Is ‘Pastor and Patriot' Mullen Still Running for Senate District 22?

Does Jeff Mullen, the fiery Waukee Point of Grace Church pastor who unsuccessfully challenged Sen. Pat Ward for the Republican nomination for Senate District 22, sound like a candidate to you in this video?

That’s a question some political campaigns were asking after receiving an email Mullen circulated about his recent video created for Pulpit Freedom Sunday. Patch received the email from the campaign of Democrat Desmund Adams, who is challenging Ward for the right to represent the district, which includes voters in West Des Moines, Waukee, Clive and Windsor Heights.

Mullen didn’t immediately return phone calls asking if he’s planning to a write-in or third-party campaign for the district, where registered Republicans and independents both outnumber Democrats.

In the video, Mullen decries the historic separation of church and state, which he claims doesn’t exist. To those who suggest he cannot politick from the pulpit, Mullen says he responds, “What the hell you smoking? You see, I know what they are implying because they drank the IRS political punch.”

The video includes an endorsement from clashdaily.com’s Doug Giles, who encourages recipients to “send this video to the nicer-than-Christ ministers who are saying nothing as evil politicians strip our nation of its constitutional liberties. I give Jeff the distinction of being a Clash Worthy Pastor."

Here’s the text of Mullen’s email:

“I've put a link below to a 4 minute video I created for Pulpit Freedom Sunday. You can find more information atwww.SpeakUpMovement.org - and I really encourage you to do so.  

“This video is not endorsed by them - simply something I felt compelled to create. I am writing for www.ClashDaily.com - they posted it today. I hope you will consider your role as a leader in our state and nation.

“If you are in alignment with this video and have an email distribution list I'm asking you to email this link to your friends with a brief note. If you get all bent out of shape with this video - send it anyway...”