Senator Harkin told a crowd of Democrats in Davenport this week that Republicans are in for a surprise this November. Harking said, “This thing is going to turn, and it’s going to turn big. Once a healthcare bill gets passed, people will see the benefits.”

Really Tom?

Look, we all know you don’t live here and thus don’t have a firm grasp on what is of concern to Iowans, but this is some of the craziest stuff I’ve heard lately. I think Senator Harkin needs to take a page out of Chuck Grassley’s book and hold a few town hall meetings over the Easter break.

I understand that he needs to be the cheerleader for Democrats in Iowa, but the thought that the current political environment is going to whip a $hitter and back the Democrat’s nationalized health care proposal is idiotic.

Senator Harkin, spend a little time with normal hard working Iowans, maybe then you will not sound like such an idiot.

http://www.qctimes.com/news/local/government-and-politics/elections/article_ea3b705a-2f1d-11df-9a04-001cc4c03286.html

Norm Sterzenbach

Norm is the Executive Director of the Iowa Democratic Party. Last week he sent out an email following the Iowa Christian Alliance event. In his email, Sterzenbach wrote, “No new ideas were offered, just a blast from the past filled with platitudes and insults against Governor Culver, President Obama, and others.”

He’s about as clueless as Tom Harkin.

I bet Rod Roberts tear up when he has to break out the fly swatter at the family picnic. While I’ve seen Roberts, Branstad, and Vander Plaats rightfully criticize Culver and the Democrats, it has never gotten close to be called mudslinging, like the email goes on to say. Furthermore, Terry Branstad defended his record, and Bob Vander Plaats talked about jobs. Not a whole lot of Dem bashing went on at that ICA event.

If Sterzenbach is so concerned about mudslinging, maybe he should do a better job of putting a muzzle on IDP chairman Mike Kiernan. That guy is a complete tool who attacks anything that walks by sending out countless of negative and nasty press releases.

I know how politics are played, but if you’re going to hammer someone for mudslinging, it better be true. Nothing I heard about the ICA event had anything to do with attacks on Democrats.

So what in the hell are you even talking about Norm? You look like an idiot.

The Iowa Legislature

Let’s see. They can suspend the rules when it comes to texting while driving, but they can’t do it to allow the people of Iowa the right to vote on the definition of marriage. Nice.

A few days later, they protect the way that the Marshalltown Maid Rite store cooks their meat. If you have ever had one of the delicious sandwiches you would know not to mess with a good thing, but this is just another example of the legislature responding to public outcry about everything EXCEPT marriage.

Democrats is the legislature look like idiots for doing all they can on issues dealing with text messaging and a local sandwich shop, but nothing on the marriage. All of these little things build a very bad narrative for Iowa Democrats. Idiots.

The Des Moines Register

Last month, when the Register published the results of one of their polls, they made us buy an actual paper to see the results. The polling results were put online later that evening. It’s a ploy to get people to buy an actual paper. I wonder how long until they do the same with the RAGBRAI route information? Isn’t it the same thing? The Register has information that people want so instead of putting it on line they make you buy the paper?

They way the Register is going, maybe they should just do away with its website. That would force people to buy the paper. Another option would be to require anyone who wants a RAGBRAI wristband to purchase a subscription to the paper. Maybe the bigger question at hand in how long until they sell the naming rights to the greatest bike ride in the country. Don’t laugh, it will probably happen.

I thought I would offer a few ideas to help my friends over at the Register. They need help because they are a bunch of idiots.

If you want to enter and take the challenge and submit your bracket picks – simply respond to this email with your name and email address and you will be sent an invitation in a few days to join the 2010 Latham Tourney Challenge group to fill out your basketball tournament bracket.

The competition is tough – the winner of 2009’s Challenge – Susan Engen from Algona, Iowa – rocked the competition with an accuracey of 99.9% correct picks on her bracket entry!

The winner of the overall challenge group will not only own bragging rights for a year – they will also win a Flip Camcorder – the popular one-touch recording fit-in-your-pocket camcorder that lets you shoot video on the go. No tapes, memory cards or chargers – this camcorder lets you shoot and then easily share your video via email, on the web, on Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, and AOL.

To begin making your picks click here.

You’ll be asked to enter the group’s password (Our Group password is: Our liberties we prize) before you can join.

You can make your picks any time before tournament begins.

Violent crime in Chicago is at an all-time high and the murder rate continues to escalate. In 2008 there were 511 murders committed, or more than 42 a month. Clearly, 30 years of banning guns in the city of Chicago has not had the desired effect that anti-gun advocates had hoped. In fact, the opposite is true. The lawful possession of firearms is the great equalizer between the law abiding citizen and the violent criminal.

Throughout history, including our own history, unarmed people have lost their freedoms to tyrannical governments and to criminals. It was the experience of a tyrannical government that led our founders to pen into our Constitution the phrase the “right to bear arms, shall not be infringed.” Today, in cities like Chicago and Washington, D.C., where left-leaning local governments have banned law abiding citizens from possessing firearms, violent crime spirals out of control. It is time to return and restore this fundamental right back to the people.

Iowans have a long history of responsible gun ownership and should have their rights of gun ownership protected. As a hunter and life-time member of the National Rifle Association, gun ownership is important to me. Whether it is for sport or for protection, responsible gun ownership is the cornerstone of our freedom as Americans. Just as the rights to speak freely, worship, assemble, association, and free press are the foundation of our great country, so is gun ownership. It is one of the few enumerated rights under our Constitution. If I am elected to Congress to represent you, I will honor my oath to the Constitution and uphold our constitutional right to bear arms.

Jim Gibbons is Running for Congress in the Iowa 3rd Congressional District

Since last July, Terry Branstad has led Culver the polls by anywhere from 16 to 29 percent. Branstad’s chief primary opponent, Bob Vander Plaats, has also beat Culver in head-to-head polls since last fall, but by a lesser percentage. Even relatively unknown State Representative Rod Roberts polled well in a matchup between himself and Culver. Roberts trailed the incumbent Governor by only 5% in February, just outside of the poll’s margin of error.

With each new set of poll numbers that are released, Iowa Republicans are becoming more and more confident that they have a real chance to unseat Culver in November. If successful, it will be the first time an incumbent governor has not been re-elected in Iowa since 1962.

Governor Culver’s vulnerability in polls means that the candidate who gives a victory speech on primary night will likely be giving an inaugural speech next January. With just three months until the primary, the Republican gubernatorial race is now in full swing.

The biggest development thus far in the race is that there will be a series of three Republican debates this spring. The debates will be held in Sioux City, Cedar Rapids, and Des Moines. By agreeing to the three debates, Branstad avoids any criticism that he is unwilling to debate his primary opponents, but he also opens himself up to be attacked in front of a TV audience. The gubernatorial candidates have now shared a common stage a number of times, but for the most part, Vander Plaats and Roberts have not used those opportunities to criticize Branstad directly.

All three candidates spoke at the Iowa Christian Alliance event last week, but no candidate took a shot at Branstad. Vander Plaats did criticize Branstad at the Scott County Republican convention a week ago Saturday, but beyond that, there have not been as many sparks flying around in the primary as some had expected.

As the primary campaign enters into its final stage, it’s once again time to see how the Republican gubernatorial primary has evolved over the last year. For much of 2009, Bob Vander Plaats focused on one issue – gay marriage. Vander Plaats’ entire campaign last year centered around the Iowa Supreme Court’s April 3rd decision that opened the doors for gay marriage in the state.

Vander Plaats has vowed to put a check on the Court’s power by implementing an executive order that would put a stay on gay marriage until the people of Iowa have an opportunity to vote on the matter. Vander Plaat’s stay on gay marriages might have to last through his entire first term in office, since the process of passing a constitutional amendment is a difficult one in Iowa.

Some of Vander Plaat’s most ardent supporters have taken Terry Branstad to task for his pick of Joy Corning to serve as his Lt. Governor during his last two terms in office. Corning supports homosexual rights. Yet, at the Iowa Christian Alliance event last week, Vander Plaats chose not to talk about Branstad’s past and instead focused on jobs and the economy.

Vander Plaats is already identified as the socially conservative candidate in the race, so one might understand why he made the decision to talk about other issues at the event. However, his decision to not draw a stark contrast between himself and Brastad in a room packed with social conservatives and the media seems like another missed opportunity for his campaign. The closest Vander Plaats came to criticizing Branstad was a vague reference to gambling, which got its start in Iowa while Branstad was governor.

Branstad, on the other hand, used his time behind the lectern to tell those in attendance that he shares their values and has fought for them as governor. He talked about the Defense of Marriage Act that he signed into law, legislation that allowed parents to educate their kids at home, and statistical reporting, parental notification, and banning partial birth abortions.

As a former high school basketball coach, Vander Plaats should realize that the end of the game is drawing near, and while he’s still in the game, he’s going to need to hit some three pointers to pull off an upset. Thus far, he is playing like the looming primary is just halftime.

While Vander Plaats has a dedicated group of supporters across the state, you can now start to see the differences between the Branstad and the Vander Plaats campaigns.

The Vander Plaats campaign consists of a core group of five or so paid staffers. The Branstad campaign has more field staffers than Vander Plaats has paid staff. This allows Branstad to have a presence at various Republican gatherings across the state, not just where the candidate is visiting. I noticed this in Cedar Rapids last Tuesday. The only campaign to have a representative at the Five Season’s Republican Women’s luncheon was Branstad. These little things make a difference in the outcome of a campaign.

Last fall, Branstad was criticized for not attending county GOP events like the other candidates. While it’s likely that some are still bothered by his early absence, Branstad has traveled the state and hosted his own events. By doing so, he has been able to identify more supporters for his campaign than just those who regularly attend GOP meetings and events.

If Vander Plaats wants to win the GOP primary in June he’s going to have to be more aggressive and show a willingness to attack Branstad. The three upcoming debates provide him with an opportunity to do just that, but if he wants to build his case against Branstad, he needs to start making those arguments now.

As this campaign progresses, it is becoming more and more like the Republican gubernatorial campaign of 2002. Instead of Doug Gross joining the race late, we have Branstad. Instead of Steve Sukup being the candidate who many expected to win the primary until Gross’ late entry, you have Vander Plaats. Then there is Rod Roberts, who while nobody gives him any chance of winning, he will stay clear of the negative attacks between Branstad and Vander Plaats, and find himself as the fresh-faced alternative in the race, much like Bob Vander Plaats was in 2002.

While the sparks have yet to fly, the Republican gubernatorial primary will provide plenty of fireworks before it’s all said and done. How good or bad the fireworks display will be this year is up to Vander Plaats. Thus far, Vander Plaats’ allies have been the ones attacking Branstad. That might get some people talking, but if Vander Plaats wants to be the Republican nominee, he must be willing to draw the stark distinctions between himself and Branstad.

Photo by Dave Davidson

Boswell said, “The state has disbursed $1.28 billion that has created or maintained 9,095 jobs in the state as of December 31, 2009.”

This is actually kind of funny because back on December 03, 2009 Leonard Boswell posted a YouTube video where he said the ARRA allocated;

“…more than $1.5 billion has been obligated for projects so far and 5,336 jobs have been created or saved in construction, education, public safety and other industries” (1:11).

I don’t know how in one month he doubled those meager jobs results but that’s not really the issue here. The issue is that our Congressional Representative is spending taxpayers’ dollars on this campaign mailer. Look at the back of the mailer to find the notice, “this mailing was prepared, published, and mailed at taxpayer expense.”

Not only did Leonard Boswell have the audacity to double the numbers for this election year but even went so far as to publish his personal Facebook and Twitter accounts on the mailer. Accounts that are used for campaign purposes and have no official government purpose!

This is not the type of leadership we need in Iowa. This is not the type of representation we want in Washington. While I understand that individuals from both sides of the aisle practice this it is inappropriate behavior that should not be accepted on any level. Its one thing to spend taxpayers’ money, our money, on things that will better Iowa, but to spend it on campaign mailers that are promoting your campaign communication outlets at the taxpayers’ expense is corrupt and bad judgment. This is just further proof that Boswell is out of touch with Iowa and does a better job of representing Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama than he does his very own constituents in Iowa District Three.

Last Saturday, I recorded Dave Funk, Jim Gibbons, and Brad Zaun’s speeches at the Polk County Convention. Mark Rees spoke later in the afternoon after I had left. The speeches provide an indication of what message each particular candidate is promoting.

Out of the three speeches, I thought Gibbons provided the most content in regards to current issues. He spoke about healthcare, cap and trade, and the government’s out of control spending. It was obvious that both Zaun and Funk had more enthusiastic supporters in the room and provided more one-liners, but Gibbon’s provided more substance.

Something to keep an eye on: Even though I’m now a Polk County resident and voter, I still receive invites to Republican events in Poweshiek County. Last week, I received an invitation to a Gibbons for Congress fundraiser, which is being hosted by Pete Brownell of Montezuma.

Brownell owns Brownell, Inc., the world’s largest supplier of firearm accessories and gunsmithing tools. While it is not odd that the would support one of the 3rd District Congressional candidates, I was a little surprised when I got the invitation from the Gibbons campaign since the Brownell family had been Dave Funk’s largest financial backers to date. This is the stuff that happens in big primary fields. Either way, it’s a big score for Gibbons.

Brad Zaun

Zaun received a huge ovation from the Urbandale section of the Polk County Convention as he was introduced. Zaun used his speech to let people know that he will always listen to his constituents, and has done so as a mayor and member of the legislature.

Out of all the candidates speeches, Zaun offered the most one-liners and the audience ate it up. He is extremely likeable and goes about his campaign in a positive and upbeat manner. If I had to compare Zaun to a national candidate in terms of style, he reminds me of Sarah Palin. He’s funny, delivers great lines, but can be a little short on substance from time to time.

Word on the Street: Zaun has been aggressively fundraising and been willing to meet with those who have already supported his opponent’s campaigns. That’s a good sign for his campaign, but we will have to see if he is successful in getting people to hedge their bets and donate to his campaign as well.

Dave Funk

Funk spoke to the convention right before lunch. Polk County was not the first convention he hit last Saturday. As such, he missed the opportunity to speak at the same time as Zaun and Gibbons. Those side by side comparisons are always nice if you are a candidate in Funk’s shoes.

Funk also received a warm welcome by the convention delegates. Funk’s used a big chunk of his speech to attack one of his opponents, but chose not to do it by name. Funk’s attack were aimed at Jim Gibbons, but if I would have to guess 75% of the delegates didn’t understand that he was attacking Gibbons for having the former Speaker Hastert at a fundraiser.

Funk also attacked the people who are supporting Gibbons financially. If Funk wins the primary he’s going to need to raise huge sums of money. Attacking another candidate’s donors for “drinking at taxpayers trough for their own personal or business interests,” is odd and unseen in politics. It’s also interesting coming from a candidate who receives farm subsidies himself. I guess I don’t understand the difference except for the scale of the subsidies.

On a lighter note: Funk hit a turkey while traveling around to the county conventions with his Toyota 4 Runner. Funk posted a picture on his Facebook page. I’ve had a pheasant hit my windshield once and I was amazed at the damage it did. That was scary enough, I can’t imagine hitting a turkey. Good to see that Dave has a sense of humor about this stuff and was smart to post it on his Facebook page.

Mark Rees

Mark Rees opened his campaign headquarters last night in historic Valley Junction. Rees’s headquarters is decked out with American flags and is already loaded with small yard signs and big Rees for Congress barn signs.

The location of his office should help expand the visibility of his campaign. In the summer there area hosts a farmers market on the weekends and live music on Thursday nights.

In talking to campaign manager Nathan Treloar, Rees has the necessary petitions signed to place his name on the ballot. While Rees is relatively unknown in Iowa political circles, Treloar cut his teeth on Bob Vander Plaats’ 2002 gubernatorial campaign and later worked for the Republican Party of Iowa.

Zaun and Gibbons photo by Dave Davidson
Funk photo from his Facebook page

“Terry Branstad is the person who can best lead this state through our budget crisis,” said Hahn, who served during Branstad’s term, 1991-1999. “I have seen firsthand his effective, conservative leadership. I look forward to working with him to identify ways to streamline our services.”

Schulte stressed the need for a governor who works with Iowans and comprehends the challenges families face.

“We need a leader who understands the concerns of Iowans, and Governor Branstad is out there, working every day to offer new ideas,” said Schulte. “We need jobs, a responsible state budget and a better educational system. Terry Branstad understands this and is offering meaningful solutions.”

Branstad pledged to work with Hahn and Schulte.

“I welcome the support of Jim and Renee, because it will take all of us working together to lead Iowa’s comeback,” said Branstad. “They are on the legislative front lines every day, and I appreciate their commitment to job creation, fiscal responsibility and to my campaign.”

Hahn and Schulte join Sen. Jerry Behn, R-Boone, Sen. Randy Feenstra, R-Hull , Sen. David Johnson, R-Ocheyeden, Sen. Larry Noble, R-Ankeny, Sen. Pat Ward, R-West Des Moines, Rep. Steve Lukan, R-New Vienna, Rep. Ralph Watts, R-Adel, Rep. Jeff Kaufmann, R-Wilton, Rep. Rich Arnold, R-Russell, Rep. Lance Horbach, R-Tama, Rep. Annette Sweeney, R-Alden, Rep. Henry Rayhons, R-Garner, Rep. Dave Tjepkes, R-Gowrie, Rep. Erik Helland, R-Grimes, Rep. Linda Miller, R-Bettendorf, and Rep. Doug Struyk, R-Council Bluffs.

For more information on the Governor Branstad 2010 campaign, please visit www.GovernorBranstad2010.com

“I am grateful to all those Iowans who signed my nomination forms to help me get on the ballot and run against Leonard Boswell in the fall. This will be an exciting election year and I can’t wait to square off against Leonard and talk about the issues that are important to working Iowa families,” said Jim Gibbons. “I am running for Congress to bring a common-sense approach to Washington. It is time to bring fiscal responsibility back to our government by stopping the out-of-control spending, lowering taxes, and bringing Iowa values back to Congress. I know what it takes to compete and win at the highest level and I plan to do that in this election,” Gibbons said.

Gibbons, a native of central Iowa, gained notoriety in the sport of wrestling by winning three Iowa State High School Championships, a NCAA National Championships at Iowa State, and being named an All-American. Gibbons then went on to coach the Iowa State Wrestling team winning an NCAA Championship for Iowa State. Gibbons has been married for 21 years to his wife Anne. Jim and Anne have three daughters.

Read more about the Jim Gibbons for Congress campaign at www.GibbonsforCongress.com.

Today I am in Florida to photograph a wedding, but like Krusty recently pointed out with Kathy Obradovich… who cares – right, but while I’m here I have a point to share.  A very important point to share to Iowa.  The Florida legislature actually is transparent, online all the time.  Hmmm…

Wake up Iowa and share some sunshine.  Let’s do this!

http://TransparencyFlorida.gov

http://TransparencyFlorida.gov

All three of the Secretary of State candidates spoke at the Dallas County event on Friday night. Eichhorn was the first to speak, and I thought he gave a great speech. He was confident, knowledgeable, and likeable. Sanger spoke so softly it was almost a whisper, but despite his soft voice, his full beard makes quite a statement. Sanger’s main campaign position is do away with the signature requirements to get ones name placed on the ballot. That’s ironic since he was the first candidate to turn in his signatures.

Schultz shined last Friday night and again at the Polk County Convention the next morning. In both instances, he spoke for about five minutes, yet in that short amount of time he conveyed a lot of information about himself and what he wants to do as Secretary of State. He started his speech by giving the audience some stats about how many business forms and inquiries the Secretary of State’s office handles. He then says that he will use the office as a bully pulpit to promote business in Iowa.

He then asks people if they have ever heard of ACORN. Schultz uses the questionable tactics used by organizations like ACORN as a call to for changing Iowa’s elections laws. He then tells a story about buying doughnuts for campaign volunteers at a Hy Vee in Council Bluffs. He grins as he reminds people that he was asked to show a photo ID when using a check to buy twenty dollars worth of doughnuts.

He then asks people how many have flown recently. He asked them to raise their hands if they had to show a photo ID before boarding an airplane. Of course they all nodded in agreement. He then asked, so why is it when we go to vote, we don’t have to prove who we are.

Schultz has also proposed creating a voter fraud hotline based off of the same principles as Crime Stoppers. That way, the Secretary of State’s office can react to claims of voter fraud not political parties and candidates.

A couple of days ago, Schultz released his first legislative endorsements. It included, former Speaker of the Iowa House Brent Siegrist, State Representative Doug Struyk, and Representative Greg Forristall.

Below is the video of Schultz’ speech from the Polk County Convention. It runs about five minutes.