“I am proud to say these signatures were collected one door and one handshake at a time,” Rees said. “The people I met were eager to share their opinions and ideas, but most of all their frustration with career politicians and business as usual in Washington.”

Rees, a retired West Des Moines architect, is seeking the Republican nomination to unseat the seven-term Democratic incumbent.

“I believe I am the only candidate capable of delivering the coalition of voters needed to defeat Leonard Boswell,” Rees said. “Constituents throughout the district appreciate my straightforward approach to politics and recognize that my campaign is about ideas and ideals, not sound bites and clichés.”

An outspoken advocate of term limits, Rees has committed to serving no more than eight years if elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Details of his term limit proposal, as well as dozens of other issues, are posted at www.markreesforcongress.com/issues.

In remarks prepared for a campaign event with young professionals at Smokey Row coffeehouse in the Sherman Hill neighborhood, Vander Plaats said Iowa “needs a governor willing to stand against runaway federalism.”

“I talk to so many Iowans who are fed up with the federal government trying to grab more and more power over their lives and take more and more of their money. There’s no clearer example of that power grab than the Democrats’ plan to take over our health care system lock, stock and barrel,” said Vander Plaats, noting that Iowa consistently ranks high in health care delivery and very low in federal reimbursement. “Frankly, there’s no reason for us to just sit here and let the federal government run roughshod over the public’s will. If that legislation passes, I’ll show the federal government that the states still have a say in things.”

Vander Plaats continued, “A Virginia House delegate named Christopher Peace summed it up best last week when he wrote in the Richmond Post-Dispatch that “the American people have ignored an enormous consolidation of power and authority in our federal government over the past year and, some could argue, the past 20 years. … But the nation is now experiencing a turning away from big government — and this ebb may well revive the intended constitutional government.”

Vander Plaats noted that “much like the Second Amendment is designed to protect the citizen from the encroachments of the government, so stands the 10th Amendment in defense of the states (and their citizens).”

“In other words, powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. I would argue that a federal take-over of our health care system is not a power delegated to the United States,” he said. “I’ll be a governor who reminds Congress and the President that there’s a reason the constitution has a 10th amendment.”

As governor, Vander Plaats’ legislative agenda would include a measure modeled after a Virginia proposal that states, “No law shall restrict a person’s natural right and power of contract to secure the blessings of liberty to choose private health care systems or private plans. No law shall interfere with the right of a person or entity to pay for lawful medical services to preserve life or health, nor shall any law impose a penalty, tax, fee, or fine, of any type, to decline or to contract for health care coverage or to participate in any particular health care system or plan, except as required by a court where an individual or entity is a named party in a judicial dispute. Nothing herein shall be construed to expand, limit or otherwise modify any determination of law regarding what constitutes lawful medical services within the Commonwealth.”

Vander Plaats said he would support legislation that firearms, firearms accessories and ammunition made and retained in Iowa are “not subject to federal law or regulation under the authority of Congress to regulate interstate commerce.” He also would urge Iowans to launch the process to amend the federal constitution to include a balanced budget amendment.

“Virginia has the great names in America’s revolution against an oppressive government – names like Patrick Henry, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson and Edmund Randolph. Today’s Iowans are no less patriotic and just as willing to stand up for their personal freedoms. We do not have to let the federal government walk all over us if we elect a governor who will stand against the modern-day tyranny of crushing federal debt brought on a federal government that takes our money and spends it to control our lives,” he said.

Photo by Dave Davidson

So is this really an odd roundabout compliment to Gibbons or is Keirnan onto something?

Gee, do you think it may have something to do with the scheduled protest today at 12:30 for Leonard Boswell?  Hmmm… Let me guess, I mean look into my crystal ball.  Yes, I see Erin Kiernan will anchor the newstory of this event today on WHO TV 13 coverage or now maybe not since that would be too obvious.

Its all about timing and a toothpaste smile…

For decades, the process to get a permit to carry a firearm has been mired by politics. Basically it has been left up to the sheriff in a county to decide if you are worthy of a permit. The sheriff in Greene County might issues permits to carry for almost everyone who asks for one, while the sheriff in Boone County might not issue any.

Even worse, when you have to deal with a politician (all sheriffs are elected in Iowa) to get a permit sometimes stings are attached. You know how it works. Even though it’s never spoken, we all know there are a lot of winks and nods when it comes to stuff like this. Maybe you purchase some tickets to a fundraiser in support of the sheriff’s office or donate to his/her reelection campaign before you submit your paper work.

Having a process that is equally administered across the state is a good idea, and the only fair way to do it.

What I found interesting was one of Supreme Potentate Gronstal’s comments in the Des Moines Register.

Gronstal, D-Council Bluffs, said he decided to revive the idea because of concerns that the current process is too subjective. “We have a situation in the state of Iowa – 99 counties and 99 sets of criteria,” he said. In some counties, he said, almost anyone who applies gets a permit. In other counties, almost no one but law enforcement officers can get one.

I guess we can take from this that Gronstal has also changed his position on local control of agriculture in the state. Currently, Iowa regulates agriculture on a statewide basis. That too is a good thing. Yet, Democrats like Mike Gronstal think that counties and local governments should be able to place restrictions on agriculture.

Gronstal doesn’t care about looking like a hypocrite; he just cares about winning elections. Get ready for your mailbox to be flooded with pro-2nd Amendment flyers. There is no doubt that this bill will become law since the NRA A-Rated Chet Culver will gladly sign this puppy.

The process is called the “Slaughter Strategy,” named for the Democrat who chairs the rules committee, would make it possible for the House to avoid voting on the reconciliation package by instead voting on the adoption of the rule of reconciliation. Basically, it means that the bill will head straight to the White House for approval, skipping the conference process that would be necessary to iron out any difference between the House and Senate versions of the bill.

The Obama White House has put an incredible amount of pressure on Democratic lawmakers to pass the healthcare reform package. Knowing how unpopular the proposal is with the American public, many Democrats are reluctant to vote for the bill knowing that it could spell trouble for their re-election efforts this fall.

While one would think that the public outrage might cause Democrats to slow down or try and improve the bill, instead it’s actually has persuaded Democrats like Iowa Senator Tom Harkin to attach another huge government entitlement to the bill. When President Obama campaigned in 2008, he advocated for the government takeover of the student loan industry. Now Sen. Harkin is working to lump that added provision in with the healthcare bill. In essence, this is two government takeovers for the expensive price of one huge bill.

By eliminating private sector student loans, the Obama-Harkin plan will kill the competition that helps students get the best deal on student loans, creating a one size fits all government student loan bank with the same rates for all kids and families. While government run healthcare will ultimately lead to the rationing of healthcare in America, nationalizing the student loan programs will also ration who receives assistance and access to higher education in America.

It’s estimated that up to 35,000 private sector jobs will be cut if the student loan takeover passes. Some reasonable Democrats oppose the plan, but the student loan takeover will be written in backrooms by three of the most liberal Democrats and put to a vote without the House, the Senate, or the American public being able to see what is happening due to the use of the reconciliation process to pass a bill that has not been seen by either legislative body.

Just like the healthcare debacle, this proposal is also full of pork. First there is a non-competitive carve out for certain companies in certain states. This sounds exactly like what we saw in the senate healthcare bill. This time, however, it’s not the “Cornhusker Kickback,” instead, it will be the Hawkeye Hustle since the student loan takeover bill would exempt certain state agencies in Iowa and California. Senators Tom Harkin and George Miller both secured carve-outs for their states.

Some believe that including the student loan takeover in the reconciliation process would act as a poison pill that could make it more difficult for the healthcare bill to pass. Yet, Democrats have convinced themselves that, while these huge transformational bills are not popular now, they will be once they are implemented. Another reason for concern is that, since the Democrats already realize that they are about to make an unpopular vote, they might as pass another one of Obama’s unpopular campaign pledges in the process.

With government spending at an all time high and the economy still in the dumps, Democrats are on the cusp of passing two new entitlement programs when we can’t afford the ones we already have. The Wall Street Journal estimates that taxpayers will be asked to loan students roughly $100 billion a year if the bill is signed into law.

Private sector jobs are what America needs to be able to change its current course. Unfortunately, the only thing that the Democrats are interested in is more big government takeovers that will eventually lead to higher taxes which will stymie job growth.

Sadly, Americans are not surprised. It’s just another day, another industry takeover. Bank and auto company bailouts, stimulus packages that went to prop up state spending, and government-mandated healthcare reform. It’s not hard to believe that the next battle involves the Obama Administration’s desire to create a government-run single-payer student loan system.

These government takeovers not only cost taxpayers billions of dollars, they also cost us our liberties.

“As an Iowan, I am troubled that Leonard is voting for the “Corn-Husker kickback,” the “Louisiana Purchase,” and to have the taxpayers fund abortions,” said Jim Gibbons. “I don’t think it is right that we all have to pay for special backroom deals cut by Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid and supported by Leonard Boswell. It is outrageous that even before the bill has come to a vote on the floor of the House, Leonard has decided to ignore his constituents and vote for this debacle of a bill.”

A new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll found that only 36% of people asked thought the health care bill was a “good idea.” However, the Democrats in Congress are moving ahead in an attempt to pass the bill despite significant public opposition. Locally, a protest in front of Leonard Boswell’s Des Moines office has been scheduled by a group called “Kill the Bill” from 12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. to voice opposition to this bill.

Gibbons added, “Members of Congress are sent to Washington to represent their constituents and clearly Leonard Boswell has forgotten that. I am running for Congress to bring common sense, Iowa values back to Washington.”

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

“I want to thank the almost 2,000 Iowans that signed my nomination petitions. I’m grateful for the support we have received. Early polling indicates we have a strong base of support to build upon, outpacing all other candidates by a 5:1 margin,” said Zaun.

“While some of the candidates in this primary are worried about earning the favor of the powerbrokers on Capitol Hill, I’ve been focused on serving my constituents and listening to the voters across the 3rd Congressional District. I look forward to ramping up our efforts in April and May after the legislative session adjourns,” concluded Zaun.

Zaun, a former city council member and mayor of Urbandale, represents the northwest part of Des Moines and all of Urbandale in his second term as a senator in the Iowa Legislature. Zaun is a Vice President of R&R Realty. Previously, Zaun worked for a John Deere dealership, and then owned Zaun’s Trustworthy Hardware in Urbandale for 18 years. He also served as President of the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce. Zaun is married and has five children.

Are you sick of president Obama and Nancy Pelosi and their bureaucratic healthcare agenda being repeatedly jammed down your throat?

Do you support either Brad Zaun, Dave Funk, Jim Gibbons, Mark Rees, Pat Bertrouche or Scott Batcher for Iowa’s 3rd congressional district?

Well then here is your chance to effectively and peacefully let your voice be heard, not only for Iowa but for this great country we love.

Attend a ‘Kill the Bill’ Farewell Boswell protest on Thursday March 18th at 12:30-2pm at his office at 300 East Locust, Suite 320

Make a sign, take a stand and take a friend for a long lunch hour.  Tell your boss you have to save the world and you will be back to work when you’re finished saving the day!

For more information or to RSVP go to this facebook event link.

(URBANDALE, Iowa) – Former Gov. Terry Branstad today filed nomination papers with the Iowa secretary of state’s office, officially placing his name on the ballot for the Republican nomination for Iowa governor.

Branstad turned in 9,146 signatures, more than double the requirement of 3,412. Branstad’s signatures qualified him in 84 counties, surpassing the requirement of 10. Signatures were collected from all of Iowa’s 99 counties.

“These numbers demonstrate an unparalleled grassroots organization in Iowa on behalf of Governor Branstad,” said Branstad 2010 Campaign Manager Jeff Boeyink. “A vibrant, grassroots organization is imperative when running a statewide campaign, and we have assembled a great team that will help us be successful in June and November.”

Branstad says he is encouraged by the support he’s received.

“In traveling to more than 60 counties, I understand the frustration with how things are being run in Des Moines,” said Branstad. “If elected, on day one I will start working on my goals of job creation, reducing the size of government, increasing family incomes and restoring educational excellence.”

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

Photo by Dave Davidson

I think that Iowans are in the same sort of boat. I think a majority of folks know that their marriage to Chet Culver and the Democrats in the legislature is not working out. It is my concern that some of these people are not yet ready to file divorce papers because they feel like the relationship can be salvaged.

So while this may be painful, I think it’s time for an intervention so that the people of Iowa can come to terms with the true facts about the political party that they have entrusted to lead this state.

The following is the list of scandals that Iowa has had to endure under its current Democratic leadership.

Entire year of 2006 – CIETC Scandal
Most of 2006 and 2007 – Touchplay Scandal
Spring of 2008 – Culver Florida Vacation Scandal
Fall of 2008 – Mari Culver Busted for Smoking in a State Vehicle
Winter of 2008 – Culver Entertains Selling the Lottery
Spring of 2009 – RIO Office Scandal
Spring of 2009 – Department of Public Safety official bailed out State Rep. Kerry Burt for drink driving
Spring of 2009 – Atalissa Bunk House Scandal
Spring of 2009 – Glenwood Death Scandal
Spring of 2009 – IPERS Investment Scandal
Summer of 2009 – Iowa Film Office Scandal
Fall of 2009 – Culver SOS Scandal
Spring of 2010 – Culver continues to go through campaign managers and Chief of Staff’s like Mari goes through cigarettes. Hell, I’ve lost count, but now I’m hearing rumors that John Frew isn’t a happy guy and wants out.
Spring of 2010 – Union Leader calls new member a “Scab” in email
Spring of 2010 – Misuse of Federal Flood Recovery Funds Scandal

Does this look like a healthy relationship to you?

I’m sure that some liberal who is paid to moderate this site is going to swoop in and say that Culver and the Democrats are not responsible for any of this, but it all happened on their watch. Can you think of another time in this state’s history where some many scandals have occurred? I can’t.

I understand that Culver being illegally lobbied by Bonnie Campbell and the folks for Scientific Games didn’t result in the state selling the lottery, but low and behold we now have a push to expand the lottery and build new casinos.

I know that Culver using Bill Knapp’s condo seems like an insignificant story, but when you take into account that he used Mid-American Energy’s jet to get fly to travel to Florida, that’s a problem. Mid-American is the state’s most regulated company. And we wonder why Alliant didn’t get the green light to build a clean coal plant in Marshalltown.

It was Kerry Burt who chose to drink and drive last year, not Chet Culver. Yet, I’m the only one who asked why a person who works in the Department of Public Safety was the one to bail him out.

Those are just some of the insignificant scandals.

The fact that we have the FBI investigating the Iowa School Board Association is disturbing. Democrats call the shots in these types of organizations and they take care of their own. The Feds also say that the state misused federal flood money. And let’s not forget that the audit of the Secretary of State’s office under Culver also showed a misuse of federal funds. These are no longer isolated incidents, it’s a trend.

The scandals that will really haunt Culver and the Democrats are Atalissa, Glenwood, and the Film Office mess. They each show the administrations incompetence in managing the daily operations of state government.

The worse development for Democrats is that Iowa School Board Association scandal. The timing couldn’t be worse to have another CIETEC scandal emerge.

Again, does this look like a healthy and productive relationship?

Iowa needs to divorce itself from Democratic Leadership.