Chip Albright is a lifelong Midwesterner with rural Kansas roots and urban Iowa branches, an independent singer-songwriter, storyteller, and strategist seeking beauty and truth in this wild & wonderful world. Visit chipalbrightmusic.com for music and more.
Since I wrote “If It’s Turek, That’s Terrific!” earlier this year, I have witnessed Josh Turek up close and personal on many occasions. The more I see and hear him in action, the more I believe he is the resilient leader and pragmatic policymaker we so desperately need representing the people of Iowa in Washington, D.C.
My first personal interaction with Josh Turek was when an unknown number with a “712” area code rang my phone back in April. It didn’t say “potential spam,” so I went ahead and answered it. Josh was on the line— he heard the song I wrote about his candidacy and wanted to personally thank me for my efforts and support. He was in the midst of a heated race with Zach Wahls for the Democratic nomination but he made time for me — a single constituent with a simple folk song. We chatted for a spell; the whole experience was quite genuine.
Having grown up in rural Kansas as part of the farm crisis of the 1980s, I can relate to Josh’s upbringing: a family working hard to make ends meet. His father’s exposure to Agent Orange during Vietnam resulting in Josh’s inability to use his legs since birth is a whole different level of hardship—the kind that can, at least for some, forge resilience that can’t be ignored.
Turek certainly knows how to roll through tough times and ascend to greater successes, which is the type of leadership we could use these days in Iowa.
One of many Turek supporters at the Polk County Steak Fry in Des Moines Water Works Park on August 29 (photo provided by Chip Albright)
The Polk County Democrats recently hosted a steak fry fundraiser at which numerous candidates spoke, including Josh. I decided to host a booth in support of his campaign (it also came with a couple of steak dinners, which were quite delicious).
It took a little time to figure out a direction for the booth, but when Jen suggested a Pop-A-Shot game, I was all in. Given Josh’s impressive basketball career, this felt wonderfully on brand and super fun. We spent our first weekend as empty nesters assembling a classic arcade game that only barely squeezed into our SUV for the crosstown trek to Des Moines Water Works Park.
Our “Pop-A-Shot for Josh” booth, featuring creator Jen Albright
We enjoyed the day, despite a few weather hiccups. Jen and I contended with rain during morning setup, and in the afternoon a gust of wind took our tent for a 50-foot joyride. Later that day, we heard that Josh was going to make his way to (what was left of) our booth to shoot some hoops after his speech. Word spread quickly, especially to young Liam Mandelbaum who had the high score on the leaderboard with 80 points.
The crowd went wild for Josh Turek in Des Moines Water Works Park
As I looked down the large and long sidewalk, I could see Josh en route, stopping and talking with numerous folks along the way. He was making time for people, which certainly wasn’t a surprise to me.
Josh Turek stopping to chat with an unidentified voter
Since our dearly departed tent was no longer shading the game, it was nearly impossible to see the score. That didn’t stop Josh from having some fun with us. He learned of Liam’s leaderboard status and asked for a demo—encouraging the middle schooler with compliments on his technique and his bag full of swag, complete with a couple Turek 4 Iowa stickers.
Josh Turek watching Liam Mandelbaum play Pop-A-Shot
He thanked us for our continued support of his campaign, stopped for more pictures with voters, answered more questions, and moved on down the road with his team to their next endeavor. Gracious and genuine—just like every other time I’ve interacted with him.
When Josh Turek wins this fall, so will the people of Iowa. But he cannot do it alone. He will be massively outspent in traditional media, so he needs all the team members he can find to give an assist here or there. So, here’s a request from yours truly to “chip in” and help this good guy get to the U.S. Senate. Imagine the pride we Iowans will share when Josh Turek’s leadership and resilience is on display nationally, taking on tough issues and offering real solutions because his lived experience gives him powerful perspective.
You can also share the rock and pass this QR code along to a friend. Let ’em know you’re on the leaderboard supporting the future of Iowa and think they should “Give Josh a Shot,” too. Pop in $3, or maybe $6 in honor of the number of votes he won his first election by (or the rich history of 6-on-6 basketball in Iowa). You call your shot, player. Just step on the court and join Team Turek.
Editor’s note: Laura Belin recorded Chip Albright performing “If it’s Turek, That’s Terrific” at the Iowa Democratic Wing Ding in Clear Lake on August 13.