Bring Progressive Radio to Eastern Iowa!

By Sam Garchik

This came to me from the Johnson County Dem list-serv.  It's something that could be very important for the future of Eastern Iowa Progressives.  In the interests of fairness, I worked for a year at KXIC, but that I don't know Mr. Laton.

As the election draws closer, the need for a progressive voice in eastern Iowa becomes more and more stark. As we try to elect Dave Loebsack in the second district and one of the fine candidates in the first district, we need to have a voice that will remind voters what progressives stand for.

We are working to try to convince Clear Channel that that voice in eastern Iowa should be KXIC in Iowa City. This station covers most of the second district and some of the first. We need to keep pressure on Clear Channel so they know we are serious. We are asking that John Laton, general manager for Clear Channel in eastern Iowa be the contact for your emails and phone calls.

Please mention two specific key points: 1) Eastern Iowa is predominantly a progressive area, yet there is no outlet for the progressive viewpoint. This is a great business opportunity. Iowa City is center of the progressive movement in Iowa. 2) You look forward to rewarding advertisers on progressive radio with my business.

Thank you for your help. This project will have lasting rewards for our party in Eastern Iowa.

Contact: johnlaton@clearchannel.com or mail him at: John Laton, c/o WMT Radio, 600 Old Marion Road NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402. Phone 319-395-0530

Online petition: http://new.petitiononline.com/icradio/petition.html

Iowa Blog Roundup

By Sam Garchik

A sad week in Iowa for progressives. The Iowa Blogosphere has done a first rate job of covering the Maytag closing and loss of 4,000 jobs.  For those looking for national perspective, check out Iowa Progress' page of links.  Political commentary by our local elected officials is brought to you by Political Forecast.  As they point out, Democrats are again on te side of working people, and Conservatives are again on the side of corporate interests.  Finally, Iowa Progress lists solutions and and provides an overall analysis of the situation.

Meanwhile, shrub gets away with, well.  Not exactly wiretapping all of your phone calls, but looking at who you called.  Who would have thought USA Today would be the defender of the common interest?  Good old DFA is is organizing a petition drive, so make sure you tell our pols that you care.

Lastly, this blogger will be working on his kitchen, but you should try to hit the Iowa for Sensible Priorities Mother's Day Rally at the Capital on Sunday.  It runs from 2 - 4 pm, and they are still looking for volunteers.

For Sale and Other Transactions

Iowa's Lowest Gas Prices was a great way to find out where to get cheap gas, and Cong. Boswell used to have a link to it on his web page.  For some reason, the link is gone, and his new page is all business. I am currently entertaining suggestions as to why Cong B would want to get rid of the link. Conspiracy? Big Oil? The statewide party organization that shall not be named?

Speaking of conspriacies, still no idea who runs ChetNotStupid.  However, the folks who sell our t-shirts and buttons are selling, "ChetNotStupid," stuff. I would feel bad if this is a Republican, so whoever does this, fess up!

And last week, I mentioned that I wouldn't comment on advertisements. For those candidates running for office, I am going to say that here's your chance to make your own! Paying for it is a different story, but at least you'll have no need for consultants.