About 150 people attended Dr. Ben Carson’s campaign stop in Jefferson at Abundant Life Ministries Monday.

The event was kicked off by a renowned author and pastor Dr. John Maxwell and Carson’s new campaign manager Retired General Bob Dees.

The retired neurosurgeon told the crowd that he was looking forward to retirement, but then God had other plans for him and helped him decide to enter the presidential candidate race. He wants to restore the government to the people, rather than the federal government and Congress having control of everything. He talked about using a 14.9% flat tax to help restore the economy and wanting to lead through using the power of his religious faith to do so. Once the Republican frontrunner, Carson told Raccoon Valley Radio what he has to continue to do to keep improving his polling numbers.

“And what we’re doing is getting out in front of people like we are here today. That really is the key. When people can actually hear you and hear your heart, they’re able to make a good decision. So the more people I get in front of the better.”

Carson also attended events in Fort Dodge, Dension and Le Mars on Monday.