MoveOn Makes Big Push in Iowa
While
all eyes were on the Democratic Convention in Boston this week,
Republicans were working to recruit thousands of active volunteers to
support Bush in Iowa - trying to match the Democrats' powerful
grassroots operation. We need your help to counter their efforts!
We have
the energy and ideas to win, but to get out the votes on Election Day,
we need legions of volunteers to help educate Iowans about George
Bush's failed policies and make sure they make it to the polls.
So we are asking you to call 5 of your friends, colleagues, or family
members and invite them to join our efforts. Please sign up for our
"Iowa 1200 for Change" Campaign at:
http://www.moveon.org/pac/ia/
It's
easy - just ask your friends to go to our web site to sign up, or, with
their permission, you can do it for them. When you sign up for our 1200
for Change Campaign, we'll send you more complete instructions, as well
as tips and ideas for recruiting volunteers.
To
defeat George W. Bush, Kerry/Edwards almost certainly need to win our
state. And with thousands more MoveOn members to collect absentee
ballots, talk to their neighbors, knock on doors, call undecided
voters, host house parties, etc., we WILL have the strength to make
sure Bush is defeated in Iowa.
That is
why we are asking you to help us meet our goal of recruiting 1200
active new MoveOn PAC members, by pledging today to recruit 5 new
people by Aug. 8th. To join our Campaign, please click here:
http://www.moveon.org/pac/ia/
Please
help us build the team we need to defeat George W. Bush - so that once
again, we can make America safer at home and more respected abroad. By
taking a few minutes to talk to friends and family about why YOU are
involved in MoveOn, you can greatly increase our impact in this
election! The time to act is now.
Sincerely,
--Raiyan Syed, IA Field Organizer
MoveOn PAC
July 31st, 2004
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Saturday, July 31
MoveOn Makes Big Push in Iowa
by
Linda Thieman
on Sat 31 Jul 2004 03:48 PM CDT
Anti-choice Extremists Headed to Iowa
by
Linda Thieman
on Sat 31 Jul 2004 10:14 AM CDT
Anti-choice Extremists Headed to Iowa
A Message from Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa They're headed to Iowa. Anti-choice extremists are bringing a graphic campaign of intolerance and inflammatory, offensive rhetoric in the form of a truck and plane mobilization. The Center for Bio-Ethical Reform's truck/plane campaign includes semi-trailers painted with pictures of aborted fetuses and airplanes which tow flyby banners. This is an anti-choice extremist group targeting swing states for the November elections. The images featured on the sides of the trucks and banners are very graphic. The group historically targets highly-populated areas such as shopping malls, downtown areas, middle schools and high schools. This group is currently in South Dakota with plans to spend the next two weeks in Iowa. They have indicated intent to arrive in Des Moines on Monday, August 2, and spend five days in the Greater Des Moines area. We are also expecting the trucks in Sioux City, Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and the Quad Cities. Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa (PPGI) believes that this attempt by The Center for Bio-Ethical Reform is intentionally designed to shock rather than educate. Harassment and intimidation do not prevent abortion - access to comprehensive, medically-accurate, sex education and health services will. PPGI will continue our mission to protect the rights of women and prevent unwanted pregnancies through providing quality reproductive health care to women, men and families throughout the state. This invasion provides us with an important educational opportunity and you can help. What You Can Do Know the issue and talk to your friends about this invasion and the need for them to join you in speaking up to protect choice. Explain that: *This is an offensive attempt to intimidate and shame women who have had an abortion and those who support reproductive rights. *This is an out-of-state-group using offensive propaganda to thrust its narrow, ideological views on citizens. *Most Americans, regardless of their view on abortion rights, object to graphic scare tactics, aimed at scaring, humiliating and bullying the public. *Anti-choice extremists like these are not concerned about women or children. If they were, they would not frighten individuals, specifically children, with graphic, often inaccurate images. Instead, they would support access to family planning information that enables women to prevent unintended pregnancies. Recruit new Planned Parenthood Action Network members. As an activist, you know the importance of using your voice. Encourage your friends to join you by signing up to receive alerts here. Thank you for your energy, involvement and activism. For more information on issues regarding reproductive health, education and advocacy, go to http://www.ppgi.org
Mike Owen on Education in Iowa
by
Linda Thieman
on Sat 31 Jul 2004 04:53 AM CDT
Mike Owen on Education in Iowa
 Mike Owen Mike Owen / Democrat for State Representative
District 79 / Cedar, Johnson, Muscatine Counties July 31, 2004 Friends: We are 94 days away from Election Day. And we all know what that means ... 94 days more of grass-roots campaigning, so we can have some grass-roots government in the State Capitol. The word from the doorsteps of District 79 continues to be good. Iowans are concerned about the direction of our state government - as well as the direction of the federal government. Together, we can change that direction. The Big Message of Six Words Good schools. Good jobs. Health care. Tired of hearing those same six words from us? Somehow, I doubt it, because you and I both know this is why we need to win in District 79. You can bet the Republicans are tired of hearing those words, because those words represent three big concepts they have ignored for too long at the Statehouse. And they know that sooner or later, the voters will call them to account for it. Let's make it sooner! I invite your thoughts and suggestions as we work together for good schools, good jobs and health care for Iowans. Events Ahead - Clarence Parade, Hooverfest Saturday, July 31 -- Clarence - Lincoln Highway Days Parade, 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 7 -- West Branch - Hooverfest Parade, 10 a.m. Like to walk? Like our message? Join us in a parade! Behind Our Message When we talk about "strong, well-funded public schools," and "making education our priority," what are we saying? There is nothing to read between the lines. We mean exactly what we say. Iowa's schools have been under-funded at all levels, for many years. When teachers have to supplement their classroom resources out of their own pockets, we should be ashamed. When we expect our teachers to do more, with less, and we won't even pony up for their professional development, our Legislature is derelict in its duty to our children and our teachers. These are our responsibilities, and they are met through the public school system. Our way to do it in Iowa is with excellent teachers. It's the best way, and it's the proven way. So, when our colleges and universities are producing some of the best teachers this nation can offer, we must compensate them adequately if we want them to stay. Instead, we see our young teachers leaving the state, or leaving the profession for a better-paying job in the private sector. When we say education is our priority, it means we place it first. There are those who believe that cutting taxes always comes first and shrinking government at any cost is more important than education. Education is not their priority, because it doesn't come first. There are times we can cut taxes, but now is not the time. In times of budget problems, especially, a tax-cutting agenda is mutually exclusive with the concept of improving public education. Teachers know it, principals and superintendents know it, and school boards know it. So do parents. And, so must our Legislature. It is simply impossible to improve the quality of public education without more resources. It is simply impossible to make Iowa a place where leaders of cutting-edge industries want to locate if we cannot offer a top-of-the-line education. Iowa always has been a leader in education, but as the Republicans' indifference has shown, we can no longer take this for granted. When our Legislature falls down on this responsibility, it does not reflect Iowa values. Anyone concerned about education should be focused on this House seat, because it will say a lot about who sets the agenda next year in Des Moines - those who make education a priority, and those who don't. Even Republicans who support education need Democrats to win this seat. Ask Us, Not Them Not surprisingly, the Republicans twist our position, to "more, more, more" and "throwing money at problems." That's their message, not ours. And I learned long ago that if I want to understand someone's position, the best way is to talk to that person, and to ask direct questions. If you want to know our position, ask us - not them. Our focus on education is for excellence and accountability, and where that costs more, we need to ante up, and help our local school boards to put resources where they are most needed. Our education system is a cost-effective, sound investment in the future and the promise of Iowa. Thank You! Our campaign is strong because of the many volunteers who have stepped up to pitch in. Thank you to all who have helped - by registering voters, passing out literature, painting signs, talking to their friends or making a contribution. We have a lot of work left for the next three months, and we welcome more hands to do the lifting! Give us a call or send an e-mail to us at owen4iowans@Lcom.net. Mike Owen Democratic candidate for State Representative District 79 Cedar, Muscatine, Johnson counties (319) 643-5714 owen4iowans@Lcom.net Owen for Iowans 563 Oliphant St. West Branch, IA 52358 To read more about Mike Owen or to contribute to his campaign, go here. Friday, July 30
Where Do We Go From Here?
by
Linda Thieman
on Fri 30 Jul 2004 03:53 PM CDT
Where Do We Go From Here?
Apparently, the GOP is not the only party that seeks to rewrite history to suit its own self-interest Well, the convention has passed. The steamroller of the insecure DNC/Kerry Kamp has flattened all memory of other primary candidates – Howard Dean, in particular - and the powers that be have pronounced that, like good little soldiers, we have all fallen in line. The only problem with that little scenario is that we haven’t fallen in line, and we’re not too thrilled with the whole situation in general. Heck, the only reason many of us at Democracy for Iowa stay within the Democratic Party is that the Independents have no formal, wide-spread organization to work within. It’s a dilemma of extreme proportions. We know that it is imperative that Bush lose, that Bush not be allowed to steal another election. And yet, many of us cannot find it in our hearts to go out and work for a candidate, our party’s nominee, after all the dirty tricks he played during the caucus season – not to mention a laundry list of other dissatisfying characteristics. So, what do we do? How do we fulfill our duty as progressive activists in helping to re-defeat Bush and still be able to live with ourselves? We take a page from the playbook of Howard Dean, that’s how. One of the things that Gov. Dean said this week that really struck me was that a bottom-up structure can be just as effective as the traditional top-down structure. Rather than the top of the ticket providing coattails for the rest of the ticket, the bottom and middle of the ticket can usher in a victory for the top. That’s the way to play it and still live with yourself. Choose a progressive candidate in your area. There are plenty to be found in the candidates list on Blog for Iowa, and we’re adding more every day. Work for that candidate. Contribute your hard-earned dollars to that candidate. Do whatever you can to aid your candidate, and get out the vote for him or her. And here’s the key to Dean’s strategy: the votes you get out for your local candidate will probably go to the top of the ticket, too. That’s the bottom-up structure Dean was talking about. So, let us renew our dedication to electing progressive Democrats to local, county, state, and federal positions this year. Let us muster that energy to get out the vote for our progressive candidates, and let us do it now. There’s no time to delay. Linda Thieman
"Outfoxed" Showing in Rock Island, IL
by
Linda Thieman
on Fri 30 Jul 2004 11:37 AM CDT
Update: "Outfoxed" Showing in Rock Island, IL
A copy of the DVD is on its way express to the Brew & View, so the showing of "Outfoxed" is still on! Devin at the Brew & View (Rock Island, IL) informed me that they will be showing the powerful new documentary "Outfoxed" on Monday, August 2, at 6:00 and 8:00 pm. The price will be a $5 donation to MoveOn. "'Outfoxed' examines how media empires, led by Rupert Murdoch's Fox News, have been running a 'race to the bottom' in television news. This film provides an in-depth look at Fox News and the dangers of ever-enlarging corporations taking control of the public's right to know." (quote from www.outfoxed.org/) As Dean and Kucinich supporters, we know how important it is to expose the truth about the motives of those who indoctrinate millions of unsuspecting Americans every day with right-wing propaganda rather than informing them about the true state of affairs in their country and world. Make sure you take advantage of this chance to see "Outfoxed," and bring along anyone you know who still believes that Faux News is "fair and balanced." Alta Price aprice@democracyforiowa.com
Iowa Poll Shows Tighter-than-anticipated U.S. Senate Race
by
Linda Thieman
on Fri 30 Jul 2004 04:57 AM CDT
 Iowa Poll Shows
Tighter-than-anticipated U.S. Senate Race JOHNSON COUNTY – Returns from a Johnson County mock election show the race between Art Small, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, and Republican incumbent Charles Grassley may be much closer than pundits have predicted. Small received 40 percent of the vote during the county auditor’s sixth-annual mock election at the Johnson County fair Thursday. Grassley garnered 51 percent of the vote. Nine percent of voters chose third-party candidates. While the mock election only includes data from a small sample of potential voters, the results show that Small is already positioning himself to take the U.S. Senate seat this cycle, said campaign communications director Jennifer Hemmingsen. “These numbers are very promising,” Hemmingsen said. “Charles Grassley’s $6 million campaign war chest and 30 years in Washington only gave him an 11 point edge – that’s saying something. As Iowans get to know Art’s vision and new approaches to persistent problems like trade, the national debt and health care, those numbers will shift even more dramatically in Art’s favor.” Small’s aggressive campaign schedule for the next three months will take him all over the state, showing voters they have a real choice in this election, Hemmingsen said. “Sure, ‘Grassley works,’ as his campaign is fond of saying, but for whom,” she asked. “A quick peek at his work in the legislature shows it’s certainly not for the people." “Art stands for Iowa,” she said. “People are excited about that.” A record-setting 1100 people participated in the mock election this year. Just over 700 voters participated in 2002.
A Word of Thanks
by
Linda Thieman
on Fri 30 Jul 2004 12:42 AM CDT
A Word of Thanks
Blog for Iowa would like to thank DFIA members Darrell Lewis of Clear Lake, Christina Butts of Des Moines, and Alta Price of Bettendorf for their excellent and timely reporting of events at the Democratic National Convention and DemocracyFest. It was hectic on Blog for Iowa, but our stats shot through the roof! We had our biggest day ever on Wednesday, with 1,353 distinct hosts served (individual visitors) in one day! One humorous note: A U of I forum called Hawkeye Report picked up our tabloid-like story on Janeane Garofalo and Sean Hannity having words in an alley outside of FleetCenter. They added their snarky comments and a link to Blog for Iowa. 155 students hit Blog for Iowa through that link! Yup, it's quality that will bring 'em in every time. Kerry to visit Iowa: According to the Quad-City Times, John Kerry will arrive in Iowa Tuesday night and pay a visit to Davenport on Wednesday. Democracy for Iowa's QC chapter plans to make a show of support for the top of the ticket. Thursday, July 29
Dean Pays Surprise Visit To Iowa Delegation
by
Linda Thieman
on Thu 29 Jul 2004 06:38 PM CDT
Dean Pays Surprise Visit
To Iowa Delegation  Howard Dean (left) and Darrell Lewis,
one happy camper, in Boston this morning © 2004 Democracy for Iowa. All rights reserved. DFIA delegate Darrell Lewis of Clear Lake reports that the Iowa delegation was expecting a visit from Elizabeth Edwards and Cam Kerry this morning, when who should walk in with them but Howard Dean. Dean praised Gordon Fischer and the Iowa Democratic Party and was particularly impressed with the fine slate of Democratic candidates Iowa is running this year. According to Darrell, Dean also "talked about how the Democratic Party needed to not only support the Kerry ticket, but that electing local candidates and working for them would help Kerry. He mentioned that Iowa has their first Dean Dozen candidate (then he blushed and said 'Oh my gosh, I forgot his name.' Of course, I shouted it out...and got a good laugh.)" For the uninitiated, that would be John Drury, Democratic candidate for Iowa Senate in District 6, North Iowa - whose campaign Darrell manages! Towards the end of the Dean visit, some of the Iowa delegates jumped up and ran to the front to shake hands and get their picture taken with Gov. Dean. As you can see above, Darrell was successful in that effort! |
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