Does Tom Harkin Hate the Military?

The last time we checked on the Harkster he had earmarked $500K for his constituents at The National Council of La Raza". So it’s been a while since the inanity of Tom Harkin has reached a level worthy of wasting valuable blogging space. However, this week Tom again proved why he is the lapdog of the Democratic leadership when he drew the short straw and got the assignment of attacking John McCain’s fitness for the Presidency because he is a veteran. John Murtha ironically got the job of saying McCain is too old. From the Des Moines Register;

Washington, D.C. — Republican presidential candidate John McCain's family background as the son and grandson of admirals has given him a worldview shaped by the military, "and he has a hard time thinking beyond that," Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Ia., said Friday."I think he's trapped in that,"...

Harkin said in a conference call with Iowa reporters. "Everything is looked at from his life experiences, from always having been in the military, and I think that can be pretty dangerous."…

Harkin said that "it's one thing to have been drafted and served, but another thing when you come from generations of military people and that's just how you're steeped, how you've learned, how you've grown up."…

He said that "I just want to be very clear there's nothing wrong with a career in the military" and that he has friends who are generals and admirals who have served the country well."... (Doesn't qualifying a statement that you have friends in the group you are lambasting indicate a deep seated prejudice? )

But now McCain is running for a higher office. He's running for commander in chief, and our Constitution says that should be a civilian," Harkin said. "And in some ways, I think it would be nice if that commander in chief had some military background, but I don't know if they need a whole lot."

I’m not sure how Mr. Harkin believes we can quantify sufficient military background. In fact neither if the two democratic candidates have any experience. Should we at least make them attend boot camp before they take office? In Harkins own run for the White house he evidently didn’t feel he had enough military gravitas and trumped up his own military record to appear more experienced. For a party that has endlessly laid the chicken-hawk label on the current administration it would stand to reason that in a time of war a military background would be an essential qualification for the job.

Using Harkins reasoning he shouldn’t be allowed to work on farm legislation because he has a background in farming. Hmmm, maybe this does make sense, but I digress.

According to my pocket constitution the first duty of the President under Article II, Sec. 2 states, “The President shall be commander in chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several states, when called into the actual service of the United States” It would seem that familiarity with the military would be a vital attribute in fulfilling that part of the job description. In fact Americans, knowing that security is the main function of government, have consistently elected men with military experience to the presidency. Only ten men that have served had no military experience, seven in the last century. The last guy that didnt have a day in uniform sent the troops into more situations than any previous president. Therefore, at this time it is important that the trend towards military experience is vital.

It would be naïve of me to say that the man has no shame, he is after all a politician, but how can Harkin make this argument with a straight face unless he actually believes it? And...Is Tom Harkin really a reflection of the good folks of Iowa? I don't think so.

What’s going on in Postville, Iowa?

Postville, Iowa is seemingly the picture of diversity, but underneath it is an example of multiculturalism gone bad.

Background:
In the late 80s Postville was just another rural mid west town with an uncertain future. The meat processor had closed its doors and the young were drifting away. In 1987 New York butcher Aaron Rubashkin purchased the plant and about 200 Hasidic Jews relocated to Postville.
But a funny thing happened on the way to diversity. The new residents could not have been different from the newcomers and a feeling of invasion pervaded the town despite the fact that the economic boom to Postville was certainly welcomed.
Two separate and distinct cultures emerged. The Jews were not particularly interested in becoming townsfolk. As the PBS documentary “Multiculturalism in Postville Iowa: When Cultures Collide” points out they in fact set up their own school so that their children would not mix with the Postville children. They held their own celebrations and had even held their own parade. They did not conform to community norms and to the locals that feeling of community was important.

Enter the Meatpackers:
To work the lines in the meat processing facility the owners relied on the labor of Mexican immigrants. The influx of Mexican workers further strained the little town. They had lost the feeling of security and suddenly people found they were locking their doors and keeping an eye on their children. The Catholic Church added a Spanish service but many of the Townspeople choose to commute to a nearby town for mass.
While some would say that the prejudices that emerged were born of ignorance, the underlying prejudices are actually innate to a community that had a tradition of community cohesiveness and the newcomers that were not interested in becoming part of the established community stretched the limits of tolerance.

ICE invades Postville.
Last week 300 illegal Mexican immigrants were arrested in Postville. 300! Shouldn’t we be surprised or appalled? Mexicans have become the slave labor of an industry that was once the economic lifeblood of many Iowans and thier communities. A meatpacker could expect to earn upwards of $15.00 an hour and was ensured of safe working conditions before the switch to immigrant labor. As the Des Moines Register reported;

“A federal search warrant said immigration officials have filed almost 700 complaints about immigration violations and criminal activity by workers at the Postville plant. The activity spans a two-year period, and some workers face multiple allegations.Federal officials allege that as many as three-fourths of the company's workers at the end of last year were using fraudulent Social Security numbers.

Last November, the search warrant said, ICE agents interviewed a former Agriprocessors supervisor who said some employees were running a methamphetamine lab in the plant and were bringing weapons to work. Another source alleged worker abuse, officials said in the warrant. In one case, a supervisor covered the eyes of an employee with duct tape and struck him with a meat hook.

The worker, who had entered the country illegally from Guatemala, was not seriously injured. He declined to report the incident for fear of losing his job, the warrant said. Another plant worker told federal officials that undocumented workers were paid $5 an hour for their first few months before receiving a pay increase to $6 per hour. The minimum wage in Iowa is $7.25 an hour. Company officials could not be reached for comment.

The experience of Postville is not unique however , other Iowa towns have been similarly transformed, with the support of the State Government. Storm Lake is just such an Iowa community that went through the forced migration of meatpackers in the 1980s.

The Hygrade workforce was primarily male and of European descent. Only in its last few years of operation, in the late l970s to early 1980s, did a few women work on the plant floor. The plant’s workforce was from Storm Lake and surrounding communities. Prior to the mid-1980s, Storm Lake was almost exclusively Anglo, and this homogeneity was reflected in Hygrade’s workforce.

Many of Hygrade’s workers put in thirty years or more at the plant, reflecting a low turnover. For many, their jobs supported a comfortable, middle-class lifestyle. Average annual incomes were about $30,000, but some senior workers earned up to $40,000 or more in Hygrade’s last year of operation.

In October 1981, Hygrade closed its plant and Storm Lake lost five hundred jobs. Community leaders immediately set about attracting a new buyer for the plant.In April 1982 IBP announced its purchase of the plant for $2.5 million. After extensive renovation, this became the company's first pork-packing facility (IBP previously had processed only beef.) IBP’s move into pork processing signaled a major transformation of the industry.When IBP opened its doors in September 1982, its workforce did not resemble the old Hygrade crew. Hundreds of former Hygrade workers applied, but fewer than thirty were hired.

IBP would look beyond the Storm Lake community for its laborers. Beginning wages were only $6 an hour, and health benefits become available only after six months on the job. (Today, starting wages are $7 an hour.) The new plant had higher productivity expectations than the old plant. Injury rates climbed, and high employee turnover increased the strain on local labor supplies.

Beyond the fact that this is essentially slave labor in the twenty-first century, one has to ask why did it take two years to execute these arrests and why aren’t the owners of this operation in the Waterloo lock up with their illegal employees. More importantly the experiences of Postville, Storm Lake and others should be a warning to those that believe that immigration without assimilation is the ideal that we want to promote.

The Americans with No Abilities Act.

Humour at its best, from Maggies Farm.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AMERICANS WITH NO ABILITIES ACT (AWNAA) - A CONGRESSIONAL ACT. WASHINGTON, DC (AP). Congress is considering sweeping legislation, which provides new benefits for many Americans. AWNAA is being hailed as a major legislation by advocates of the millions of Americans who lack any real skills, ambition, common sense, reliability, or the ability to work effectively with others.


Finally relief for the likes of me and my ilk.

New Wind Farm Planned for Iowa

Wind energy continues to grow in the back yards of western Iowa farmers and is becoming an additional cash source to those lucky enough to land an easement agreement with wind turbine operators. In a report on Radio Iowa, Invenergy development manager Ben Hach says "They start off by paying a minimum of $5,000 per turbine for the first year, compounded by two-percent each year, along with a construction bonus of $2,000 per turbine. The power generated by the turbines would be fed into lines owned by MidAmerican Energy."

By contrast, as this humorous video reports, the landowners of Nantucket aren't willing to pitch in and put a few of the renewable energy generators in their back yard.

Tax Increase

For those in Linn and Johnson counties today is the day we begin to ante up another penny in the local option tax for schools. So don't tell me we don't have enough money!

Sunday is New Law Day.

Its that time of year again my fellow Iowans. When the fruits of our legislators labors ripen into the laws that are the basis of our civil society. I really don't mean to trivialize the "accomplishments" of our hardworking Iowa legislators (OK I lied) but here is a rundown of the new laws that go into affect on Sunday. Pay attention here, ignorance of the law is not an excuse.

• Keg registration — Requires that each beer keg sold in Iowa be registered and have an identification sticker applied by the retailer.

Not since the passage of the Patriot Act has a legislative body so trampled on the rights of its citizenry. We have started down that slippery slope where, I firmly believe, the next step will be outright banning of kegs. As you well know, when kegs are outlawed only outlaws will have kegs.

• Border Control — Makes livestock owners whose animals frequently stray responsible for building a fence.

Senator Wally Horn has had this legislation held up in conference committee since about 1874. The year barbed wire was patented!

• Don't ask don't tell. — Makes it illegal to discriminate against a person because of sexual orientation.

Are there any other groups left that are not now covered by these ridiculous pandering declarations.

• How are they going to get all those kids in the back seat of a Chevy? — Requires public and accredited non-public schools to teach sex education that is research-based, medically accurate and age-appropriate.


• Cloning — Will allow University of Iowa and other medical researchers to engage in embryonic stem cell research to find cures for diseases like Parkinson’s, cancer and diabetes. Human cloning remains illegal.

This appears to be the only campaign promise of the new governor that made it through this session. Other that raising taxes on smokes.


• You cant legislate stupid. — Caps interest charges for car-title loans at 21 percent (down from around 264 percent).

If you are willing to pay 264% interest I'm not so sure you should be on the road in the first place.

• Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh my! — Makes it illegal to sell or own dangerous wild animals, like wolves, lions or bears (existing owners are grandfathered in but must register their animals).

• I'll get your little dog too... — Makes it illegal to kill a licensed dog just because it is bothering your pet.

"Excuse me, I believe you are bothering my shitszu Mr. Pitbull, may I see your licence and registration please..." Before I give you the lead treatment.

• Cyber hunting — Bans the remote hunting of animals via the Internet.

Hmm...is this really a problem in somebodies district?

• Corpse abuse— Makes it a criminal offense to abuse a human corpse, punishable by up to five years in prison. Abuse includes mutilation, disfigurement or dismembering with the intent to conceal a crime.

Hmm...is this really a problem in somebodies district? Part II

• Flag protection — Makes it once again illegal to deface, defile, mutilate or trample the American flag.

After corpse abuse, flag abuse was the next logical step.

• Cha-ching! — Allows Vietnam veterans who have not collected their service (and who served between July 1, 1973, and May 31, 1975) to collect up to $500.

Finally, after all these years there is a handout I'm eligible for.

All in all a pretty harmless bunch of legislation. There were a couple more feel good actions dealing with schools, like cost sharing and bully control, but who can say anything bad if its for the children. We were spared the return of the touch play (sorry Wally ) and the states Right to Work law survived an attack from the Democrats and their union cronies. Now lets all go register a keg and see what we can come up with for next year.

New laws compiled courtesy of , The Gazette

Culver, other governors ask president, Congress to address gas prices

As the pumped clicked past Fifty dollars for the Ram Tough, Dodge 4X4, climate heating heathen I was thinking "By God somebody needs to do something, this is craziness."

Fortunately for me Iowa has newly elected Governor Chet "Ethanol" Culver at the helm, who ran on a platform of oil independence for the state (Not exactly sure how he is going to do that unless some wildcatter brings in a well in Bel Plain), but Chet has joined 21 other Governors in the 34th annual "Price gouging investigation." to show that they are serious about protecting the weak and downtrodden. They have fired off a natty little letter to congress demanding that somebody, anybody, get to the bottom of this craziness. Go Chet!

The pump finally tripped off at seventy two bucks, and I fired up that thirsty, rumbling 318 and quickly regained my senses. Hoping that Chet, congress, or anyone can interfere in the market and artificially control the price at the pump without far reaching repercussions is just craziness.

So you reply....

• But the industry is a monopoly and that's not fair! Buck up little camper life's not fair, but the oil bidness is technically a oligopoly. Unless there is collusion between the limited number of sellers, which has to date not been proven, the sellers are only selling at what the market is willing to pay. When enough quit paying they'll lower their prices. The invisible hand of capitalism at work, ain't it cool.
• But Senator Clinton says she is going to take the profits and make us oil independent! Wake up damn it!!! The big hairy hand of Socialism always looks like the easy way out but just ask the folks in Venezuela how that's working for them.
• But Dick and his buddies are making obscene profits! Hmmm your right, but isn't that what corporations are expected to do? Buy yourself some stock in BP and realize that getting that stuff from the underworld to the tank is not a cheap proposition. One gulf oil platform costs in the neighborhood of $250,000,000.
• But I just don't get it! Of course you don't my friend, so for a quick primer on oil and its prices link here. Got to run I left the Power Ram idling in the driveway.

Election Postmortom

I have been playing catch up since our return from Sin City so although it is late I would like to share some closing thoughts on last week’s elections.
1. In the Iowa governors race Chet Culver was swept into office on the crest of the perfect storm that lifted the dems to victory. It remains to be seen if he is as I said not quite ready for prime time and if he can find a way to pay for his "Plan".
2. As I was scrolling through the touch screen at the local precinct it was troubling to see how many legislators ran unopposed. I know that Wally Horn has been in office for over 30 years and may be unbeatable but surely someone could make him work for his job.
3. Richard Nixon in a speech after his election in 1968 said his victory was the result of the Silent Majority. The Silent Majority are ones who the media now lump into the independent category but are actually those that generally support conservative positions and are concerned about the social ramifications of the Progressives. Just as they helped Nixon in 68 and Bush in 04 their discontent with the handling of so many common sense issues also turned the tide for the dems this year. I know I had a hard time checking the straight ticket square this time but with what we face today my conscience would rather hang with the loosers.
4. Like Nixon in 68 who claimed he had a plan to get us out of Vietnam, or Roosevelt that claimed he had a plan for the Depression, the democrats claimed to have a plan for Iraq. Empty claims got them all elected but it will take more than raising the minimum wage and another Hillary health care scare to get them re-elected in 2008. Lets hope that they understand that this is not the 60's and Iraq is not Vietman.

Endorsments for Iowa Governor

At one time it was important for politicians to seek the endorsement of the editorial boards of the newspaper industry. Today that importance, much like the relevance of the industry itself, has waned. In some cases an endorsement can actually be the death knell of a politician. Be that as it may, the newspaper endorsement is still a part of the election process.
Listed below are a few of the endorsements for Iowa governor from papers scattered across the Hawkeye state. In the interest of time they were pulled from the websites of the two candidates. I would like to note however, that the Nussle endorsements come primarily from the small Iowa based news organizations while Culver has attracted the nod of the large national corporations of Gannett and Lee.

For Jim Nussle
Publication......................................Parent Company/Hdqtrs
Cedar Rapids Gazette............Gazette Communications/Cedar Rapids Ia.
Soiux City Journal.........................Lee Enterprises/ Davenport Ia.
Dubuque Herald Telegraph.........Woodward Publications/ Dubuque Ia.
Fort Dodge Messenger.................Independent/ Fort Dodge Ia.
Esterville Daily News...................-------------/ Esterville Ia.

For Chet Culver
DesMoines Register......................Gannett Corp./ McClain, VA.
Mason City Globe Gazette...........Lee Enterprises/Davenport Ia.
Quad City Times...........................Lee Enterprises/ Davenport Ia.
Iowa City Press Citizen................Gannett Corp/ McClain Va.

NAA listing of US publications and corporations HERE

Iowa Gubernatorial Race

I have been remiss in keeping up with the events of the governor’s race. In the last debate of the series Jim Nussle raised the prospect that Chet Culver had made a deal with Touchplay proponents to bring back Touchplay machines to the state.
For those unfamiliar with the Touchplay controversy, here is a quick Touchplay primer.
Gambling interests convinced that legislature that they had an electronic equivalent to the scratch-off games that are found in stores throughout the state. The legislature approved the use of the machines and private interests invested in these machines that went into bars, convenience stores, and the like. For the investors they had hit the motherlode, the equivalent of printing money.
For the person like me standing in line at the local Handimart for 10 minutes with a half rack of beer and a bag of chips, while candidates for gamblers anonymous haggled with the clerk for their winnings and bells were ringing like the Vegas Strip, the machines were a major nuisance.
The legislature decided that the machines were basically slot machines and they pulled the permits from the operators. Peace returned to the beer shop, but there was hell to pay in DesMoines as the operators were left holding the bag on their investments and threats of lawsuits filled the air. What raised my hackles. besides the delay in beer purchases, was the argument that thier buiness' could not now survive without Touchplay.
Which brings us back to the Nussle accusation. In the first debate when asked about their stance on Touchplay Nussle was emphatic that he thought they were inappropriate in spite of the loss of revenue that trickled in to state coffers. Culver's answer on the other hand was somewhat oblique. He said, "As governor I want to work to protect the interests of all business". The answer struck me as odd then and nefarious now.
The Des Moines Register has raised several questions about Culvers involvement with the Touchplay lobby.

DesMoines Register
By DAVID YEPSEN,
REGISTER POLITICAL COLUMNIST
October 26, 2006
Democrat Chet Culver's mishandling of the TouchPlay issue is bringing back some old questions:Is he smart enough to be a good governor? And do we want to restore TouchPlay gambling or pay off the businesses who lost money when the state shut down the machines?Those are just the sort of issues Culver doesn't need right before a close election. But they're out there, thanks to the way he's dealt with them.Here's his problem: During the Democratic primary campaign, Culver first said he wouldn't have signed a ban on TouchPlay gambling in Iowa. He said he was worried about the hit to state revenues - and to the merchants and bar owners who invested in the machines.Then, during the recent Brown-Black Forum, he wouldn't say whether it should be brought back. Later, he clearly told reporters the machines shouldn't be returned. But then we find out he and Democratic legislative leaders have accepted tens of thousands of dollars from TouchPlay gambling interests.So if they're not bringing back TouchPlay, what's up? Maybe the TouchPlay folks think they'll get a sweeter legal settlement out of Culver than Nussle.(After the governor and lawmakers shut down the devices earlier this year, the machine operators sued. They contend the state enticed them to buy these devices but then shafted them by shutting down such gambling. Depending on how the courts rule, it's quite possible the next governor and next Legislature will have to agree to pay some legal judgments.)Nussle said Tuesday: "Let me be clear. As governor, I will not cut a deal on an out-of-court settlement with TouchPlay special interests and further put Iowa taxpayers on the hook." But Culver spokeswoman Taylor West told The Associated Press: "That's an issue that's winding its way through the courts." Then later in the day she issued a statement from Culver: "Let me be clear: This is a settled matter. TouchPlay is not coming back in my administration, and I am opposed to an out-of-court settlement."Well, let me be clear (to borrow a phrase). Culver's cutting the tail off the dog an inch at a time here. He came off looking like he either didn't know what he wanted to do - which is bad - or was trying to cozy up to his big donors without being straight with the rest of us - which is worse.

Entire article here

Nussle Endorsment

The Dubuque Telegraph Herald is the first major Iowa Newspaper to endorse Jim Nussle for Governor. They emphasise the experience gap between Nussle and Democrat Chet Culver.

TELEGRAPH HERALD EDITORIAL Sunday, October 22, 2006
Congressman's record and leadership are preferred over Culver's promises.
Since 1991, Jim Nussle has served well as Iowa's 1st District representative in the U.S. House, and he would serve the entire state well as governor.
In the view of the Telegraph Herald Editorial Board, Nussle is the better choice to succeed Gov. Tom Vilsack.
As Nussle gained experience, and as he and his fellow Republicans attained majority status in Congress, Nussle accepted greater responsibility in federal government. As chair of the House Budget Committee, he had to make countless decisions - difficult and controversial decisions that provide ample ammunition for political adversaries.
On the campaign trail, Nussle's Democratic opponent, Secretary of State Chet Culver, criticizes not only Nussle's votes and positions with which he disagrees but virtually any and all "sins" by President Bush or the entire Congress. Such is the nature of campaigns.
But it is convenient for Culver to take those shots because Culver does not have much record to defend. His current job is largely administrative, and he has not had to make the many tough decisions demanded of a congressman, a governor or a legislator during some of our nation's most trying times.
Voters will agree or disagree with Nussle on various issues. Even this editorial board does not see eye-to-eye with Nussle on everything. (For example, he opposes raising the cigarette tax, even though the current tax does not begin to cover the state's Medicaid costs for smoking-related diseases.)
Those debates are fair game. However, like it or not, compromise is how things get done in Washington. Jim Nussle, as one of 535 federal lawmakers, cannot be personally responsible for every decision made by Congress or the White House. He has had a hand in many things, certainly, but voters must decide how much credit or blame he bears. If, for example, Nussle is to blame for U.S. involvement in Iraq, he also should receive credit for the economic rebound the country has experienced since 9/11.
Meanwhile, Culver, with a short list of achievements and a long list of promises and programs, speaks enthusiastically of great things ahead for Iowa in a Culver administration. The editorial board endorses his positive outlook for the state, but it seems that too many of his initiatives come with hefty price tags. His agenda features little in the way of belt-tightening. The message seems to be, there is nothing Iowa can't accomplish - if we spend enough.
On the issue of higher education, for example, Nussle's plan would allow parents and students to budget for college by holding the line on tuition increases. Tuition hikes would be limited to the Higher Education Guaranteed Price Index, which has increased an average of 4 percent over the past five years.
Culver's plan to reduce costs would involve spending $25 million.
Nussle would also offer loans that would be forgiven at a rate of 15 percent for every year students remain in Iowa after graduation. That addresses two problems - education costs and young people leaving the state.
Culver suggests that students save a year of college tuition by taking college courses during their senior year of high school. That idea raises some concerns. Today's students must "grow up" too soon already. Do we really want to push them out of their high-school experiences ahead of time?
Nussle has strong leadership experience as House Budget Committee chairman. He is an effective communicator and has stayed in touch with the 1st District. Bringing his leadership home to Iowa would be the best choice for the state.
Editorials reflect the consensus of the Telegraph Herald Editorial Board: Jim Normandin (publisher), Brian Cooper, Ken Brown, Monty Gilles, Amy Gilligan and Sharon Welborn.

Gubernatorial Debate I

We got a look at Iowa's two gubernatorial canidates, Chet Culver and Jim Nussle, Monday evening on the stage of my alma mater.
It was interesting that after the moderator said that there would not be an opening statement Nussle launched into what was not only an opening statement but a tear jerking moment of silence for 2 fallen soldiers. Made him look a little phony and a lot like a smart ass. Of course Culver couldn't let that slide and proceeded to do the same.
Nussle certainly has honed the political mannerisms after 16 years in Washington and is pretty good in the extemporaneous format.
Culver looked like he wasn't quite ready for prime time. He seemed to be a little sweaty, probably from all the fist shaking he used to emphasize, every, word, he, had, to, say. While it appeared the other hand was firmly planted in his left pocket with a couple of worry stones.
Jim tried to project vision and Chet kept stressing "I have a plan" so often I thought he was about to bust out with a "I have a dream" momentm plus I am aways leary of anyone that stresses they want us "to move us forward", one of the more empty phrases in the campaign rhetorical tool box.

So with more campaign retoric and not much of substance I guess this debate exercise boils down to who looks more statesmanlike. I'll have to give round one to Nussle.

A Letter from the Nussle Campaign

Several weeks ago I submitted the suggestion to Iowa gubernatorial candidate Jim Nussle?s 99 Ideas Program that it is time for Iowa to join the 35 other states that have shall issue concealed carry weapons laws. Considering the suggestion I was not surprised that it did not make the list. What was surpising was the fact that I received an e-mail from Jim explaining his position.

Scott,
Thank you for contacting me to share your views. I appreciate hearing from you and welcome this opportunity to respond.
As a hunter and fisherman, the Second Amendment is very important to me. I believe the Founding Fathers meant what they said when they wrote, "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."
That is why I have always supported, and will continue to support as Governor, the right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms. I also support the right to conceal and carry. As Governor, I will work toward a predictable and reliable permit process. I have consistently voted in support of gun owners? rights, and I am proud to have received an "A" rating from the National Rifle Association.
Thanks again for contacting me. To learn more about my vision to Energize Iowa?s Future, please visit my website at http://www.jimnussle.com/. My best advice comes from Iowans willing to share their ideas. Please keep in touch.
Sincerely,
Jim Nussle

Race to Terrace Hill.

The DesMoines Register has laid out several scenarios in this year?s election and what it could mean for the state. The article made this comparison of a democratic vs. republican controlled Iowa.

"At one end of the possibilities, full Democratic control - last seen in Iowa in 1966 - would promise more spending on education and health care, as well as a higher minimum wage and cigarette tax. Chet Culver, the party's nominee for governor, has laid out plans to spend $100 million to enhance development of the renewable fuel industry and boost spending on teacher pay by $25 million in his first year (Earning Chet the endorsment of the Teachers Union).

At the opposite end, the return of Republican legislative majorities and a GOP governor for the first time in eight years would usher in property-tax reform, tighten restrictions on abortion rights and bring a better chance of Iowa reinstating the death penalty.GOP nominee for governor Jim Nussle also has proposed a renewable fuel plan, built on tax breaks for ethanol producers and retailers, and has called for trimming schools' administrative costs, streamlining government and requiring parental consent for teen abortions."

Full Article here

Iowa Governors Race

Poll numbers indicate that republican Jim Nussle has continued to increase his lead on democratic challenger Chet Culver. The just released Zogby snapshot of the race can be found here.

The BIG House.

I had a thought last night, after talking about the race for the govenors office, where did the victor live once he got there. The answer is Terrace Hill Mansion (pictured above). Built in 1868 it became the govenors residence in 1972. I'm not a big fan of Victorian architechture, I'd prefer a nice turn of the century Craftsman.

Campaign under way.

I probably rely too heavily on getting news I can use from the Cedar River Rag. Unfortunately I am a recovering newspaper addict and can’t start the day without a cup of coffee and ink stained fingers.
That being said, I was sure there was a gubernatorial election underway but news so far has been pretty slim. The only story of note to date reported that a Culver aide misappropriated a Nussle quote as his own and posted it on Chets web site. Oops.
But things really began to heat up this week when Republican Congressman Jim Nussle fired the first volley across the bow of challenger, Secretary O State Chet Culver.
This issue……Stamps!
Jim demanded that Chet not take unfair advantage by using states dollars to mail out voter information with his grinning picture on it. To give his demand some bi-partisan moral weight he invoked a quote by New York Senator Hillary Clinton, of all people, that said an election commissioner (Chets part time gig) may have a conflict of interest by overseeing his or her own election. The fox guarding the hen house so to speak.
Chet fired back that Jim better not be licking and sticking any free stamps from his US Congressional office either.
With only 90 days till the election things can only get better.

Eminent Domain Veto Override

The Iowa Legislature has bowed to public sentiment and voted to over ride the governor's veto of HF 2351, which restricts Eminent Domains powers in the state. This is a rare victory for the protection of the rights of the property owners of Iowa and all the Representatives that voted to override deserve a hearty thanks.
According to the DM Register , Gov. Vilsack is still promising to take this action to court. He should reconsider.

The argument promoted by the Cedar River Rag that it will tie the hands of localities in attracting business and economic development is just blowing smoke. What it will do, is require civic leaders to engage in some long range planning and to use a bit of that vision that they always claim to have in such abundance.