Mix of Steve King Fans and Detractors Trade Shouts at Iowa State Fair

Carol Hunter called for a civil discourse when she introduced Rep. Steve King, R-Kiron, at the Des Moines Register soapbox Wednesday morning.

The Register political editor didn't get what she asked for from the crowd.

The crowd was mostly quiet as King delivered his usual discourse against Obamacare and praised the effects of a balanced budget. Only an occasional boo echoed through the crowd.

When he walked away, things began to get dicey. A group of several dozen people from "Seniors Against King" and "Women Against King" wearing buttons and displaying signs began to chant. 

"Steve King! Cut the cake, not Social Security!"

The opposing side quickly rallied and began their own yelling. They brandished red, white and blue signs that said "KING: CONGRESS." 

"King! King! King!" they repeated.

"Get a job!" someone else yelled.

One woman waved a sign in front of the faces of King protesters. Both sides continued to shout louder, opting for volume rather than a discussion.

Democrat and former Iowa First Lady Christie Vilsack is running against King for Iowa's new 4^th District.

Vilsack and King will face off in a total of 10 debates and public forums that will take place starting with the first at 7 p.m. Sept. 6 on WHO Radio. One of the debates will also be held right here in Ames at 7 p.m. Sept. 22.