supposed to do it to the best of your ability.”

“I am really not clear in my mind what a sanctuary city is.”

“I am not afraid to cross the party line. I never have been.”

“Oh, what could be more delicious than replacing Chuck Grassley on the Senate Agriculture Committee?”