The congressman replies to questions at Hy Joseph's house.
It struck me while I was at the Loebsack fundraiser tonight: Dave and his predecessor have traded places. The professor is now the congressman, and his predecessor is in the classroom.
No fat cats; we ranged from slim cats (like me) to reasonably fed cats. Loebsack gave an update and took some questions from supporters; the living room was waaay more crowded than the living rooms were a year ago. Paraphrased highlights:
The war. Dave said he and many others had tried to get leadership to let Barbara Lee's amendment to the floor for a vote; it wouldn't have passed but Dave said it should have been discussed. The bill that did pass wasn't perfect but it was the best that was possible. He noted recent criticism (the "dubious achievement award" was mentioned) and he encouraged people to keep pushing, members to push leadership, and everyone to push the administration.
Education. Dave pointed to education when asked what aspects of his work weren't getting news and attention. The Education and Labor committee (he noted that the Dems restored the "Labor" name to the committee after it had been renamed "Education and The Workforce" in the GOP era) is working on revising No Child Left Behind; it isn't likely to be thrown out but will be improved.
Health Care. Loebsack reaffirmed his support for single payer, to applause. Says that won't pass now; change is likely to be incremental and be for kids first.
More tomorrow; Loebsack will join others at the offyear caucus.
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