Grading our Gubernatorial Candidates Handling of the IDED Scandal
- Monday, September 28, 2009, 8:04
- Krusty Konservative
- 1,170 views
- 20 comments
Last week started much like it ended the Friday before, with a potentially huge political scandal involving the Culver administration’s mishandling of the Film, Television, and Video Project Promotion Program. With so much attention on this scandal, I’ve decided to grade our GOP gubernatorial candidates on how they performed last week. Just like in our struggling schools, I had to grade on a curve because if I didn’t, everyone would fail.
Before we get started, I’ve decided not to include Paul McKinley in these ratings because he is not a candidate for Governor. He’s made that very clear, and he should do us all a favor and just make the announcement. I hope he is having a good time in Italy. I’m sure Culver wishes he was out of the country.
Incomplete: Jerry Behn, Rod Roberts.
Boys, if you’re not careful you might have to attend summer school. You both say you want to be Governor, but when a massive government scandal is discovered, you two remain invisible all week. Every time I’m about to take Robert’s seriously, like after raising $50k at a fundraiser, he disappoints me. Not only could Behn and Roberts get some press coverage because they are gubernatorial candidates, but because they are also legislators. They continue to fail to use their advantages to help their campaigns.
Seriously, how can you say you are running for Governor and not find a way into a news story or even send out a simple press release blasting Culver?
B minus: Chris Rants
If any Republican candidate was able to use the scandal to get build his name ID, it was Chris Rants. The only problem is that he came off more as a legislator than a gubernatorial candidate. Props to him for getting his name out there, but some of the things he did this week confuse the hell out of me.
Here is the Rants time line…
Friday – Scandal is Discovered
Monday – Challenges fellow GOP candidates to pledge to veto any attempt to raise the sales tax, expand its base, or redirect the school infrastructure tax into the general fund. Who cares about the scandal?
Tuesday – Writes a statement calling for Mike Blouin’s return to IDED. What? This was stupid on so many fronts, but it’s a classic example of Rants thinking like a legislator and not a gubernatorial candidate. Yeah, I want competent leadership, but what if Culver does end up appointing Blouin? Rants will have to say, “Good job.”
Wednesday – Issues a set of ten questions that Iowans need answers to concerning the IDED scandal. The list is full of crap that most Iowans will not understand and is another example of him looking like a legislator not a potential governor. I’m glad he is engaged and working on different angles of the story, but I would have thought he would have done something bigger.
Friday – Blasts Culver for his budget tricks. While it’s not directly linked to the scandal, it does provide more opportunities to blast Culver. I see this morning that he also fired a shot at his potential opponent Terry Branstad. Rants is going to be the candidate who does all the dirty work. I just wonder how long he can stay in. At some point he needs to raise some serious money.
Rants earns his passing grade because of all the media coverage he received, but he didn’t do anything memorable that will help his campaign. I would have thought he would have done something so that he could own this issue, but he failed to do it. Frankly, he out maneuvered his predecessor Kraig Paulsen this week, not his primary opponents. Let’s also not forget that this is the guy who kicked Culver in the groin over the Iowa Power Fund not creating any jobs, but when Culver appoints Fred Hubbell, the same guy that ran the Power Fund, as the interim director of IDED, Rants doesn’t say anything. What the hell?
D plus: Christian Fong
I have the same feeling about Fong as I do Roberts. Just when he starts looking like a candidate, he disappoints me. Fong basically only did one thing this week in regards to the scandal. He dusted off ITR’s transparency website proposal and called it a day.
I’m all for transparency, but this proposal stalled in the state senate because it was going to take two years to build and cost $841,000. Additionally, I think it’s safe to say that even if we had the website, none of this stuff would have been on there. Part of the problem with the Film Office was that they were overwhelmed and didn’t keep accurate records. The website wouldn’t have alerted anyone.
The other problem for Fong is that his response just confirms what many people already suspect, he’s a puppet for Iowans for Tax Relief. I know I’ve been hard on Christian Fong, but I’ll guarantee he has better ideas than dusting off ITR’s failed legislative priority from a year ago. He’s supposed to be a new face with new ideas. His handlers should let him be that guy.
D minus: Bob Vander Plaats
The only press release Vander Plaats sent out this week was the one promoting his four point lead over Chet Culver in the new polls. He also said that he would eliminate most tax credits and instead focus on making a fair competitive tax climate. Those are all OK I guess, but I’m not sure I would be on record being against all tax credits. Let’s not forget that people keeping more of their money is a good thing. Vander Plaats’ statement could be taken to mean he opposes the following tax credits.
Early Childhood Development Tax Credit
Earned Income Tax Credit
School Tuition Organization Tax Credit
Tuition and Textbook Tax Credit
Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit
I think he just gave his opponents a lot of ammunition to use if they so desire. He also just carelessly threw out a big issue against his potential opponent Terry Branstad. You know Vander Plaats will criticize Branstad for increasing the sales tax, but by saying that he wants to repeal most tax credits to lower the overall tax burden is exactly what Branstad did in regards to taxes. Rookie mistake. He should have just opposed Film, Television, and Video Project Promotion credit.
In addition to nuking what may have been his best angle of attack on Branstad, Vander Plaats also saw it fit to endorse an independent candidate for the state legislature, Tom Shaw. I have nothing against Tom Shaw, but if elected governor Bob Vander Plaats will be the de-facto leader of the Republican Party in Iowa. How could a sitting governor endorse a guy who will not vote for Republican leadership in the Iowa House?
Imagine a scenario where there are 50 House Democrats, 49 House Republican, and Tom Shaw, the Independent. What does he do when it’s time for the leadership vote? Shaw’s website states, “I have decided to cut ties with the Republican Party due to the Party’s apparent desire to move to a more liberal agenda in order to ‘win elections.’ I feel that the Republican Party is willing to abandon their conservative positions concerning social issues in order to expand the party. I no longer desire to be associated with a party that openly supports candidates who ignore the party platform. A platform is developed through grassroots efforts starting at the county level, and therefore, is a reflection of the voices of ‘We the People.’ Moderating positions in order to win elections is akin to ignoring the conservative values that Iowans hold dear.
As an Independent, I will not be beholding to any party and as a fellow rural Iowan, will be free to defend the conservative values that I know you cherish.”
I take that to mean he will not be caucusing with the Republicans. It also means that a newly elected Governor Vander Plaats would have to deal with the Speaker of the House Pat Murphy under the above scenario.
This is the question that people have to ponder. What would Shaw do under this scenario? If he votes for Republicans, he just violated the principled stand he took during his campaign. If he sticks to his principles, he just screwed the Governor Vander Plaats, even though Shaw endorsed his candidacy.
Rolling out this endorsement in the midst of a scandal is also a little odd. Again, why do Republicans seem to always want to change the subject?
There you have it. Light up my inbox at krustykonservative@gmail.com!
About the Author
Krusty Konservative has written 225 stories on this site.
Herschel Krustofski is the pseudonym for the anonymous author of Krusty Konservative, a blog which focuses on Iowa Politics. Created in February of 2006, Krusty Konservative is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the Iowa blogosphere. Since its conception, Krusty Konservative has never shied from tackling controversial issues, and providing insight to the inner workings of Republican politics in Iowa.
20 Comments on “Grading our Gubernatorial Candidates Handling of the IDED Scandal”
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Chris Rants would have a slam dunk if he had not voted for the hollywood give-aways. even so, he has been the most vocal on this issue and is now my Candidate.
I also think Tom Shaw is just stating what most of us feel. I’m glad to someone stand up for conservative values over party agend.
Does anyone in the Republican Party actually care about winning in 2010? I’m beginning to think not…
If elected, Shaw would very likely caucus with Republicans. He is the endorsed candidate of the Pocahontas County GOP.
Krusty says Vander Platts made a rookie mistake. You would think if this is Vander Platts third time running rookie mistakes would not happen.
To clear up the question on wether or not Tom Shaw will caucus with the GOP all you have to do is ask him. Being the county chairman of the Pocahontas County GOP, and also a good friend of Tom’s, I know for certain he will caucus with the GOP and vote based on his issues that he is passionate on, and you can see that from his website http://www.electshaw2010.com. As for question concerning what the Central Committee has done concerning Tom, feel free to come to our meetings, every first Friday night of the month unless designated otherwise. It might take maybe having to reveal who you are from behind the computer, but the invitation is open.
Michael Ryan
Pocahontas County Chairman
Sorry, been out of the loop but this Shaw character sounds like he thinks he’s doing the Lord’s work by condemning the Republican party when in fact he is doing Satan’s work.
Does this mean there is no legitimate Republican running for this seat?
VP is also to be condemned for undercutting the Republican party thus helping Democrats. VP only cares about getting the nomination by whatever means he has to use to get it. He’ll worry about governing later.
There are only two legitimate parties–the Republicans and the Dimocrats. Poor Shaw is working for the Dims. Shame on him. Shame on VP for endorsing Shaw.
These holier-than-thous are overusing the word “principles”. Many of them actually believe they have superior principles but in fact, they’re being duped. The reality is that the Republican party is simply a vehicle to get us to where we want to go. It is not a church.
Ironic, that many of those who believe they are morally superior and too good to be a Republican also continue to grace the pews of apostate churches. They are hypocrites. They do not care their churches are corrupted to where they are no longer churches at all but are nothing more than political arms of the Democrat party but by golly they’re going to stay there all the while pointing fingers at Republicans working hard for Republican majorities.
Get your priorities straight, folks. Stop confusing church with a political party.
Hey DV, glad to see you back.
Thanks. Hope you had a good hike with the pooches. We’ve been on a three week trip with ours.
Krusty…
I still believe that its a mistake to start slamming our GOP candidates over this issue much in the way that Craig Robinson did last week, when he criticized the state GOP for not being more forceful in their response.
I said it once..and I’ll say it again. A major rule in politics is this: Don’t fire all your ammunition all at once!
We have barely scratched the surface when it comes to what’s going on here with Filmgate. A full investigation needs to be done yet, preferably by State Auditor Vaudt. Lets be honest..we don’t know the FULL story yet when it comes to what happened here..
If our candidates go out there guns blazing like you and Craig think they should…sure it will be great for a few days bump in the media…but guess what..the election is over a year away. People will forget about what they said or did long before then.
Sometimes the hardest thing to do in politics, is to wait for the RIGHT time to blast your opponent out of the water when you’ve got the goods on them. Do it too early, and you risk not having your best weapon when you need it the most…do it too late and you risk losing the battle altogether.
Hawk: So true and it’s best to let the story develop so more facts are known before blasting off your mouth and have to retract something later.
True, this sounds like a real scandal, but it’s still a little early to know the details.
Now, however, it appears there’s enough known about this “woman” embezzeling SIX MILLION DOLLARS that it’s time to start screaming about finding the six million.
Was it used to defeat Republican candidates? Nah, couldn’t be, could it? What ACORN doesn’t do, others will do illegally as well.
Today’s Dimocrat party is a criminal enterprise and we have Chicago thugs occupying the WH.
DVFO,
I understand your concerns with Tom Shaw, but I would highly consider talking to him to understand where he comes from. As of right now, there is no Republican running in House District 8. I strongly urge you to come to the Pocahontas County GOP meeting this Friday, (Oct. 2) at 7:00 PM at 500 NE 6TH Str., Pocahontas, IA to meet Tom, who still attends meetings. I know it may mean revealing who you are from behind your monitor. I feel the best way to levy charges as you did at Tom, is to do in person. I am sure Tom would listen to your concerns and would be civil, so consider this your invitation to talk to Tom about your concerns.
I know where he’s coming from. He thinks he’s more moral than most Republicans so he can’t possibly dirty himself and run as a Republican.
He’s above the rest of us that are breaking our butts trying to achieve the exact same outcomes that you and your holier-than-thou cronies claim you want but you’re more than happy to throw a great big monkey wrench in the works. It will make you all feel oh, so superior but after all you have PRINCIPLES where the rest of us do not have any.
You have to truly be delusional if you believe you can get Republicans to drive long distances to come to your REPUBLICAN meeting to hear you, and Shaw stand before real Republicans beating your chests sneering down your noses.
Shame on you. If you really have any principles, you will resign your position as a Republican and help Shaw as an Independent.
Don’t get smart ass with me. I was working for the conservative movement probably before you were born. You’re more than happy to undermine the work being done by the people who feel the only way to achieve a legislative solution is to achieve a true Republican majority.
Dims must love all of you holier-than-thous. You are their best friends.
Wow, DVFO, he simply invited you to man up and make your snotty accusations to Tom Shaw’s face. What’s your problem?
IFTom Shaw has done anything wrong, it’s throwing in the towel and letting dissenters such as yourself have the run of the place.
If Ryan is on a REPUBLICAN central committee, he has an obligation to try to elect REPUBLICANS. Shaw has no place at a REPUBLICAN committee meeting. If Shaw wants REPUBLICAN support, he should be running as a REPUBLICAN.
What is Ryan going to do if a real REPUBLICAN runs? If Ryan has any principles (there’s that word again), he will resign his position on the REPUBLICAN committee. Until then, I assume he is lacking principles.
DVFO,
Tom Shaw didn’t leave the Republican Party…the Republican Party left him.
“I have decided to cut ties with the Republican Party due to the Party’s apparent desire to move to a more liberal agenda in order to “win elections.” I feel that the Republican Party is willing to abandon their conservative positions concerning social issues in order to expand the party. I no longer desire to be associated with a party that openly supports candidates who ignore the party platform. A platform is developed through grassroots efforts starting at the county level, and therefore, is a reflection of the voices of “We the People.” Moderating positions in order to win elections is akin to ignoring the conservative values that Iowans hold dear.
As an Independent, I will not be beholding to any party and as a fellow rural Iowan, will be free to defend the conservative values that I know you cherish.”
These are the arrogant words Shaw used to insult Republicans and then he comes begging for their support and votes.
He (and others like him) love to misrepresent the words of those who feel it is not good political strategy to only emphasize the social issues. Frankly, I know of very few Republicans who say to ignore social issues. If they do say that, they are wrong. However, it makes far more sense strategically to concentrate of the fiscal issues which unites ALL Republicans as well as Independents and even some Democrats.
These RATS we have in power now have mucked up this state to where this election is being handed to Republicans on a silver platter but we’re too stupid to reach out and grab it.
It looks to me like with the extreme fringe of the party, it’s either homosexual marriage all the way or we would rather lose the election. That way, we’ve lost it all.
I want social issues but I certainly would not concentrate on them. We don’t have to. We can have it all. I want it all and I want to defeat Democrats–not each other and allow RATS to retain power through the back door.
This Shaw guy has guts. First, he insults Republicans and then he turns around and asks for the help of Republicans.
He needs to address Independents and ask for their help and votes.
Is there anyone on the Pocahontas Co. Central Committee who sees a problem with Shaw’s behavior? If I were a Republican contributor in Pocahontas Co., I would be expecting the central committee to be using my donations to promote Republicans and Republican ideals.
If Shaw wants to run as an Independent, fine, but he needs to get his support from Independents and the Republican Central Committee has no business allowing him to address the committee.
If Ryan wants to help Shaw, that’s fine, too, but the honorable thing to do would be to first resign from the Republican Central Committee.
Maybe Mr. Shaw can get the Independents to adhere to their platform more to his liking.
“he is doing Satan’s work.” — DVFO
“These holier-than-thous are overusing the word “principles”.” — DVFO
“Stop confusing church with a political party.” — DVFO
“Dims must love all of you holier-than-thous. You are their best friends.” — DVFO
“It looks to me like with the extreme fringe of the party, it’s either homosexual marriage all the way or we would rather lose the election.” — DVFO
And, last but not least,….
“Frankly, I know of very few Republicans who say to ignore social issues. If they do say that, they are wrong.” — DVFO
Mr. Shaw may be craftier than you think, and maybe less conservative. This is Delores Mertz’ district. She is a democrat, but votes like a Republican. By labelling himself an independent, Mr. Shaw may be able to get the votes of democrats and independents that wouldn’t vote for someone who is labelled as a Republican. These people likely aren’t familiar with the Republican platform he claims to hold so dear – they just won’t vote for a Republican. Just a thought. This approach might work for other candidates, too. There are a lot of people who think they are too independent to vote for someone who has a party label.