From the In Box

From the In Box

Did human being, Dad's day stuff yesterday (I'm entitled, being a dad and all.)

Couple local items this AM.

Joe Bolkcom:

You're invited to my rescheduled Re-election Campaign Committee Party on Thursday, June 22, 5:00-7:00 pm at my home at 728 2nd Avenue, Iowa City.

This is not a fundraiser. It's a time to relax, chat and learn about my 2006 re-election efforts.

Refreshments provided. Special prize for every person that rides a bike, walks or carpools to the party.

Rod Sullivan's weekly roundup includes great Why I'm A Dem stuff:

The election this
November is vital. The most important issues are NOT immigration and civil
unions.
Yes, these issues matter. Yes, the parties differ on these issues.
Personally, I fear neither Mexicans nor Gays.
So do not let the fear mongers blur your focus. The REAL issues in Iowa are
jobs, education, healthcare, the environment, needless war, civil liberties,
and personal values. The Democratic approach to each of these issues is
simply better for Iowa.
Everything you care about is on the line. Class warfare IS going on. It HAS
been going on. The middle class and poor are the ³collateral damage² in this
class warfare.
Mexicans and Gays have not started a needless war, run up record deficits,
endorsed torture, spied on Americans, trashed the environment, cut funding
for human services, attacked Social Security, backed big corporations over
people, under funded veterans, and done nothing to address the healthcare
crisis.
Rather than scapegoating Mexicans and Gays, perhaps we should be electing
them. They could not fare any worse.
The differences between the Republican and Democratic Parties have never
been clearer. And I am proud to be a Democrat! I hope you will join me in
supporting Democratic candidates this fall.

---

Studies in contrast in the Register in yesterday morning's convention roundups.

The GOP Story is headlined Republicans speak out on tough election issues and focuses on the national pezzonovanti in attendance. But the Dems are labeled with Democrats rally for unity after primary battles and has stuff like:

Some rank-and-file party activists said the healing in the roughly two weeks since Secretary of State Chet Culver edged his two main rivals in a sometimes heated primary campaign was not complete.

Bias or reality? There was some great liveblogging from both Political Forecast and the JC Republicans (yes, they deserve the link love), but this is one of those rare cases where some old fashioned mythical Objective Journalism could have helped. Kay Henderson provides some but it's speech-oriented.