Christian Fong

Republican gubernatorial candidate Christian Fong delivered a rousing sermon over the weekend at a forum sponsored by a conservative interest group.

I say sermon, because it was certainly not a typical stump speech. Fong went far beyond the usual faith-and-values rhetoric and instead offered his views of “Christ-like servant-leadership.”

Fong was one of four candidates who spoke Saturday to the Iowa Family Policy Center’s candidate forum. When I saw the condensed version in the paper, I was skeptical’

For one thing, the Christ leadership model is a passion of one of Iowa Family Policy Center’s top officials. So such a message would be a smart way to curry favor with this influential conservative group.

But then I listened to a recording of the whole speech, and I found it pretty remarkable.

(Cedar Rapids, IA)  Today, in the New York Times, appeared a story about flood recovery and how the tragedy and devastation of the floods from 2008 are being forgotten.   In the story, Governor Culver was quoted as saying,  “We’re not making a lot of noise about it” in reference to the feeling of neglect and delays.

Christian Fong,  Republican Gubernatorial candidate and C.E.O. of Corridor Recovery in Cedar Rapids, said “I simply do not understand why Governor Culver would admit to “not making noise” about raising awareness and using his position as Governor to constantly be emphasizing to the Nation that Iowa was hit with the second largest natural disaster in U.S. history, and we’ve yet to fully receive the help we need.”

Fong continued,  “Governor Culver’s words send the wrong message to flood families still living in FEMA trailers and small business owners trying to rebuild their livelihoods.In my role with Corridor Recovery, I worked with the New York Times to provide them background information for the story.  We need to raise awareness because people are still hurting.Iowans deserve a Governor who will be proactive and make things happen.”

The New York Times story, can be found here: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/28/us/28cedar.html?_r=2&ref=todayspaper

In addition, you can read detailed information about Christian’s involvement with Corridor Recovery at this link:

http://www.christianfong.com/blog/article/cedar-rapids-flood-recovery/

(Cedar Rapids, IA)  The campaign of Iowa gubernatorial candidate and Cedar Rapids businessman Christian Fong (R) announced today it has started a statewide radio advertising campaign.

The advertisement, titled, “Iowa Dream” focuses on introducing Christian and outlining his story for Iowa Republicans. Right Click and Save as to download an .MP3 of the ad

“Our fundraising has been strong enough; it’s allowed us the luxury of starting our paid media campaign earlier than we had initially anticipated.  Christian has a unique story that sets him apart in this crowded Republican field and this advertisement allows us to introduce him to Republicans across the state,” said Marlys Popma, Fong campaign manager.

Cedar Rapids businessman Christian Fong says he’s willing to put a successful career on hold to ‘‘restore a government that reflects the values that most Iowans share.’‘

Fong, who has never run for office before, is seeking the Republican nomination for governor.

In the process, he’s trying to make a virtue of his political inexperience.

‘‘My resume does not include running any level of government into the ground,’’ he said during a visit to Fort Dodge Thursday.

What his resume does include are 13 years of experience as an executive with an insurance company, AEGON USA, and about a year at the helm of Corridor Recovery, a nonprofit group coordinating flood relief efforts in Cedar Rapids. Fong pledges to use the management skills he’s mastered in those posts to give state government ‘‘the sort of values that actually unify us as a state.’‘

Christian Fong has a habit of doing things earlier than most people.

He graduated from high school at 16. He earned his degree at Creighton as a 19 year old.

And now, at 32, the Republican businessman is seeking the Iowa governor’s seat in 2010.

Fong stopped at the Le Mars Daily Sentinel Wednesday as part of a campaign tour through northwest Iowa.

As a Republican candidate for Iowa governor, Cedar Rapids businessman Christian Fong said he wants to restore the Iowa dream. 

Fong, the son of a Chinese immigrant who traveled to America and western Iowa to escape religious persecution in Communist China, said he learned firsthand how powerful that dream can be. 

“My father got out in 1963. He came over because of what America stood for: freedom, opportunity, personal responsibility and commitment to take care of your neighbor no matter what they look like,” said Fong. 

“My father embraced the American dream. He was the classic immigrant who left everything behind to be an American ... and America embraced him.”

(Cedar Rapids, IA)  The campaign of Iowa gubernatorial candidate and Cedar Rapids businessman Christian Fong (R) released a listing of young Republicans who have agreed to organize their college campuses for 2009 – 2010.