Marine Corps News Room

http://www.ktiv.com/News/index.php?ID=10335

In the last month, the Iowa legislature has made just as many headlines for the issues it's tackled-- a minimum wage hike, and stem cell research-- as it's members.

Eight are under 30. Five of those are new. And, the youngest member-- at just 23-years-old-- hails from western Iowa.

State Representative Matt Windschitl, of Missouri Valley, says he's been "doing things young" his whole life. He joined the Marine Corps when he was 17... was married at 19... and served 16-months in Iraq. But, he admits he wasn't sure he was ready to serve in the state legislature. "Of course I'm nervous," said Rep. Matt Windschitl, (R) Missouri Valley. "I'm the youngest member. I'm 23."

But, the freshman got some good advice from his fellow lawmakers. "Don't say anything stupid," said Windschitl. Wise words... but not the only ones he got on his first day in Des Moines. "They've all said the same thing, 'Just relax.' You're gonna get your feet wet. People will help you learn."

But, Windschitl was also warned not to forget about the folks, back home. "Once you get here, don't forget who sent you here... and why they sent you here," said Windschitl.

And, the road wasn't easy to travel. First, Windschitl had to beat the incumbent Republican in a primary... then take on a long-time local teacher in the November election.

But, after 14-years, his party isn't in the majority. So, this marine will have to "pick his battles" on the House floor. "The issues I campaigned on and that I want to focus on are abortion," said Windschitl. "I'm 100% pro-life." He's also in favor of an constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman.

But, Windschitl knows they probably won't be debated this session. "They might, and if they do, they'll have my focus," said Windschitl. And, as the state's youngest lawmaker, he'll have our focus.