House District 39: Where Do Helland, Highfill Stand on Government's Role?

Two local politicians face off in less than a week in the GOP primary for the House District 39 seat, which represents Johnston.

Incumbent Erik Helland, 32, will take on Jake Highfill on June 5.

Today we explore where each candidate stands on state government's role.

Erik Helland:
On his website, Helland said he believes the role of government is to encourage people to run their own lives and businesses.

"The expansion of regulation has eroded both freedom and personal responsibility, and saddled taxpayers with an ever-growing tax burden," the current majority whip told the Des Moines Register.

Jake Highfill:
"I believe in returning control and responsibility back to the individual and for the government to stay out of making decisions for people," Highfill told Johnston Patch. "I think personal responsibility is what makes our state and country strong and limiting the role of government will empower businesses and individuals to keep more of their money and make government more efficient."

Check out other House District 39 election coverage: