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.

Schultz wins Iowa primary for HD55

Democrats failed to recruit a candidate for House District 55 - leaving the door open for another bought and paid for candidate like Matt Windschitl in HD56.

Jason Schultz won the Republican Primary for HD55.
Jason is supported by special interests from SE Iowa.

How do voters take their district back, getting the representation they deserve?

Obama Secures Nomination

Should Barack Obama select Hillary Clinton as the VP running mate?

Confused, Join the Party!

In Iowa, voters begin the Presidential nomination process at the Precinct Caucuses. That process continues to the County, District and State Conventions.

Are you as confused as most
understanding the procedures and rules?

DNC Challenge

Should the DNC seat delegates from Florida and Michigan at the Democratic National Convention in August?

SILO Tax Bill

On Tuesday, Gov. Chet Culver signed into law the SILO bill that replaces a local-option sales tax with a statewide 1-cent tax. The bill distributes the tax revenue statewide based on student enrollment giving property poor school districts tax relief and/or funding for long-term projects.

State Rep. Matt Windschitl (R-HD56) of Missouri Valley, voted against the SILO tax bill.

Does Windschitl represent the district or special interest groups?

Super Delegate Lead

Former DNC Chair, Joe Andrew, switched his allegiance to Barack Obama Thursday stating, "a vote for Hillary Clinton is a vote to continue this process that assists John McCain."

Do you feel this lengthy primary has devolved to the point that it's bad for the Democratic Party?

Primary Election | GOTV

Iowa's Primary Election is Tuesday, June 3rd. You can mail a request for an absentee ballot or vote absentee at the County Auditor's Office during normal office hours.

Will you wait to vote on June 3rd or
take advantage of absentee voting?

Iowa Delegation Seeks Elevated Role for Guard

From the Des Moines Register

POTOMAC FEVER: Iowa delegation, minus King, seeks elevated role for Guard

By Jane NORMAN • Register columnist • April 20, 2008

Bipartisan members of the Iowa congressional delegation united last week to ask that the head of the National Guard Bureau be included in the makeup of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Rep. Steve King was the only member of the delegation who did not sign on to the letter. Asked for comment, King said: "Rep. Braley and all Democrats in the Iowa delegation do not support the troops and their mission. We will not be led to victory by those who have declared defeat."

There was no elaboration, so it's not clear why King would say that in connection with this particular initiative.

King's Values

Congressman Steve King (R-IA) encourages constituents to vote for candidates who support their values.

This comes from a man that:

• Espouses Extreme Right Wing Politics
• Attacks and Smears Opponents
• Spends Billions Recklessly
• Defends Cockfighting
• Was named "One of the Worst People in the World"
• Voted to Deny Iowa's Children Health Care
• Voted Against Helping Katrina Victims Rebuild
• Defended the Abuses in Abu Grhaib
• Voted Against Renewing the Voting Rights Act

Does King represent your values?

English Only?

Recently, a District Court Judge in Polk County ruled Iowa voter registration forms could only be available in the English language.

What is the problem with removing possible road blocks to voter registration? Should constitutional rights be considered in this case?

Clinton - Obama Battle

Pennsylvania holds the next Primary on April 22nd with 158 delegates at stake. Currently, Obama is leading in the "Delegate Won" category by 166 delegates.

Should Clinton step aside and endorse Obama or continue the battle?

King Cover-Up

Sioux City, IA | March 24, 2008
Steve King spoke to the Sioux City Rotary Club Monday spending most of the time justifying his past flagrant comments. He stated his remarks are planned to stir discussion of key issues.

USA Economics

As I watch the news - listening to the economic problems facing our nation, I have to ask myself what caused this downturn.

1. Wealth Disparity
2. Iraq war
3. Trade relations
4. Loose Credit
5. All the above???

I may not have a degree in economics but I understand the "Middle Class Squeeze" principle, spending more than you make and the concept of trade. Then we account for the falling dollar and other nations buying more of our goods and services on the cheep -- meaning we pay more for their goods.

Please help me understand this logic -- Are we actually paying people to help make these choices?

King Diagnosis Fatal: Incurable Ignorance

Many Iowans are once again embarrassed by Congressman Steve King’s (R-IA) flagrant racist remarks regarding Barack Obama and the joy "terrorists" would feel worldwide if he were elected as the next President of the United States. The truth is, there would be worldwide dancing in the streets by countries looking to Obama as the answer to hope and change, but King chose instead to focus on and identify with extremist groups. (Imagine that.)

Is this another case of “lights out, doors locked” in King’s perception of current events or is he just campaigning for Hillary Clinton? Let’s remember, King gave "credit" to Hillary for the S-CHIP bill when it rightfully belonged to Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA).

If the people have not yet figured it out, we are given a choice on Election Day. We have a two party system that allows voters to make decisions based not just on party preference, but the candidate they feel best for any given office.

Let’s wake up, turn on the lights, and unlock those doors.

Monona Dems: King seeks re-election

Monona Dems: King seeks re-election

King seeks re-election

May God Help Us! Steve King (R-IA) announced he will seek re-election to Congress. Enough is enough already. King has had three terms as Western Iowa's Congressman and I doubt another term will improve his public service record.

3/7/08 Steve King (R-IA)| "Throughout my time in Washington, I have delivered the truth from Washington," King said at the news conference. "Standing up on principle often means taking some arrows, but we have pulled together to make a difference."

Does King fail to address the real truth by making flagrant misleading comments about Iraq, Immigration, and Health Care? He also claimed history showed McCarthy to be "a hero for America". Is this really the "truth" King claims to have delivered and who is the "we" in pulled together?