Spitzer and Seymour: One fallen Democrat; One fallen Republican

This comment is from a resident of Iowa who has worked with Jim Seymour in the past on issues facing Iowans

At least in the case of Elliot Spitzer, the fallen NY Governor, the Democrats insisted on his resignation. In contrast, despite Seymours sexual perversities, Iowa Republican majority leader, Iverson, believes Seymour can still be an effective leader. Why does Iverson choose to be so cavalier and dismissive about the Seymour situation? This is not solely about a perverse sexual appetite; but about bad judgment, irresponsibility; about lies, purposeful omission, deception and the risk to the party. Seymour was an "official" candidate at the time of the offense; "officially" representing the Republican Party and family values. Yet on the same day in Des Moines he had no moral conflict in submitting his Senatorial candidacy paperwork in the morning and paying for oral sex from a prostitute in the afternoon, killing two birds with one stone. After all he had to go to Des Moines on political business, anyway. Since he chose not to confess his sexual proclivities to the party leaders, he must have felt pretty secure that the word was not going to get out. Why was he so certain that the news would not be leaked to the public as in the case of U.S. Senator Craig? Why wasn't the arrest of a public figure reported in the press?

King Insults Sioux City and North High School

Congressman Steve King, in his letter to the Sioux City Journal, stated a candidate forum should be held in a neutral environment and declined to appear at a candidate forum hosted by the Sioux City Journal and League of Women Voters at Sioux City’s North High School.

Now that North High School in Sioux City is no longer a neutral environment, I have to wonder how King defines "neutral." Is this a “Lights Off and Doors Locked” approach for which King is famous?

I can hardly imagine a candidate insulting the district's largest city and daily newspaper, hoping to get re-elected.

Iowa's Smoking Test

With the recent tax increase on cigarettes and the "No-Smoking" ban at public places, do you feel State Government is moving towards more control of individual rights and freedoms or is this simply a health concern being addressed?

A Happy Birthday, America

From USA City Link

On July 4, 1776, we claimed our independence from Britain and Democracy was born. Every day thousands leave their homeland to come to the "land of the free and the home of the brave" so they can begin their American Dream.

The United States is truly a diverse nation made up of dynamic people. Each year on July 4, Americans celebrate that freedom and independence with barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. Through the Internet we are learning about and communicating with people of different nations, with different languages and different races throughout the world. Bringing the world closer with understanding and knowledge can only benefit all nations.

Happy Birthday, America...

Congressman Steve King (R-IA) Supports Cover-Up?

Former Bush press secretary Scott McClellan told Congress under oath Friday what he never said from the White House lectern – that top officials misled the country about Iraq and are still concealing the truth about leaking a CIA operative's name.

Said Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, "Couldn't you have taken this to the grave with you and done this country a favor?"

Tim Russert, Heartbreaking News

Message from Jeff Zucker & Steve Capus (NBC Universal)

It is with incredible sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that Tim Russert passed away today (6/13/2008), suddenly. We have lost a beloved member of our NBC Universal family and the news world has lost one of its finest. The enormity of this loss cannot be overstated. More than a journalist, Tim was a remarkable family man. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Maureen, their son, Luke, and Tim’s entire extended family.

The answer to the question

Bear asked: How do voters take their district back...? Good question. Even better is that the answer lies right within the question; you'll find it nestled inside the third word -- vote.

But that's the easy part. In the case of House District 55, however, they first needed someone for whom to vote, and that requires involvement and a commitment to candidate recruitment. That in turn at least gives Democrats a fighting chance, which is the first step in taking back our districts.

So how do we convey that message?

Well, if I had an extra $2,136.96, I'd send sympathy cards to the 5,088 registered Democrats in HD-55. It seems quite appropriate, especially since they've basically just lost something very near and dear: representation. Even better would be an additional $2,670.36 for another 6,358 cards for the registered No Party voters. After all, it's their loss, too.

Iowans for Tax Relief may boast record-winning elections for their young republican puppets (see Bret Hayworth's ITR counts primary scalps), but in spite of their teetering stacks of gold coins, there's simply no substitute for a solid vote, and the numbers are doable with a little work.

HD-55 has 6,051 registered republicans. Let's say we earned (and yes, votes are earned) 60% of the NP vote. That's about 3815 votes. The 8903 combined Democratic and NP votes would be enough to topple ITR's gold tower. Sure, not all Dems and NP voters will show up to cast ballots, but neither will the republicans or their 40% share of NPs. But, as Henry Fonda once said in the film Shenandoah, "We've got to try. Because if we don't try, we don't do. And if we don't do, then why are we here?"

Therein, my friend, lies our answers. Representation doesn't just happen. We as Democrats have to make it happen.

So, how's about those sympathy cards? If someone wants to pony up the $4,807.32 for postage, I'll lick all the envelopes. I'll seal them with a kick.