Marco Battaglia

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

Addiction and Mental Health Rehabilitation and an end to the backlog on rape test kits.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I want to help rein in the war on drugs so that we may better work together against the opioid issues and addiction struggles. I want to insure that the justice system is accessible to all in Iowa.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I am directly inspired by personages of historical significance, including Frederic Bastiat, Filippo Mazzei, Sir William Blackstone, Frederick Douglass, and former Iowa Governor Harold Hughes. I've spent over a year campaigning, listening to citizens, and meeting with county attorneys, law enforcement, farmers, and business owners. I've met with press all over the state and answered all questions from the left and the right and everywhere in between. I would look to follow the positive examples that I have seen among people in these various positions. JFK and RFK have always been a significant influence on my political activity.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The Law, Book by Frédéric Bastiat would be a great place to start. Commentaries on the Laws of England: Book I, II, III, and IV by William Blackstone. A Nation of Immigrants from JFK, which references the words of Filippo Mazzei that directly influenced our countries founding documents. Anything by Thomas Sowell or Walter E. Williams I generally find thought provoking.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Accountability, integrity, honesty, availability, empathy, vision.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I have the ability to bring together people from different political parties and from different walks of life. I have done it my whole life within my own family and friends. I have vast knowledge of the law and of the history of our type of government and the ability to put forth simple and direct changes and direction.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To provide legal advice to the states employees and to ensure that the law is accessible to all Iowans and that the system of justice is always functioning in a manner that does more good than harm. I think that the most important function is to be a resource to the residents of Iowa and to protect the public through criminal and protection efforts.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like it to be said that I stood up to fraud and corruption and that I helped to modernize the office in such away that it helped to maximize the civil liberties and the civil rights of all of those in our state.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

November 3, 1998. Jesse Ventura won the office of Governor, without being a Democrat or a Republican, and he only spent $250,000—money he raised by selling $22 t-shirts and accepting $50 donations from his supporters. I was 13 years old and this opened my eyes to the fact that there were politics beyond the duopoly.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job for someone besides family, was at a movie theater in Johnston, Iowa. I was 16 when I was first hired in 2001 and I had the job intermittently until I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 2008.

What happened on your most awkward date?

I was pulled over by the police and carded and searched for no apparent reason.

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

My favorite holiday has always been Halloween. I love jacket weather and the aspect of being able to dress up be silly. I also love going to the apple orchards and pumpkin patches. Music, film, and style that seems appropriate for Halloween has always been among my favorite year-round.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My first favorite book was Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. This was and is due to the exploration of complex human nature as well as the relevant matter of colonialism.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Frank Castle and Jackie Estacado have been longtime favorites.

What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?

My library(and the media therein) or my bass guitars would have to be my favorite possessions.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

The recurring theme from Disney's Robin Hood.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

It has been a struggle to find balance between professional pursuits and family and friends. I strive to do better at it.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government?

The ability to introduce legislation is huge.

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

The ability to provide legal advice and to oversee various state agencies, and of course the ability to introduce legislation.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

It appears to me that very few Iowans understand the role of the office as defined in Iowa Code or that many know that the office has the power to introduce legislation. There is even a special office in the capital for the Attorney General to work on legislation.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

I have seen people do well in office that have experience in political office and I have seen people do well in office that have little or no political office experience. Life experience and experiences in the private sector are the most important. Politician was never intended to be a career in this country.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

Intelligence, communication, and brevity.