"If It's Turek, That's Terrific!"

A singing endorsement for the senate candidate that hails from Council Bluffs.

Apr 14, 2026

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I’ve participated consistently in elections at all levels over the years. Casting a ballot is always a point of pride shared with those working the polls and other voters participating in this important democratic tradition (plus, I get to add another “I Voted” sticker to my groovy guitar case). Rarely, though, have I ever been moved to put a sign in my yard, knock on a door, or to advocate loudly on behalf of a candidate. Shame on me perhaps, but my independent self has been comfortable with taking more of an observant role and then deciding in secret ballot form. 2026 is a different story for me because Josh Turek is an inspiring and much-needed voice of reason for the people in these tumultuous times.

I recorded *If It’s Turek, That’s Terrific!* in my basement with my wife across from a Josh Turek sign. His story of resilience inspired me to pen a song in his honor.

After reading a series of articles by fellow Iowa Writers Collaborative Roundup contributor Douglas Burns of The Iowa Mercury about the life and times of Josh Turek, I am convinced he’s exactly the type of leader that Iowans need in this day and age. Born with spina bifida, Josh has been without the use of his legs since birth. Well-versed in the art of overcoming obstacles to reach his goals, he travelled around the world winning numerous medals as part of the Team USA Paralympic basketball squad and is now serving as an elected member of the Iowa House of Representatives. Josh won his first election because of the success of his grassroots campaign. He connected with real people at their kitchen tables through his ability to listen to their challenges and concerns as members of the working and middle class in his native Council Bluffs. His diligent work ethic and ability to be bipartisan rightfully earned him reelection from his constituents. He is now poised to become the next senator representing the great state of Iowa.

Josh Turek is a two-time Paralympic gold medalist for Team USA and a state legislator. Born with spina bifida after his dad was exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam, Josh overcame 21 surgeries by the age of 12 to eventually represent the U.S. at four Paralympics. *Photo from Turek4owa.com.*

When I moved here from my native Kansas in the fall of 1999, I was impressed by its purple majesty. Iowa had powerful senators representing both major parties with lots of political capital between them in DC because of their workhorse nature — Tom Harkin and Charles Grassley. Tom Vilsack was starting his first term as governor and the House of Representatives included many well-respected officials on both sides of the aisle. It was clear that the general populace genuinely cared about each other and the environment we shared — recycling was incredibly easy, I met lots of people who loved spending time in nature on our amazing bike trail system, and the overall quality of life was exceptional (especially that Iowa Nice feel that rang true everywhere I went in my roaring twenties).

“I Voted” and Josh Turek stickers adorn my guitar case.

It feels like we’re in a much different state today. Instead of coming together to find solutions to important issues causing apolitical human harm, it’s literally more rewarding for elected officials to drum up financial support from their respective bases with wild rhetoric on fringe issues, creating fervor for greater division and ultimately avoiding relative improvement altogether. It’s not surprising; this trend has been well-rewarded in contemporary politics because extremist takes tend to fill the coffers for cash-hungry campaign budgets and create the much-needed buzz that fuels algorithm momentum on the social platforms.

Iowa House of Representative Josh Turek at work. *Photo from Douglas Burns article.*

Instead of watching WWE-esque candidates born in the labs of lobbyists and corporate interests fling blunt talking points at their core bases, it’s time for real people to take the reins again. People that know and understand the challenges of everyday life in Iowa. Democracy, (from the Ancient Greek dēmos meaning 'people' and krátos 'rule') “is after all a form of government in which political power is vested in the people”, and it is at its best when people with real world grit and perspective are allowed to influence it with heart, mind and vision. In this 250th anniversary of the United States of America, I believe it’s time to care a little more about this incredible experiment if we want it to survive for future generations.

Josh Turek poses for a picture with then 6-year-old Hayes Hofmeister in Des Moines. *Photo by Douglas Burns.*

In my opinion, Iowans are more apolitical than most folks realize, and hard-working is a quality respected across the spectrum of the voting populace. We are in serious need of meaningful legislation to reverse the alarming cancer plague in this state, and it won’t be easy work to reverse these frightening trends. As reported recently by the Iowa Environmental Council, “Iowa has the second-highest cancer incidence rate in the nation and is one of only two states where the rate is rising. While the U.S. has a declining overall cancer rate, Iowa's is sharply increasing.” Honestly, if the Iowa of today was the one I encountered 25+ years ago when I moved here, I’m not sure if I stick around, fall in love with the place, marry my wife and decide to raise my family here. We desperately need a leader that understands the power of perseverance on behalf of the greater good because the status quo is simply failing way too many of us.

I received this digital ad literally asking me to “chip in” and “power our grassroots campaign” so I wrote a folk song in the country tradition,

As an independent singer-songwriter trying to support a family, I don’t have the kind of scratch necessary to get the Turek campaign where it needs to be financially. But I do have paper and pen, some recording equipment, and a genuine enthusiasm for Josh’s leadership potential. So, I wrote a song. It’s called, “If It’s Turek, That’s Terrific!” and it’s just a few simple chords (G-C-D) about a good guy willing to put himself out there for others. Three chords and the truth, as they say in the country music world. It has six verses—one for each vote he won his first election by in Council Bluffs. It’s available for streaming and you can download it now to share with a friend, neighbor, colleague, ex-roommate, spouse, bartender, fantasy sports buddy, workmate, second cousin, fellow church member, book club friend, you-name-it, you can do so now by going to my site and downloading it for free to let others know you are on the Turek Truth Train, too. I’m convinced Josh Turek will do “terrific” things for the state of Iowa, but not without the support of we the people first getting him elected to represent us.

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If It’s Turek, That’s Terrific by Chip Albright

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