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Tuesday, September 28
Grass Roots Rock in Des Moines October 3rd!
by
Linda Thieman
on Tue 28 Sep 2004 08:51 AM CDT
Grass Roots Rock in Des Moines October 3rd!
 A Benefit by the Friends and Family of Andrew Smith,
the 25-year-old Democrat who is running for Iowa House in District 40 (Tama and Grundy counties). Andrew is the youngest Democrat running for office in Iowa. Monday, September 27
North Iowa Rocks the Vote October 3rd!
by
Linda Thieman
on Mon 27 Sep 2004 07:49 AM CDT
Sunday, September 26
Seniors for America Endorses 3 DFIA Candidates
by
Linda Thieman
on Sun 26 Sep 2004 01:07 PM CDT
 Seniors for America Endorses 3 DFIA Candidatesby Howard Vicini, Seniors for America Seniors for America began as Seniors for Dean in July, 2003, with the name transition after Gov. Dean dropped out of the Presidential race. We continue to honor his challenge to Take Back America through outreach projects designed to keep Seniors and Elders engaged in the political process. Our primary mission is to empower Senior Outreach coordinators of all ages who use the Internet with tools to reach across the digital divide to non-digital Seniors and Elders in their communities. Currently our 605 outreach coordinators and letter-writers span the ages of 13 to 93. Our letter-writers, in cooperation with our friends at Kerry's Wes Wing, the Rossmoor Dem Club and the Marin United Democratic Campaign, have written more than 17,000 letters to Seniors in battleground States in support of the Kerry-Edwards ticket since the Democratic Convention. We recently launched an online Activities Center for letter-writing, phone-banking and canvassing in support of Kerry-Edwards, as well as a slate of 29 Congressional, State, and Local candidates who we have endorsed in 2004 races. Seniors for America is proud to endorse:  Kevin Powell, County Auditor, Clayton County Kevin Powell: In selecting Kevin Powell for endorsement, our members noted his commitment to upholding the highest standards of voting integrity in the enforcement of HAVA. They also noted his commitment to fiscal responsibility and timely reporting for the County. We believe Kevin Powell's deep roots in his community and his support from Iowa progressives are clear signs of his readiness to serve the interests of his constituents.  Sally Vitamvas, Iowa House, District 98 (Southwest Iowa) Sally Vitamvas: In selecting Sally Vitamvas for endorsement, our members noted her ability to recognize the needs of her community and her commitment to get the job done. Her track record as a civic leader stands as a testament to ability to tackle complex issues like improving health care and increasing renewable energy alternatives. We believe that Sally Vitamvas will keep her campaign promises and improve the quality of life of her constituents.  John Drury, Iowa State Senate, District 6 (North Iowa) John Drury: In selecting John Drury for endorsement, our members noted his commitment to put the interests of public education over private education. They also relied on his commitment to the environment, including support for giving back control to Counties on the siting of large scale hog confinements. We believe John Drury's experience as Mayor of Swaledale, IA, and his support from progressive leadership groups and organized labor, are clear signs of his readiness to serve the interests of his constituents. The Seniors for America candidate endorsements are posted at: http://www.seniorsforamerica.com/?q=node/view/3786 Saturday, September 25
See Sally Run!
by
Linda Thieman
on Sat 25 Sep 2004 04:28 AM CDT
See Sally Run!by Sally Vitamvas, Democratic Candidate for Iowa House District 98 With equal parts innovation and creativity, Sally Vitamvas brings a breath of fresh air to her Southwest Iowa campaign I began the "See Sally Run" campaign, actually running between all the towns in District 98 on Monday, September 13th, in Pacific Junction. Skipping the days filled by scheduled events, my "pace car" driver, John Blasingame, and I have chalked up seven days of very slow travel time, and covered a bit over 50 miles, which is about half the total projected route. (Pacific Junction, Glenwood, Silver City, Treynor, Macedonia, Carson, and Oakland, so far. The current map is posted on my website at www.sallyvitamvas.com.) I am amazed at the difference this project has already made. I'm now recognized .... "Oh! You're the one who's running...right?" almost everywhere I go, and we get friendly honks and waves from passing drivers along the road. I've also met lots of wonderful farm dogs who nearly always greet me before I have a chance to knock on their owners' doors. The pace car driver, John, who years ago was a meter reader in Detroit, is leery of large dogs, and half-expects me to become some Doberman's dinner; but so far, the most dramatic dog encounter has consisted of a major face-washing accompanied by muddy paw-prints completely encircling my body at shoulder height...the result of a black, brown, and white farm collie's exuberant greeting. That was Buster, whose owner later commented dryly, "Oh, yeah. Buster. He does like to play." [You may recall from this photo that Sally is very fond of dogs!] Sore quadriceps, blisters, 90 plus heat shimmering off the blacktop of an excessively steep hill when we'd started our day an hour later than usual, a rainstorm on the way to Oakland while running in the mud along highway 59 and being drenched by passing semi trailer trucks.... all are part of the package. So is seeing a woman lean into the rain from the passenger seat of a passing pickup, to wave and shout encouragement, and being interviewed on the run by the Des Moines Register, whose reporter and photographer traveled several hours to meet us at 8:00 AM, and then stayed with us for six miles. (Watch for that story, Saturday or Sunday.) We'll finish the project by running to the Council Bluffs Democratic Headquarters, located at Main and Broadway, on October 10th, at 3:00 PM. Free hot dogs, and also free T-shirts until we run out of them, will be provided. We’d like to encourage people to attend and to also invite, kidnap, blackmail, Shanghai, or to in any other manner get others to accompany them. The event should be a lot of fun...long on food and camaraderie, and short on rhetoric. Because the major hurdle in this race is name recognition, I believe the October 10th event could well be the deciding factor. Sally Vitamvas Democratic Candidate for Iowa House District 98 info@sallyvitamvas.com 712-525-9137 PO Box 198 Silver City, Iowa 51571 To learn more about Sally Vitamvas or to contribute to her campaign, click here. Friday, September 24
Why It Is Important to Support Our Congressional Candidates NOW
by
Linda Thieman
on Fri 24 Sep 2004 07:25 AM CDT
 Why It Is Important to Support Our Congressional Candidates NOWBy Linda Thieman With just 6 days left before the filing deadline, it is important to make a stand NOW I’m sure each one of us has thought about what would happen if the junta manages to steal another election. But, no matter the outcome of the presidential election, there are two ways to stop this descent into madness, and both can be achieved by supporting our Democratic candidates for Congress. In the U.S. Senate, a Democratic majority will prevent any further right-wing judicial appointments. In the U.S. House of Representatives, a Democratic majority would hold the junta accountable for their illegal and traitorous behavior. The system of checks and balances that was written into the U.S. Constitution would be restored. No doubt, most Iowans do not realize the extent to which Chuck Grassley is responsible for the alarming economic situation this county finds itself in. As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Grassley championed those outrageous, enormous tax breaks for the wealthy that have sent the federal deficit plunging to record levels. Grassley also proudly proclaims that he is the “architect” of that heinous Medicare bill that was a gigantic windfall for the pharmaceutical companies – some of Grassley’s biggest contributors. Most Iowans are blind to the truth about Grassley, and Art Small, a wonderful, fiscally-responsible progressive, needs your help NOW to be able to get the word out. Support Art Small for U.S. Senate here. As for the U.S. House candidates that DFIA supports, we have an excellent group of progressives to offer up to the voters of Iowa. According to Joe Trippi, House races are often won by come-from-behind candidates, and often they don't come from behind until late in the game, sometimes even in the last week. The Republicans like to take out big ads smearing the Democrats in the last two weeks of a campaign, so it is important for Dems to have the funds available to counteract the Republican smear tactics and to jump on any last-minute surge. Dave Franker, Iowa Congressional District 2 Dave Franker's race has been declared one of the closest House races in the nation by several organizations, including Campaigns & Elections Magazine. In addition, C-Span has selected the Franker for Congress campaign as one of only 20 Senate and House races to be featured in their debate series. (Time and date has yet to be announced.) With your support, our chance for a pick up improves. Support Franker for Congress here. Paul Johnson, Iowa Congressional District 4 Paul Johnson is known as an Independent Democrat. He is currently traveling the 28 counties of District 4 for a series of forums. Click here for a listing of events. Paul also appeared last weekend on IPTV with his opponent, incumbent Republican Tom Latham. Click here for the transcript and the streaming audio feed. Paul limits the amount of money he will accept from any one PAC to $2,000, the same amount that an individual is allowed to contribute by law. He will never be beholden to special interests. Support Paul Johnson for Congress here. Joyce Schulte, Iowa Congressional District 5 As if running an effective campaign against the most embarrassing Iowan in history (blunder-prone neo-con Steve King) weren’t enough, Joyce Schulte intends to make her mark as the first woman from Iowa elected to Congress. Joyce, a populist who never pulls punches, is an education services worker and Vilsack appointee to the Agricultural Development Authority Board. Joyce Schulte possesses all the common sense that Steve King lacks. Support Schulte for Congress here. Thursday, September 23
Joyce Schulte Condemns King's Racist Remarks
by
Linda Thieman
on Thu 23 Sep 2004 05:03 PM CDT
 Joyce Schulte Condemns King's Racist RemarksJoyce Schulte, Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress from Iowa's Fifth District, is known as "the woman who's going to send Steve King to an early retirement." And it can't happen too soon. King became the target of wrath, yet again, from many directions, particularly Hispanic Congressional and community leaders, when he rose on the floor of the House to speak in support of an amendment limiting the use of the Mexican Consulate identification card to allow Mexican immigrants to get driver's licenses or open bank accounts, a card that is recognized by 160 countries and 33 U.S. states and the Treasury Department. During those remarks King said that patriotic Americans believe in "cultural continuity" and that it's time "somebody stands up and says we're going to be opposed to this idea of diversity." In response, Joyce Schulte issued this statement: "I am saddened, ashamed, and deeply angered that once again Steve King has attempted to portray the good people of western Iowa in the same shallow, hateful light which he shines on himself. Because he has spent the past two years in Congress engaging in little more than self-serving grandstanding on issues designed to drive a wedge between us, he has brought nothing of any real value to Iowa's fifth district. Economic development investment has been at a standstill, jobs are disappearing, Medicare reimbursements are still far too low, the corporate takeover of our family farms continues unabated, and our young people still have few reasons not to move to greener pastures. Steve King does not represent the hearts and minds of the people of the fifth District, but rather the limited mind and withered heart of a modern-day Grinch, unhappy when people are happy learning to live together, doing his best to ruin our celebration of the cultural diversity that has always been and will always be at the core of our society. I encourage the people of western Iowa to let Steve King know that we do not agree with his perspective, nor with his methods, and that we certainly do not want him to pretend to represent us any more. And the way to do that is to support my candidacy as a rational, realistic alternative to his irrational embarrassment of a career in politics." To learn more about Joyce Schulte or to contribute to her campaign, click here. Steve King will be on the Jan Mickelson show on WHO Radio, 1040 or 600 WMT 9:00-11:30am Friday (tomorrow), discussing "issues and concerns, and responding to criticism of the recent floor speech dealing with "cultural continuity." Progressives, start your engines.... To call in to the show: (515) 284-1040 or (800) 469-4295 Thanks to Trish Nelson of Rapid Response - Iowa for this media heads up. Wednesday, September 22
Top Economists Endorse Art Small for U.S. Senate
by
Linda Thieman
on Wed 22 Sep 2004 04:39 PM CDT
 Top Economists Endorse Art Small for U.S. SenateDes Moines Register In an unprecedented move, top economists take sides in U.S. Senate race Washington, D.C. - Republican Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa has done "serious harm" to the nation's economic future during his tenure as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, a group of economists said Monday in endorsing Grassley's political opponent, Art Small. The economists - including the University of Iowa economics department chairwoman and three Nobel prize winners - said that it is unusual for leading economists to take a position in a race for the U.S. Senate, but that they were compelled by the rising deficit and a half-trillion in new U.S. debt. "Iowans may be only dimly aware of the pivotal role that their senior senator, Charles Grassley, played in these events," said the economists in a printed statement. They said they blamed deep tax cuts advocated by Grassley, enacted by Congress and signed into law by Bush for boosting the deficit. Those cuts also benefited the wealthy too much, the group said. The economists said Iowans should back Iowa City Democrat Art Small, a former state lawmaker running an uphill battle against Grassley. Small has a "genuine" commitment to fiscal responsibility, they said. (Click here to read the complete article.) Dont' forget to vote for Art Small right now over at Democracy for America. This week Democracy for America is hosting an online vote to see which US Senate candidates have generated the most people-powered appeal. The prize: Howard Dean will send a special message to the Democracy for America grassroots about the winner, raising awareness (and badly-needed funds) for that candidate and his or her race. Show your support for Art Small now by hopping over to DFA and giving him your vote. http://www.democracyforamerica.com/senatevote
Vote for Art Small - I mean, RIGHT NOW!
by
Linda Thieman
on Wed 22 Sep 2004 04:00 AM CDT
 Vote for Art Small - I mean, RIGHT NOW! This week Democracy for America is hosting an online vote to see which US Senate candidates have generated the most people-powered appeal. The prize: Howard Dean will send a special message to the Democracy for America grassroots about the winner, raising awareness (and badly-needed funds) for that candidate and his or her race. The incumbent and the challenger with the most votes at the end of balloting will win this national email appeal. This is an easy way for a campaign to gain national exposure, recruit on-line activists and raise much needed resources for the final weeks of the campaign. http://www.democracyforamerica.com/senatevote The voting will take place online, will last for three more days and is open to all visitors to DemocracyforAmerica.com. Safeguards will be in place to assure one person-one vote. Governor Dean's email appeal will be sent to supporters on behalf of the top incumbent and challenger during the week of September 27th. Vote for Art Small Iowa is lucky to have a man the caliber of Art Small going up against what the Des Moines Register the other day called "the formerly-conservative Grassley." Whereas Grassley's chairmanship of the Senate Finance Committee has wreaked havoc with the US economy, Art Small is a common-sense progressive with real, hands-on small business experience and years of dedication to PUBLIC service, not self interest. Here, we have the chance to not only help oust from power a very dangerous man, but to replace him with a man who is a shining example of integrity and acting in the public interest. Show your support for Art Small now by hopping over to DFA and giving him your vote. http://www.democracyforamerica.com/senatevote Do Blog for Iowa proud and please take a moment to vote for Art Small, Iowa's Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate. |
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