People are not always as troubled by a position you take as they are troubled when you flip and you flop and you try to get every side of the issue. You have seen what I believe is an election-year conversion.

As a lifelong Iowan who has been a farmer, a registered nurse, a small businesswoman, a state senator and secretary of agriculture, Patty has spent her life devoted to her community and her state.

I believe the governor has a role to play in expanding coverage and reducing health care costs until all Iowans' needs are met.

Despite what some candidates in this race have said, this action in South Dakota shows there's a chance a woman's right to make her own health care choices could be threatened.

She powerfully combines a real-life understanding of the issues that face Iowans with a long record of experience in the legislative and executive branches. And make no mistake, as a Democrat who has won election four times in the last 15 years - including legislative victories in a tough district and two strong statewide victories as the first woman elected to her office - Patty knows how to speak to all Iowans, from all walks of life and all parts of the state.

This is the ticket that will win in June, win in November and be ready to govern in January.