CAMPAIGNING DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: Matt Tapscott (D), Senate District 28

In the midst of an election year, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted how political candidates typically connect with voters. Over the next few weeks, the Times-Register will share how some local candidates have adapted—how they’re “meeting” constituents and continuing to share their ideas.

By Willis Patenaude, Times-Register

A life in politics was never a farfetched idea for Matt Tapscott, who grew up in a politically active family. So when the former Marine and current owner-operator of Almost HOME Learning Naturally Childcare Center announced his candidacy for Iowa Senate District 28, it came as no surprise. 

What was a surprise is that it’s been over 30 years since he last ran and lost for office. In 1988, as a student at Iowa State University, he ran for the Iowa House. So what has changed over the last three decades to spur another run? 

“I don’t recognize my Iowa,” Tapscott said. 

At the core of that statement is Tapscott’s belief that “government has quit doing it’s job” when it comes to education, healthcare, wages and infrastructure. It has motivated and compelled him back into the arena of politics, to advocate for changes in policy for the good people of Iowa. 

It’s also about “changing the attitude of the public trend toward polarization…We have to care about the lives of our neighbors and communities,” he said. 

Under the slogan “Strength of a Marine, Heart of a Caregiver,” Tapscott wants to be a representative for the entire district, build stronger relationships with residents and do the politically impossible: get the youth engaged and active in the political process, to “get government to do its job.” 

Of course, all of this was easier before COVID-19, which has limited functions and put the old-style campaigns on notice that it was time to adapt. 

“COVID-19 put a screeching halt to knocking on doors,” Tapscott said. 

This lack of social interaction has been an obstacle, but for a former Marine and father of three, adapting to the challenge is somewhat second nature.  

While the loss of that face-to-face has been “disheartening,” Tapscott has transitioned to Zoom events, holding at least three a week, and he has started to look into “Meet Me in the Park” events that practice social distancing. The campaign has also beefed up the digital campaign on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, and has looked into advertising with local radio and newspapers. Combined with the old-school methods of word-of-mouth and grassroots campaigning, Tapscott believes it is a recipe for success. 

Then there is the fact that, like many of those in the district, Tapscott has been personally impacted by COVID-19. His brother tested positive for it, as did his sister-in-law; both have recovered. 

Then there was the childcare center, which had to shut down in March. It stayed closed until the most recent proclamation allowed the business to reopen. 

The message is that the community’s struggles have been his struggles, and Tapscott misses the ability to listen to these struggles and personal stories on porches and lawns and at meetings. They provided important messages from which to build effective policy. Policies that would make it possible for someone to provide for their family without working two to three jobs, which unfortunately has been “accepted as normal,” according to Tapscott. 

With Iowa unrecognizable to the Iowa native, when he was approached by the Democratic Party to run, Tapscott decided it was time to do something about it—to do something about the “lack of leadership at the state capital,” to bring “civility back into politics” and to let it be known that the issues that affect everyone “are not Democrat or Republican issues. They are quality of life issues.” 

Additionally, Tapscott wants voters to know this really is about serving them, about standing with the people of Iowa and exacting change from government decisions that have left a bad taste in his mouth. It never was and never will be about anything but ensuring a better quality of life for the residents of the district, who deserve better than the “terribly politicized” response to COVID-19, among other things, such as improved funding to education, healthcare and infrastructure, he explained.

Tapscott also wants the people in the district to know this is a serious endeavor and not a last-minute decision. He’s been campaigning for over a year and actively chose 10 years ago to move into the region and call northeast Iowa home. Tapscott knows he is the underdog, but he also knows the constituents, believes he can serve them and is committed to the cause. 

When a resident in Monona said, “Tell me what you stand for,” Matt replied, “I stand for you. I stand for Iowa.”