State Rep. Andy McKean is currently the longest serving Republican in the Iowa Legislature, or at least he was until he announced he is switching parties. McKean, of Anamosa, says after returning to the legislature in 2016 following a 15-year break from politics, he found the statehouse a different place.
“The legislature is considerably more partisan and regimented than it used to be … I might have limped along attempting to work within my caucus for what I felt was best for the people I represent if it hadn’t been for another factor," said McKean.
He says that factor is President Donald Trump.
“He sets, in my opinion, a poor example for the nation and particularly for our children by personally insulting, often in a crude and juvenile fashion, those who disagree with him, being a bully at the time when we're attempting to discourage bullying, his frequent disregard for the truth, and has a willingness to ridicule or marginalize people for their appearance, ethnicity or disability … Some would excuse this behavior as telling it like it is and the new normal. If this is the new normal, I want no part of it,” said McKean.
McKean started his career in the statehouse back in 1978. He says he understands there will be blow-back, but that he hopes his supporters in Jones County can see beyond a party title.
“I hope the people back home will know I'm still the same Andy McKean I always was, I just changed my party affiliation. I'll still be working for the very same goals and priorities I've had for many years in public service,” he said.
McKean still considers himself fiscally conservative and says he will be a moderate Democrat.
