No Republicans File for Johnson County Offices
Democratic Incumbents Unopposed In Primary
In somewhat of a surprise, no Republicans filed for any of the five Johnson County courthouse offices before today's deadline. That in itself isn't unusual, but this year it looked like the Republicans would field candidates for supervisor.
Lori Cardella, the GOP nominee for supervisor in the January special election, publicly said immediately after her loss to Janelle Rettig that she intended to run again. Even before the appointment-petition-special election chain of events that began with Larry Meyers' death last September, Chad Murphy had announced on the GOP side. And there were also rumors that Edgar Thornton, who applied for the Board vacancy in October, was going to run.
Republicans can still nominate county candidates by convention through August 25; that's also the deadline for independent and third party candidates. (Same for state and federal stuff only the deadline's August 13.)
On the Democratic side the five incumbents - county attorney Janet Lyness, recorder Kim Painter, treasurer Tom Kriz, and supervisors Rettig and Sally Stutsman - will all run unopposed in the June 8 primary (and, so far, in November). This sets up an unusual Johnson County primary where Democrats have only federal and state offices to consider, which hasn't happened in at least 40 years (2002 had no Democratic contests at all).
The only county-wide Democratic contest is the U.S. Senate primary between Roxanne Conlin, Tom Fiegen and Bob Krause. House District 30 also has the primary between incumbent Dave Jacoby and challenger John Stellmach.
Local Republicans have the congressional race, several statewide contests including governor, and legislative primaries in the House 89/Senate 45 southern end of the county.
The worst.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Things To Watch Today
Things To Watch Today
It's a day of deadlines today. Federal race watchers see today as the end of quarter campaign finance deadline. By coincidence, fans of courthouse politics have a county filing deadline the same day.
We won't see actual reports for a few days, but expect candidates who've had good quarters to toot their own horns. Look for full inboxes before midnight, as candidates make thir last pictches... followed by flying press releases from the candidates with good quarters. As for the dog that didn't bark, listen for the sounds of silence from candidates with bad news.
In the US Senate race, does Roxanne Conlin out-raise her rivals by 100 to 1 or by 1000 to one? More importantly, how does her fundraising compare to Grassley's?
Also look at those big-field Republican primaries in CDs 1, 2, and 3. It's too late to actually quit, but seven candidates in the 3rd CD is too much for a normal voter, or even an abnormal blogger, to keep track of. At some point anyone who can't raise the money is going to slip into insignificance.
On the local level, look for last-second surprises of commission and/or omission. Anyone who's expected to run not turned in the paperwork yet? (Not here: Johnson County is five for five on Democratic incumbents filed.) Any rumors of petitions floating around? And, since that deadline's tomorrow too, will anyone accidentally file for office thinking they were in the property tax line?
It's a day of deadlines today. Federal race watchers see today as the end of quarter campaign finance deadline. By coincidence, fans of courthouse politics have a county filing deadline the same day.
We won't see actual reports for a few days, but expect candidates who've had good quarters to toot their own horns. Look for full inboxes before midnight, as candidates make thir last pictches... followed by flying press releases from the candidates with good quarters. As for the dog that didn't bark, listen for the sounds of silence from candidates with bad news.
In the US Senate race, does Roxanne Conlin out-raise her rivals by 100 to 1 or by 1000 to one? More importantly, how does her fundraising compare to Grassley's?
Also look at those big-field Republican primaries in CDs 1, 2, and 3. It's too late to actually quit, but seven candidates in the 3rd CD is too much for a normal voter, or even an abnormal blogger, to keep track of. At some point anyone who can't raise the money is going to slip into insignificance.
On the local level, look for last-second surprises of commission and/or omission. Anyone who's expected to run not turned in the paperwork yet? (Not here: Johnson County is five for five on Democratic incumbents filed.) Any rumors of petitions floating around? And, since that deadline's tomorrow too, will anyone accidentally file for office thinking they were in the property tax line?
Romney Thanks Obama For Book Plug
Mitt Knows: No Such Thing As Bad PR
The Prez has the Mitt on the Mind these days, with that shout-out to Romney on health care. And Romney gives Obama credit where it's due, too, telling Politico: "I want to express my appreciation to President Obama for picking up my book, getting it on the front page of The New York Times."
At least Romney actually sells books and doesn't buy them in bulk Palin style.
Somehow I don't think that an Obama endorsement (literary or health care) helps Romney much in the 2012 caucuses, any more than I think Mitt was here to sell books. He doesn't exactly need the money, folks.
Romney dropped the name "Branstad" while he was here. At what point, if any, does this governor primary flare up into a full-blown Huckabee vs. Mitt proxy war? (The Fox News show is just Huck's holding pattern; he'll be back.) We may have crossed that line already; Vander Plaats is already bringing in Chuck "When he does pushups he's not lifting his body, he's lowering the Earth" Norris.
The Prez has the Mitt on the Mind these days, with that shout-out to Romney on health care. And Romney gives Obama credit where it's due, too, telling Politico: "I want to express my appreciation to President Obama for picking up my book, getting it on the front page of The New York Times."
At least Romney actually sells books and doesn't buy them in bulk Palin style.
Somehow I don't think that an Obama endorsement (literary or health care) helps Romney much in the 2012 caucuses, any more than I think Mitt was here to sell books. He doesn't exactly need the money, folks.
Romney dropped the name "Branstad" while he was here. At what point, if any, does this governor primary flare up into a full-blown Huckabee vs. Mitt proxy war? (The Fox News show is just Huck's holding pattern; he'll be back.) We may have crossed that line already; Vander Plaats is already bringing in Chuck "When he does pushups he's not lifting his body, he's lowering the Earth" Norris.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Marriage Equality and Convention Equality
Marriage Equality, Convention Equality
There is a press conf. and gathering to celebrate one year of Iowa marriage equality. (Miss Etiquette says that's the paper anniversary) 10 AM at the Johnson County Administration Building, hosted by One Iowa.
Todd Dorman passes along some stats:
In a major disappointment, the People's Republic is only tied for second in the number of same sex licenses with 208. We're tied with border county Scott and behind Polk (410). 82 counties have married zero same sex couples.
Meanwhile, on the same fromt, Iowa's News Liter is snarkily concerned that the scheduled appearance of Boys Like Girls may be a problem in the post-Varnum v. Brien era. I think if they bill themselves as Boys Like Girls But Not That Way we're OK.
After a spirited competition state Republicans have chosen to have their convention in, big shocker, Des Moines. desmoinesdem thinks this was nothing against Sioux City, but a practical move:
But the one that always gets me is they call their number two person a "co-chair," where we Dems call ours a "vice-chair." To me "co" implies equality, so I guess I'm in need of enlightenment.
There is a press conf. and gathering to celebrate one year of Iowa marriage equality. (Miss Etiquette says that's the paper anniversary) 10 AM at the Johnson County Administration Building, hosted by One Iowa.
Todd Dorman passes along some stats:
1,783 — Number of same-gender licenses issued by Iowa countiesThat's in the ballpark of the 10 percent one would anticipate based just on percentage of the population. Maybe a few more because of out of state tourism (no stats listed on that) and because of the pent-up demand of lifelong partners finally being able to make it official in the eyes of the state.
17,600 — Total marriage licenses issued.
901 — License issue where no gender was specified.
14,916 — Opposite-gender licenses issued.
In a major disappointment, the People's Republic is only tied for second in the number of same sex licenses with 208. We're tied with border county Scott and behind Polk (410). 82 counties have married zero same sex couples.
Meanwhile, on the same fromt, Iowa's News Liter is snarkily concerned that the scheduled appearance of Boys Like Girls may be a problem in the post-Varnum v. Brien era. I think if they bill themselves as Boys Like Girls But Not That Way we're OK.
After a spirited competition state Republicans have chosen to have their convention in, big shocker, Des Moines. desmoinesdem thinks this was nothing against Sioux City, but a practical move:
With four Republicans running for Congress in Iowa's second district and seven running in Iowa's third district, there is a good chance that no candidate will win 35 percent of the vote in the June 8 primary. In that case, the Republican nominees in IA-02 and/or IA-03 would be selected by a district convention, which would probably convene during the GOP state convention in late June. Republican commentators had already expressed concern that turnout from central and eastern Iowa would suffer if delegates were asked to drive four to seven hours each way to the convention location.This reminds me of some things I've always wondered about. Republicans meet twice at the congressional district level, and call their meeting IN the district both a "caucus" and a "convention." The district them meets again at the state convention, and calls that a "convention.
But the one that always gets me is they call their number two person a "co-chair," where we Dems call ours a "vice-chair." To me "co" implies equality, so I guess I'm in need of enlightenment.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Linux Monday
Linux Monday: Hardware Edition
Thin Linux Monday, we'll look at some extreme hardware. You'd crash and burn fast trying to load Windows 7 on these, but with the right Linux distribution you'd be up and flying.
here's a desktop PC in a two inch cube. The specs are limited - 300 mhz CPU, 64MB of RAM and a flash card slot for bring your own storage - but if your purposes aor space are also limited, it might be the thing.
Here's a $99 device that can be hacked into a pretty functional machine to fit the less than a netbook, more that a smart phone niche you didn't know existed.
And for the ultra-purists who want to be TOTALLY open source, the Loongson laptop is opes source right down to the BIOS. This is ultra-purist Richard Stallman's setup:
Thin Linux Monday, we'll look at some extreme hardware. You'd crash and burn fast trying to load Windows 7 on these, but with the right Linux distribution you'd be up and flying.
here's a desktop PC in a two inch cube. The specs are limited - 300 mhz CPU, 64MB of RAM and a flash card slot for bring your own storage - but if your purposes aor space are also limited, it might be the thing.
Here's a $99 device that can be hacked into a pretty functional machine to fit the less than a netbook, more that a smart phone niche you didn't know existed.
And for the ultra-purists who want to be TOTALLY open source, the Loongson laptop is opes source right down to the BIOS. This is ultra-purist Richard Stallman's setup:
I would ideally like to have a machine with the speed and memory of a laptop, and the display size of a laptop too, combined with the same freedom that I have now on the Yeelong.Sticking to your principles, a good thing. Computing like it's 1987, that's a challenge.
Until I can have them both, freedom is my priority.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
I Respectfully Disagree
I Respectfully Disagree
Lindsey Graham is going to get in trouble for saying this, but this is how Americans used to disagree:
What's sad is that Graham's mild tone is so noteworthy, and that not only will he be attacked for offering modest praise, but he felt the need to even say the president is "a fine man" and "a good father" despite their policy differences.
Graham is living in a party where, a recent Harris poll notes, "Two-thirds think he's a socialist, 57 percent a Muslim—and 24 percent say he may be the Antichrist."
So, what's the source of all this hate? "The Rage Is Not About Health Care," writes Frank Rich at the NYT:
Lindsey Graham is going to get in trouble for saying this, but this is how Americans used to disagree:
“President Obama is a fine man. He’s a good father. He’s a good role model. He’s an American liberal. The reason I don’t say he’s a socialist, because most people associate that with being un-American. He is an American just as much as anybody else. The idea that he’s very liberal I think is pretty clear to the American people. He ran as a centrist, he’s governing from the left ditch, that’s his big problem. And we don’t need to call each other names.”Speaking as one who's actually in the left ditch, I believe Graham is wrong on that point--but he's actually arguing to the point and actually on the same planet I am.
What's sad is that Graham's mild tone is so noteworthy, and that not only will he be attacked for offering modest praise, but he felt the need to even say the president is "a fine man" and "a good father" despite their policy differences.
Graham is living in a party where, a recent Harris poll notes, "Two-thirds think he's a socialist, 57 percent a Muslim—and 24 percent say he may be the Antichrist."
So, what's the source of all this hate? "The Rage Is Not About Health Care," writes Frank Rich at the NYT:
The health care bill is not the main source of this anger and never has been. It’s merely a handy excuse. The real source of the over-the-top rage of 2010 is the same kind of national existential reordering that roiled America in 1964.So a tip of the beret to the very conservative Senator Graham, literally the successor to Strom Thurmond, for making the differences about issues. His friend John McCain used to be like that, too, ten or so years ago.
If Obama’s first legislative priority had been immigration or financial reform or climate change, we would have seen the same trajectory. The conjunction of a black president and a female speaker of the House — topped off by a wise Latina on the Supreme Court and a powerful gay Congressional committee chairman — would sow fears of disenfranchisement among a dwindling and threatened minority in the country no matter what policies were in play. It’s not happenstance that Frank, Lewis and Cleaver — none of them major Democratic players in the health care push — received a major share of last weekend’s abuse. When you hear demonstrators chant the slogan “Take our country back!,” these are the people they want to take the country back from.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Peace Agreement in Feline Territorial Dispute
Feline Integration
Regular readers recall that a new kitty joined the Multiple Last Name family in late January. There has been a little scuffling, but as you see the process of feline integration, black and yellow and gray, is now complete.
"Im on ur cowch, cuddlin wif noo friendz," said newcomer Shadow (the black fuzzy one). "Now all I needz iz cheezburger."
The senior felines, father Dylan (yellow) and son Xavier (gray) eagerly awaiting the first catnip harvest from the Smallest Farm.
More cat pictures here.
Regular readers recall that a new kitty joined the Multiple Last Name family in late January. There has been a little scuffling, but as you see the process of feline integration, black and yellow and gray, is now complete.
"Im on ur cowch, cuddlin wif noo friendz," said newcomer Shadow (the black fuzzy one). "Now all I needz iz cheezburger."
The senior felines, father Dylan (yellow) and son Xavier (gray) eagerly awaiting the first catnip harvest from the Smallest Farm.
More cat pictures here.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Painter, Kriz File for Re-Election
Painter, Kriz File
No surprise - they had the papers out at the caucuses - but two more Johnson County incumbents, Recorder Kim Painter and Treasurer Tom Kriz, both filed for re-election Friday afternoon.
That completes the set of five incumbents filed for re-election, as Painter and Kriz join Supervisors Janelle Rettig and Sally Stutsman and County Attorney Janet Lyness. Democratic primary challengers, and of course, Republicans, have until next Wednesday to qualify for the June 8 ballot.
Painter and Kriz both won spirited primaries in 1998; my favorite story that makes the "Johnson County Democratic primaries are about local offices" point is that 1,000 more people voted for recorder than for governor in the June 1998 primary. (Could this cycle be the exception to that rule?)
Painter also won a contested general election in 1998, but Kriz was unopposed that fall, and neither has seen an opponent since.
No surprise - they had the papers out at the caucuses - but two more Johnson County incumbents, Recorder Kim Painter and Treasurer Tom Kriz, both filed for re-election Friday afternoon.
That completes the set of five incumbents filed for re-election, as Painter and Kriz join Supervisors Janelle Rettig and Sally Stutsman and County Attorney Janet Lyness. Democratic primary challengers, and of course, Republicans, have until next Wednesday to qualify for the June 8 ballot.
Painter and Kriz both won spirited primaries in 1998; my favorite story that makes the "Johnson County Democratic primaries are about local offices" point is that 1,000 more people voted for recorder than for governor in the June 1998 primary. (Could this cycle be the exception to that rule?)
Painter also won a contested general election in 1998, but Kriz was unopposed that fall, and neither has seen an opponent since.
Non-Obama Clips
The Ball's Over For Us Pumpkins
Here's our non-Obama news:
I mentioned this in the liveblog but: County Attorney Janet Lyness told me she filed for a second term yesterday right before heading up to see The Prez. I promised I'd mention it but that it wasn't going to be our top story. Lyness won a spirited primary by a wide margin four years ago when Pat White finally stepped down (and has won over a lot of us who weren't White's fans). No challengers on the horizon so far; folks have till next Wednesday's deadline.
Speaking of that deadline, the Democratic fundraiser we were planning for that date is getting rescheduled, as it landed right on top of the annual United Way kickoff. Hoping to have new date/venue details in time for next week's central committee meeting.
Local Republicans hoping to let off steam after yesterday's Obamarama can go to their party's spaghetti supper tonight: "Food service begins at 5:00 PM and candidate speeches throughout the evening. Montgomery Hall at the Johnson County Fairgrounds." I really am hoping to cover some more GOP events this primary season, but I spent all day yesterday on what is, Register relationship aside, basically a hobby, and we have Cub Scouts tonight.
The Reg's Kathie Obradovich (who I finally met in person yesterday) had a good look yesterday at which of those 125 legislative races are the hottest. It ends with:
My emphasis added. I heard yesterday that primary challenger Anesa Kajtazovic was the buzz of the Black Hawk convention last weekend.
Here's our non-Obama news:
(Republicans are) closely watching the Democratic primary in District 21, the Waterloo seat held by Kerry Burt, who pleaded guilty to drunken driving last year. If Burt is the nominee, they see an opportunity for one of two Republicans vying for the seat.
My emphasis added. I heard yesterday that primary challenger Anesa Kajtazovic was the buzz of the Black Hawk convention last weekend.
Obama Pictures
Obama Pictures
Even though I was way in back of the TV crews -- no complaints, I was in the house -- I got a few presentable pics of the Prez. Here's the set.
Even though I was way in back of the TV crews -- no complaints, I was in the house -- I got a few presentable pics of the Prez. Here's the set.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Much Delayed Followup
Much Delayed Followup: Culver, Judge, and Celebrating
It's about eight hours or so now that I've been off the news cycle grid, most of that spent celebrating the day with the locals and getting off the record stories that only make sense if you know the people involved. Meanwhile, they're asking me "what was the speech like? I didn't see it, I was doing" (some important behind the scenes thing)
I heard reports of crowds "Homecoming parade deep" downtown watching the motorcade drive by, and also crowds (spontaneous as in not planned by the organizers) several people deep on 1st Avenue in Coralville holding handmade signs along the lines of "Thank you Mr. President," just to see the cars go by, a scene that drove some of the most seasoned political veterans to emotional tears. "We take it for granted how much access we have," said one politico to a table full of others.
I did hear about the health fix-its getting passed and about the Prairie Lights stop (that was in the speech for a reason, it seems) There's no such thing as an "unplanned" stop: I remember the drill from a long-ago Dan Quayle visit and a Perkins stop with Jim Nussle. The Secret Service language has not changed a syllable from 1991 to today: "There's going to be a deviation from the schedule." Meaning: this is scheduled and we're just now telling you. "That helicopter was hovering over Prairie Lights steadier than I can hold my hand" (OK, that was after a couple drinks).
Said drinks were at The Mill, another great Iowa City institution. I promised to tell you about the governor and so I will: his tone was rally the troops. "He wouldn't have gotten it (health care) done without the people in this room," said Culver. "I am proud the President started it here and brought it back home today."
As for the Republicans, "the other side of the aisle wants to take this right away. We believe Yes We Can; they say no we can't. We need to fight to keep it in place," said Culver, moving to full campaign mode. Johnson County will be key to that; I've been talking all day about Obama reaching 70% here, but Culver polled 68% in 2006.
The governor worked the room as Lt Guv Patty Judge spoke. "It should be a basic human right to get your body taken care of," said Judge, reaching back to her own time as a nurse. "I am so proud today to be a Democrat and know that my children and neighbors and friends" (I didn't get every exact kind of relative) "Can go to the doctor when they need to and no one can stop them because they can't pay."
"Celebrate today, but be ready to work tomorrow. We've got Democrats to elect up and down the ticket," said Judge.
Culver, Judge and crew were out the door by 3:30, back to Des Moines to deal with the last days of the legislative session. The Organizing For America crew continued the program but a handful of state politcos were still on hand: Tom Miller, Mike Fitzgerald and Senate candidate Bob Krause.
It's about eight hours or so now that I've been off the news cycle grid, most of that spent celebrating the day with the locals and getting off the record stories that only make sense if you know the people involved. Meanwhile, they're asking me "what was the speech like? I didn't see it, I was doing" (some important behind the scenes thing)
I heard reports of crowds "Homecoming parade deep" downtown watching the motorcade drive by, and also crowds (spontaneous as in not planned by the organizers) several people deep on 1st Avenue in Coralville holding handmade signs along the lines of "Thank you Mr. President," just to see the cars go by, a scene that drove some of the most seasoned political veterans to emotional tears. "We take it for granted how much access we have," said one politico to a table full of others.
I did hear about the health fix-its getting passed and about the Prairie Lights stop (that was in the speech for a reason, it seems) There's no such thing as an "unplanned" stop: I remember the drill from a long-ago Dan Quayle visit and a Perkins stop with Jim Nussle. The Secret Service language has not changed a syllable from 1991 to today: "There's going to be a deviation from the schedule." Meaning: this is scheduled and we're just now telling you. "That helicopter was hovering over Prairie Lights steadier than I can hold my hand" (OK, that was after a couple drinks).
Said drinks were at The Mill, another great Iowa City institution. I promised to tell you about the governor and so I will: his tone was rally the troops. "He wouldn't have gotten it (health care) done without the people in this room," said Culver. "I am proud the President started it here and brought it back home today."
As for the Republicans, "the other side of the aisle wants to take this right away. We believe Yes We Can; they say no we can't. We need to fight to keep it in place," said Culver, moving to full campaign mode. Johnson County will be key to that; I've been talking all day about Obama reaching 70% here, but Culver polled 68% in 2006.
The governor worked the room as Lt Guv Patty Judge spoke. "It should be a basic human right to get your body taken care of," said Judge, reaching back to her own time as a nurse. "I am so proud today to be a Democrat and know that my children and neighbors and friends" (I didn't get every exact kind of relative) "Can go to the doctor when they need to and no one can stop them because they can't pay."
"Celebrate today, but be ready to work tomorrow. We've got Democrats to elect up and down the ticket," said Judge.
Culver, Judge and crew were out the door by 3:30, back to Des Moines to deal with the last days of the legislative session. The Organizing For America crew continued the program but a handful of state politcos were still on hand: Tom Miller, Mike Fitzgerald and Senate candidate Bob Krause.
Obama Iowa City Liveblog March 25 2010
Obama Liveblog
The liveblogger is wearing the beret on behalf of the Register today.
10:53 and hello from the UIowa Fieldhouse where I'm deep in press row awaiting the President.
The advance team said No Wifi for this event but I've geeked my way through using my Blackberry. Unfortunately this means I'm having to use Windows (most of you don't care but my regular readers know that I'm a proud Linux geek and having to use Windows irks me to no end.)
If you're from out of state and reading this, the first thing you need to know is that Iowa City is the most Obama friendly place in Iowa. This paper's longtime writer David Yepsen dubbed us "the People's Republic of Johnson County," and we locals adopted the nickname as a point of pride. Johnson County was over 50% for Obama on caucus night 2008, and a whopping 70% Obama that November; both were tops in the state. So... the President is on friendly turf.
11:09 and at least some of the legislators have the day off. Senators Bob Dvorsky and Jack Hatch are on hand as a group of Honorables are ushered in; also, locals: Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek.
11:18 Local party activist Paul Deaton of Solon walks in wearing stickers for all three Democratic Senate candidates. He says Bob Krause and Tom Fiegen are both here in person, and he's not sure re: Roxanne Conlin. Paul spent about 45 minutes in line, and also saw 5th CD candidate Matt Campbell in line.
The local and state press (including our own Kathie Obradovich) are in the back of the press row. University PR staff are being very accomodating but warned us not to touch the lunches; those are for the national press.
The volunteer crew got in just before the local press and for the most part they're familiar faces from local campaigns. "We're packing them in," says county Democratic chair Denns Roseman. Most of the seating is on the floor, standing room. There's a few bleachers along the side and one set behind where the President will speak, presumably saved for the most V.I. of the P's. As a local politics guy I always wonder who those backdrop people are and how they're picked; today I'll see.
11:49 and Terri Loebsack arrives. "Is Dave gonna make it or does he have to work?" "He's gotta work." The Senate voted on the fix-it bill in the wee hours; now the House is on the case.
Straight up noon and the backdrop crowd is mostly in place; a front row is empty presumably for the V.V.I.P's. The group looks carefully diverse and looks like Real People as opposed to dignitaries; the only politico I recognize is former Cedar Rapids mayor Kay Halloran. A handful are wearing campaign grea but most are dressed nice-casual.
A small vocal group of a half-dozen or so young men starts singing and the hubbub simmers down a notch or so.
More of the local dignitaries are showing up at 12:12 and asking me what a "red ticket" means. I tell them I'm wearing my press hat not my party hat so I have no idea. Eventually they gather into one line so that must be the spot. County Attorney Janey Lyness says she's here straight from filing her nomination papers for a second term: I tell her I'll mention it but it's not our top story. Also on hand is Supervisor Janelle Rettig. The choir keeps singing, a South Africanized version of "Stand By Me."
Local press row is checking out YouTubes of outdoor protesters lined up on an overpass.
"I gave away a stack of flyers like this," Senate candidate Tom Fiegen tells me at 12:30, lolding one hand a foot above the other. Fiegen worked the lline then strolled in with a civilian ticket; apparantly Bob Krause didn't even score that much. Fiegen offers his apologies to me for missing our county convention; we were his last stop and we argued less than usual and got done early.
The backdrop crowd leads a chant but the ambient acoustics in here aren't great. It's not "Fired Up Ready To Go" but Fired Up is in there somewhere. 28 minutes till The Prez is scheduled. Doors are officially closed. Things all of a sudde feel more serious.
Now we get a full Fired Up Ready To Go and an O-BA-MA. If you're at home you'll likely get a better view that you will here. Other than Red Ticket type exceptions, most seating is first come first served, and there's no Jumbotron style big screen. Ticket requests were over 16,000 so they probably could have filled Carver-Hawkeye (which Bill Clinton did in Feb. 1996).
Invocation underway at 12:44. Secetary of State Mike Mauro just arrived via press row and worked his way forward. Also seen: local bar owner Mike Porter, leading opponent of Iowa City's current move toward a 21 bar admision age. (He's noticible mostly because he's very tall, so he at least should get a good look at the Prez.)
Patriotic festivites done at 12:48 as I put the beret back on.
The Actual Speech has been in the hands of us press for some time now; I'm more of the color commentary guy here so I'll throw in the key lines at the right time. Mostly, I'm trying to let you know what this is LIKE.
Here come the VVIPs, a mix of real people (the type who get mentioned in speeches) and politicos. Attorney General Tom Miller brings up the back of the line.
1:01 and Sebelius is doing the intro. Mentions her "beloved Jayhawks" and we get big applause from UNI fans. She gives a shoutout to Culver and Vilsack, who I haven't actually seen.
Is she stretching for time? A little more UNI vs. KU than we need.
1:04 and now moving on to actual health care and the naysayers who said this fight was too hard. "You all refused to buy that. You believed."
Audio is a little echo-ey buy we can understand what she's saying. Crowd is loud but not blow the roof off loud. It feels a little campaign-y but not rally music campaign-y. "Obama kept the promised he made in Iowa almost three years ago. I've never seen a president fight harder for something he believed in."
A loud booing sound goes up, back here we can't tell what that was, maybe it was the intended response Sebelius was seeking. She drops a Yes We Can and here he is.
"HELLO IOWA! It feels good to be back in Iowa. I'm gonna take my jacket off in Iowa..." The crowd gets ear-splitting load as Obama walks in. 1:12 as the niceties wrap up, with shoutouts to politicos already named and a couple more (Sally Mason, mayor Matt Hayek, Mike Fitzgerald.) The UNI shoutout was in the prepared text.
He's a bit hard to hear back in local press row.
Someone shouts out something inaudible; O chuckles and keeps going. Absolutely no idea.
"This was the state that first believed..." big applause. "This was the place where change began."
"On Tuesday, after a year of debate and a century of trying, after so many of you shared your stories and your heartaches and your hopes, that promise was finally fulfilled. And today, health insurance reform is the law of the land."
A YES WE CAN chant goes up and gets a big smile and a "yes we did, yes we did."
"Just like the campaign that led us here, this historic change did not begin in Washington. It began in places like Iowa City."
"You knew this wasn’t about the fortunes of any one party -- this was about the future of our country. And today, because of what you did, that future looks stronger and more hopeful than it has in some time." Big applause line.
Still some semi-random shouting that we can't make out.
Obama plays the doom and gloom of the tea partiers for laughs. Relased text:
Over the last year, there’s been a lot of misinformation spread about health care reform. There has been plenty of fear-mongering and overheated rhetoric. And if you turn on the news, you’ll see that those same folks are still shouting about how the world will end because we passed this bill. This is not an exaggeration. Leaders of the Republican Party have actually been calling the passage of this bill “Armageddon.”
He played that light, not heavy, and was interrupted by laughs a couple times. Ad libbed: "It wasn't. Turned out to be a pretty nice day."
Local shout out:
Meanwhile, there are a set of reforms that will take effect this year. This year, millions of small business owners will be eligible for tax credits that will help them cover the cost of insurance for their employees. And let me talk about what this means for a business like your own Prairie Lights Bookstore downtown. (Applause) This is a small business that’s been offering coverage to their full-time employees for the last twenty years. Last year their premiums went up 35%, which made it a lot harder for them to offer the same coverage. On Tuesday, I was joined at the bill signing by Ryan Smith, who runs a small business with five employees. His premiums are going up too, and he’s worried he’ll have to stop offering health insurance to his workers.
What, Mr. Prez, no shoutout for the Hamburg Inn?
Policy wise, Obama plays up the immediate impact:
This year, insurance companies will no longer be able to drop people’s coverage when they get sick; or place lifetime limits or restrictive annual limits on the amount of care they can receive.
This year, all new insurance plans will be required to offer free preventive care.
For all the students here today, starting this year, if you don’t have insurance, all new plans and some current ones will allow you to stay on your parents’ insurance policy until you’re 26 years old. Because as you start your lives and your careers, the last thing you should worry about is whether you’ll go broke just because you get sick.
Big applause at the student references. (That stay on the folks policy till 26 will help win over "indestructible" young folks who worry about having to buy into the insurance pool.)
Shouter: "What about the (??)"
Obama: "That's not in there." "Why Not?" "Because we couldn't get it through congress."
Obama: "This legislation isn't perfect, as this young man just said, but it's a historic first step." Crowd sides with the Prez.
Paramedics wheel a fainter out via press row. Locals still don't know what shouter said.
On to the politics. Prepared text:
If these Congressmen in Washington want to come here to Iowa and tell small business owners that they plan to take away their tax credits and essentially raise their taxes, be my guest. If they want to look Lauren Gallagher in the eye and tell her they plan to take away her father’s health insurance, that’s their right. If they want to make Darlyne Neff pay more money for her check-ups and her mammograms, they can run on that platform. If they want to have that fight, I welcome that fight. Because I don’t believe the American people are going to put the insurance industry back in the driver’s seat. We’ve been there already and we’re not going back. This country is ready to move forward.
He adlibs "If this young man out there thinks this is such a bad bill, he can run against it." Still know one can figure it out but in any case Obama handled it well. (and a presidential shoutout to Iowa City's own Darlyne Neff)
Winding down at 1:37.
let us remember the promise we have fulfilled, the people who fulfilled it, and the generations before us who made it possible; and let us respond with the creed that continues to define the character of this country we love: Yes, we can.
Thank you, Iowa, God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.
Speech proper done at 1:38, he ends in full campaign mode as the music rolls up for the first time. Looks like instead of Q&A it's a handshake scrum.
Handfuls are starting to trickle out at 1:43 as that old Team Obama Greatest Hit, U2's "Beautiful Day", plays. In thie end, this is pretty campaigny after all, except for the lack of the signs.
The apparant shouters have eagerly identified themselves for the TV crews, they're public option die hards which explains the president's "didn't have the votes" response. Theyre in the midst of a big camera scrum as the music shifts to another campaign standard, Springsteen's "The Rising" (although that was one of Edwards' greatest hits, he actually built a speech around it.) One of the shouters, nevertheless, was wearing an Obama shirt; the other had a peace sign on hers.
"The president's doing really well," says Bob Dvorsky, who got some face time. "He's really excited about this" says Pauline Taylor, an Iowa City nurse and union leader who was featured in Obama's May 2007 speech.
Meanwhile talk turns to the ongoing campaign. Linn County Dems chair Diane Hoffman is trying to pt together a Hall of Fame dinner but having trouble getting a keynote speaker. "The governor needs to get out here and campaign."
All's pretty quiet here at 2:12. Nobody left but us instate media stragglers and the cleanup crew. We'll sing off. Next stop is the Mill, where the Governor and Lt Guv are slated to speak to the local faithful.
The liveblogger is wearing the beret on behalf of the Register today.
10:53 and hello from the UIowa Fieldhouse where I'm deep in press row awaiting the President.
The advance team said No Wifi for this event but I've geeked my way through using my Blackberry. Unfortunately this means I'm having to use Windows (most of you don't care but my regular readers know that I'm a proud Linux geek and having to use Windows irks me to no end.)
If you're from out of state and reading this, the first thing you need to know is that Iowa City is the most Obama friendly place in Iowa. This paper's longtime writer David Yepsen dubbed us "the People's Republic of Johnson County," and we locals adopted the nickname as a point of pride. Johnson County was over 50% for Obama on caucus night 2008, and a whopping 70% Obama that November; both were tops in the state. So... the President is on friendly turf.
11:09 and at least some of the legislators have the day off. Senators Bob Dvorsky and Jack Hatch are on hand as a group of Honorables are ushered in; also, locals: Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek.
11:18 Local party activist Paul Deaton of Solon walks in wearing stickers for all three Democratic Senate candidates. He says Bob Krause and Tom Fiegen are both here in person, and he's not sure re: Roxanne Conlin. Paul spent about 45 minutes in line, and also saw 5th CD candidate Matt Campbell in line.
The local and state press (including our own Kathie Obradovich) are in the back of the press row. University PR staff are being very accomodating but warned us not to touch the lunches; those are for the national press.
The volunteer crew got in just before the local press and for the most part they're familiar faces from local campaigns. "We're packing them in," says county Democratic chair Denns Roseman. Most of the seating is on the floor, standing room. There's a few bleachers along the side and one set behind where the President will speak, presumably saved for the most V.I. of the P's. As a local politics guy I always wonder who those backdrop people are and how they're picked; today I'll see.
11:49 and Terri Loebsack arrives. "Is Dave gonna make it or does he have to work?" "He's gotta work." The Senate voted on the fix-it bill in the wee hours; now the House is on the case.
Straight up noon and the backdrop crowd is mostly in place; a front row is empty presumably for the V.V.I.P's. The group looks carefully diverse and looks like Real People as opposed to dignitaries; the only politico I recognize is former Cedar Rapids mayor Kay Halloran. A handful are wearing campaign grea but most are dressed nice-casual.
A small vocal group of a half-dozen or so young men starts singing and the hubbub simmers down a notch or so.
More of the local dignitaries are showing up at 12:12 and asking me what a "red ticket" means. I tell them I'm wearing my press hat not my party hat so I have no idea. Eventually they gather into one line so that must be the spot. County Attorney Janey Lyness says she's here straight from filing her nomination papers for a second term: I tell her I'll mention it but it's not our top story. Also on hand is Supervisor Janelle Rettig. The choir keeps singing, a South Africanized version of "Stand By Me."
Local press row is checking out YouTubes of outdoor protesters lined up on an overpass.
"I gave away a stack of flyers like this," Senate candidate Tom Fiegen tells me at 12:30, lolding one hand a foot above the other. Fiegen worked the lline then strolled in with a civilian ticket; apparantly Bob Krause didn't even score that much. Fiegen offers his apologies to me for missing our county convention; we were his last stop and we argued less than usual and got done early.
The backdrop crowd leads a chant but the ambient acoustics in here aren't great. It's not "Fired Up Ready To Go" but Fired Up is in there somewhere. 28 minutes till The Prez is scheduled. Doors are officially closed. Things all of a sudde feel more serious.
Now we get a full Fired Up Ready To Go and an O-BA-MA. If you're at home you'll likely get a better view that you will here. Other than Red Ticket type exceptions, most seating is first come first served, and there's no Jumbotron style big screen. Ticket requests were over 16,000 so they probably could have filled Carver-Hawkeye (which Bill Clinton did in Feb. 1996).
Invocation underway at 12:44. Secetary of State Mike Mauro just arrived via press row and worked his way forward. Also seen: local bar owner Mike Porter, leading opponent of Iowa City's current move toward a 21 bar admision age. (He's noticible mostly because he's very tall, so he at least should get a good look at the Prez.)
Patriotic festivites done at 12:48 as I put the beret back on.
The Actual Speech has been in the hands of us press for some time now; I'm more of the color commentary guy here so I'll throw in the key lines at the right time. Mostly, I'm trying to let you know what this is LIKE.
Here come the VVIPs, a mix of real people (the type who get mentioned in speeches) and politicos. Attorney General Tom Miller brings up the back of the line.
1:01 and Sebelius is doing the intro. Mentions her "beloved Jayhawks" and we get big applause from UNI fans. She gives a shoutout to Culver and Vilsack, who I haven't actually seen.
Is she stretching for time? A little more UNI vs. KU than we need.
1:04 and now moving on to actual health care and the naysayers who said this fight was too hard. "You all refused to buy that. You believed."
Audio is a little echo-ey buy we can understand what she's saying. Crowd is loud but not blow the roof off loud. It feels a little campaign-y but not rally music campaign-y. "Obama kept the promised he made in Iowa almost three years ago. I've never seen a president fight harder for something he believed in."
A loud booing sound goes up, back here we can't tell what that was, maybe it was the intended response Sebelius was seeking. She drops a Yes We Can and here he is.
"HELLO IOWA! It feels good to be back in Iowa. I'm gonna take my jacket off in Iowa..." The crowd gets ear-splitting load as Obama walks in. 1:12 as the niceties wrap up, with shoutouts to politicos already named and a couple more (Sally Mason, mayor Matt Hayek, Mike Fitzgerald.) The UNI shoutout was in the prepared text.
He's a bit hard to hear back in local press row.
Someone shouts out something inaudible; O chuckles and keeps going. Absolutely no idea.
"This was the state that first believed..." big applause. "This was the place where change began."
"On Tuesday, after a year of debate and a century of trying, after so many of you shared your stories and your heartaches and your hopes, that promise was finally fulfilled. And today, health insurance reform is the law of the land."
A YES WE CAN chant goes up and gets a big smile and a "yes we did, yes we did."
"Just like the campaign that led us here, this historic change did not begin in Washington. It began in places like Iowa City."
"You knew this wasn’t about the fortunes of any one party -- this was about the future of our country. And today, because of what you did, that future looks stronger and more hopeful than it has in some time." Big applause line.
Still some semi-random shouting that we can't make out.
Obama plays the doom and gloom of the tea partiers for laughs. Relased text:
Over the last year, there’s been a lot of misinformation spread about health care reform. There has been plenty of fear-mongering and overheated rhetoric. And if you turn on the news, you’ll see that those same folks are still shouting about how the world will end because we passed this bill. This is not an exaggeration. Leaders of the Republican Party have actually been calling the passage of this bill “Armageddon.”
He played that light, not heavy, and was interrupted by laughs a couple times. Ad libbed: "It wasn't. Turned out to be a pretty nice day."
Local shout out:
Meanwhile, there are a set of reforms that will take effect this year. This year, millions of small business owners will be eligible for tax credits that will help them cover the cost of insurance for their employees. And let me talk about what this means for a business like your own Prairie Lights Bookstore downtown. (Applause) This is a small business that’s been offering coverage to their full-time employees for the last twenty years. Last year their premiums went up 35%, which made it a lot harder for them to offer the same coverage. On Tuesday, I was joined at the bill signing by Ryan Smith, who runs a small business with five employees. His premiums are going up too, and he’s worried he’ll have to stop offering health insurance to his workers.
What, Mr. Prez, no shoutout for the Hamburg Inn?
Policy wise, Obama plays up the immediate impact:
This year, insurance companies will no longer be able to drop people’s coverage when they get sick; or place lifetime limits or restrictive annual limits on the amount of care they can receive.
This year, all new insurance plans will be required to offer free preventive care.
For all the students here today, starting this year, if you don’t have insurance, all new plans and some current ones will allow you to stay on your parents’ insurance policy until you’re 26 years old. Because as you start your lives and your careers, the last thing you should worry about is whether you’ll go broke just because you get sick.
Big applause at the student references. (That stay on the folks policy till 26 will help win over "indestructible" young folks who worry about having to buy into the insurance pool.)
Shouter: "What about the (??)"
Obama: "That's not in there." "Why Not?" "Because we couldn't get it through congress."
Obama: "This legislation isn't perfect, as this young man just said, but it's a historic first step." Crowd sides with the Prez.
Paramedics wheel a fainter out via press row. Locals still don't know what shouter said.
On to the politics. Prepared text:
If these Congressmen in Washington want to come here to Iowa and tell small business owners that they plan to take away their tax credits and essentially raise their taxes, be my guest. If they want to look Lauren Gallagher in the eye and tell her they plan to take away her father’s health insurance, that’s their right. If they want to make Darlyne Neff pay more money for her check-ups and her mammograms, they can run on that platform. If they want to have that fight, I welcome that fight. Because I don’t believe the American people are going to put the insurance industry back in the driver’s seat. We’ve been there already and we’re not going back. This country is ready to move forward.
He adlibs "If this young man out there thinks this is such a bad bill, he can run against it." Still know one can figure it out but in any case Obama handled it well. (and a presidential shoutout to Iowa City's own Darlyne Neff)
Winding down at 1:37.
let us remember the promise we have fulfilled, the people who fulfilled it, and the generations before us who made it possible; and let us respond with the creed that continues to define the character of this country we love: Yes, we can.
Thank you, Iowa, God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.
Speech proper done at 1:38, he ends in full campaign mode as the music rolls up for the first time. Looks like instead of Q&A it's a handshake scrum.
Handfuls are starting to trickle out at 1:43 as that old Team Obama Greatest Hit, U2's "Beautiful Day", plays. In thie end, this is pretty campaigny after all, except for the lack of the signs.
The apparant shouters have eagerly identified themselves for the TV crews, they're public option die hards which explains the president's "didn't have the votes" response. Theyre in the midst of a big camera scrum as the music shifts to another campaign standard, Springsteen's "The Rising" (although that was one of Edwards' greatest hits, he actually built a speech around it.) One of the shouters, nevertheless, was wearing an Obama shirt; the other had a peace sign on hers.
"The president's doing really well," says Bob Dvorsky, who got some face time. "He's really excited about this" says Pauline Taylor, an Iowa City nurse and union leader who was featured in Obama's May 2007 speech.
Meanwhile talk turns to the ongoing campaign. Linn County Dems chair Diane Hoffman is trying to pt together a Hall of Fame dinner but having trouble getting a keynote speaker. "The governor needs to get out here and campaign."
All's pretty quiet here at 2:12. Nobody left but us instate media stragglers and the cleanup crew. We'll sing off. Next stop is the Mill, where the Governor and Lt Guv are slated to speak to the local faithful.
Republican Rally Roundup
Republican Rally Roundup
I thought about covering the "Stand Up 4 Freedom" rally last night but had too much prep work to do for today. I also figured, correctly, that enough other old media and new media would be there:
Dan Tallon comments: "everyone that spoke mainly spoke about Health and how unconstitutional it was, with the usual socialist and commie references. It wasn't surprising to see the NRA hats and belt buckles around and a few VP for gov signs. All and all I am happy to see that our local republicans are (mostly) nice people- even if they ignore certain facts." He also says he got quite a few signatures on his petition to end Don't Ask Don't Tell petition, including: "Miller-Meeks signed and said she thought Don't ask Don't Tell was not good for America."
Press-Citizen: Headline says "hundreds" but article says hundred means two hundred.
Iowa Republican goes with a bigger estimate: "350 to 500".
Gazette finds at least one person opposing the health care bill from the left.
Lynda Waddington at Iowa Indy goes with featured phoning it in speaker Mike Pence calling for the big repeal.
As for today, that press credential came through and I spent last evening geeking out some technology details. If all goes well we'll be livebloggin'.
I thought about covering the "Stand Up 4 Freedom" rally last night but had too much prep work to do for today. I also figured, correctly, that enough other old media and new media would be there:
As for today, that press credential came through and I spent last evening geeking out some technology details. If all goes well we'll be livebloggin'.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Dropout in House District 7
Dropout in House District 7
Another Secretary of State list update at 4:26 p.m. has one less name.
Emmetsburg community developer Steve Heldt is off the ballot in the House District 7 Republican primary. That leaves Lannie Miller, a West Bend-Mallard School Board member and former Palo Alto County supervisor, as the GOP nominee.
Miller will face Democrat John Wittneben, of the Estherville city council, in November. The seat is open as incumbent Rep. Marcella Frevert (D-Emmetsberg) is retiring.
Another Secretary of State list update at 4:26 p.m. has one less name.
Emmetsburg community developer Steve Heldt is off the ballot in the House District 7 Republican primary. That leaves Lannie Miller, a West Bend-Mallard School Board member and former Palo Alto County supervisor, as the GOP nominee.
Miller will face Democrat John Wittneben, of the Estherville city council, in November. The seat is open as incumbent Rep. Marcella Frevert (D-Emmetsberg) is retiring.
Harkin gets a pen
Harkin gets a presidential pen
It's the ultimate piece of political "chum": a presidential bill-signing pen. Iowa's own Tom Harkin got one of President Obama's pens from yesterday's health care bill signing ceremony.
I say "one of" because, as anyone who's seen footage of any president at a bill-signing ceremony knows, presidents like to maximize the number of pens used, so as to maximize the number of gifts. A bill signing pen is, as Vice President Joe would say, a big f%$#in' deal--and yes, he got one.
Harkin took over as chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee last year after Ted Kennedy's death.
In all Obama used 22 pens to sign the health care bill, two for each letter of his name. As you see, he doesn't use the Hussein, which could have created 14 more souvenirs.
Politico has the full list of 19 recipients including Harkin (two go to the national archives and the Big Guy kept one).
You can make up your own joke about (president of party other than your own) and crayons, but I'm going with "Say Anything": I gave him my vote, he gave me a pen.
It's the ultimate piece of political "chum": a presidential bill-signing pen. Iowa's own Tom Harkin got one of President Obama's pens from yesterday's health care bill signing ceremony.
I say "one of" because, as anyone who's seen footage of any president at a bill-signing ceremony knows, presidents like to maximize the number of pens used, so as to maximize the number of gifts. A bill signing pen is, as Vice President Joe would say, a big f%$#in' deal--and yes, he got one.Harkin took over as chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee last year after Ted Kennedy's death.
In all Obama used 22 pens to sign the health care bill, two for each letter of his name. As you see, he doesn't use the Hussein, which could have created 14 more souvenirs.
Politico has the full list of 19 recipients including Harkin (two go to the national archives and the Big Guy kept one).
You can make up your own joke about (president of party other than your own) and crayons, but I'm going with "Say Anything": I gave him my vote, he gave me a pen.
Non-Obama Linkfest
Non-Obama Linkfest
There is, of course, other stuff happening besides The Prez coming to town.
I skipped out on the 21 bar vote last night; since I have my own little soapbox here that handfuls of people read each day, I didn't feel the need to speak, and I didn't feel the hope that I'd be any more persuasive. One can only bang one's head against the wall so long before it hurts.
The Daily Iowan, of course, does the best job of capturing the in loco parentis mood of the council and University officials.
Credit where it's due:
I'm still recuperating from the three week marathon of candidate filing. Thanks for all the good feedback and the couple of duly-made corrections, and please send me some synonyms for "unopposed." I'm fresh out.
Craig Robinson of Iowa Republican (NOT Craig Robinson the basketball coach and First Brother In Law) has good GOP-perspective overviews of the State Senate, the Sioux City House District 2 primary. Krusty looks at the open seat (Mertz) primary in House 8 and uses the phrase "worse than Mary Mascher," which should be seen as a compliment.
As for the OTHER Craig Robinson, the popular joke now is that Barack's only coming to town to scope out the Hawks' coaching cob for the Oregon State coach...
There is, of course, other stuff happening besides The Prez coming to town.
I skipped out on the 21 bar vote last night; since I have my own little soapbox here that handfuls of people read each day, I didn't feel the need to speak, and I didn't feel the hope that I'd be any more persuasive. One can only bang one's head against the wall so long before it hurts.
The Daily Iowan, of course, does the best job of capturing the in loco parentis mood of the council and University officials.
Credit where it's due:
Councilor Regenia Bailey cast the sole vote against the issue. She said she believes the ordinance regulates outside of the council’s responsibilities.
“I don’t think the local government should play the role of überparent,” she said. “I think a lot of the discussion tonight, to me, has been frankly paternalistic. We’re talking about adults.”
I'm still recuperating from the three week marathon of candidate filing. Thanks for all the good feedback and the couple of duly-made corrections, and please send me some synonyms for "unopposed." I'm fresh out.
Craig Robinson of Iowa Republican (NOT Craig Robinson the basketball coach and First Brother In Law) has good GOP-perspective overviews of the State Senate, the Sioux City House District 2 primary. Krusty looks at the open seat (Mertz) primary in House 8 and uses the phrase "worse than Mary Mascher," which should be seen as a compliment.
As for the OTHER Craig Robinson, the popular joke now is that Barack's only coming to town to scope out the Hawks' coaching cob for the Oregon State coach...
Huser Challenger Out
Huser Primary Challenger Drops Out
Looks like Larry Grafton of the Painters & Allied Trades (my union) has dropped his primary challenge to Rep. Geri Huser (D-Altoona), one of the "six pack" who opposed labor's priority bills last year.
Grafton's name is off the Tuesday (4:11 PM) update of the statewide candidate's list at the Secretary of State's site. Anyone know the score?
Also out: Grinnell city council member Larry Wilson, who filed on the GOP side against Rep. Eric Palmer (D-Oskaloosa) in House 75. Wilson seems to have deferred to the other Republican, retired Marine Gen. Guy Vander Linden.
The dropout deadline is 5 p.m. today; opponents have until Friday to challenge petitions.
Looks like Larry Grafton of the Painters & Allied Trades (my union) has dropped his primary challenge to Rep. Geri Huser (D-Altoona), one of the "six pack" who opposed labor's priority bills last year.
Grafton's name is off the Tuesday (4:11 PM) update of the statewide candidate's list at the Secretary of State's site. Anyone know the score?
Also out: Grinnell city council member Larry Wilson, who filed on the GOP side against Rep. Eric Palmer (D-Oskaloosa) in House 75. Wilson seems to have deferred to the other Republican, retired Marine Gen. Guy Vander Linden.
The dropout deadline is 5 p.m. today; opponents have until Friday to challenge petitions.
Both Sides Gear Up For Obama
Both Sides Have Big Obama Plans
While I wait for word on my press pass, Republicans are pretty set with their plans for Obama day, with the big event scheduled for tonight and a big, sorta, name.
It's not Pence's first trip to Iowa. Well, actually, it's not a trip to Iowa at all, it says a couple grafs down:
Still, us longtime caucus watchers know what it means.
Here's the live and in person speaker list
As for Obama hour itself, here's the GOP drill:
Dems who can't get in to the speech itself, meanwhile, are hoping to outnumber:
Dems also have an after-party scheduled:
No word on a Republican post-event event, though their annual spaghetti supper was previously scheduled for Friday night.
While I wait for word on my press pass, Republicans are pretty set with their plans for Obama day, with the big event scheduled for tonight and a big, sorta, name.
National Leader to Headline Stand Up for Freedom Rally
Indiana Congressman Mike Pence to Address Tonight’s Rally in Iowa City
It's not Pence's first trip to Iowa. Well, actually, it's not a trip to Iowa at all, it says a couple grafs down:
Due to the congressional schedule, Pence will address the Stand Up for Freedom Rally via Skype from Washington, DC
Still, us longtime caucus watchers know what it means.
Here's the live and in person speaker list
The Stand Up for Freedom Rally is scheduled for 6 p.m., Wednesday, March 24, on the East Lawn of the Pentacrest at the University of Iowa. Iowans can register for the Stand Up for Freedom Rally at www.StandUp4Freedom.com.
Iowa GOP officials also announced the confirmed list of speakers at tonight’s rally includes:
Matt Strawn, Chairman, Republican Party of Iowa
Natalie Ginty, Univ. of Iowa College Republicans
Brenna Findley, Candidate for Iowa Attorney General
Rob Gettemy, Candidate for U.S. Congress
Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Candidate for U.S. Congress
Steve Rathje, Candidate for U.S. Congress
Christopher Reed, Candidate for U.S. Congress
As for Obama hour itself, here's the GOP drill:
Time: March 25, 2010 from 12pm to 1:30pm
Location: University of Iowa Field House
Street: 225 South Grand Avenue
City/Town: Iowa City
Website or Map: http://teapartypatriots.ning.…
Phone: 319-341-3459
Event Type: protest, obamacare
http://teapartypatriots.ning.com/xn/detail/2978134:Event:268661?xg_source=activity
Dems who can't get in to the speech itself, meanwhile, are hoping to outnumber:
Event: Health Care Rally & March on Day of President's Visit to Iowa City
Start Time: Thursday, March 25 at 10:00am
End Time: Thursday, March 25 at 11:00am
Where: Pedestrian Mall (Fountain Area)
Dems also have an after-party scheduled:
After the President's speech on Thursday, please join OFA for a special event to celebrate the passage of health reform featuring Iowa Governor Chet Culver, Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge, and other special guests!
YES WE DID!
A Celebration of Health Reform
Thursday, March 25th from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
The Mill
120 East Burlington Street, Iowa City
No word on a Republican post-event event, though their annual spaghetti supper was previously scheduled for Friday night.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Stutsman files
Stutsman files for re-election
Johnson County Supervisor Sally Stutsman joins fellow incumbent Janelle Rettig on the June 8 Democratic primary ballot, filing today for a fifth term.
Deadline's March 31; no rumors yet on primary challengers...
Johnson County Supervisor Sally Stutsman joins fellow incumbent Janelle Rettig on the June 8 Democratic primary ballot, filing today for a fifth term.
Deadline's March 31; no rumors yet on primary challengers...
21 Bar Council Vote Tonight
21 Bar Council Vote Tonight
As Iowa City's perennial 21 bar fight gears up again, the No on 21 forces have settled on a strategic counter-move: petitioning to lower the admission age to 18. Petition supporter and 2009 city council candidate Dan Tallon said last week that supporters had gathered 3,500 signatures in about 48 hours.
University of Iowa President Sally Mason offered plenty of patronizing opinions in a March 12 Daily Iowan interview. "It is about looking for better alternatives to promote a healthy and safe environment in our community." I've been here longer than Mason, and every "better alternative" (Planet X, anyone?) has flopped. Young adults want adult activities, not the same stuff they were doing in high school.
“I’ve gotten a lot of e-mails and notes from community members about their disappointment and displeasure with student behavior," adds Mason. The Love the Hawkeyes and Hancher, Hate the Students crowd dominates normal city elections, and never acknowledges that the students are the lifeblood of our city rather than a nuisance.
Former City Council member Bob Elliott also came out for 21 bars in his Press-Citizen piece. “Philosophically, I favor identifying a standard legal age for being an adult. If you're old enough to join the military and defend our country in wartime, you should be old enough to have a beer.”
For me, that's where the argument ends. But what should that age be? “You might as well place numbers from 18 through about 23 on a board and throw darts at it,” Elliott says. “I've known some people who've exhibited outstanding maturity by age 16 or 17, and others who just never seemed to acquire that quality of being mature.”
My preference is to make it the constitutional voting age, 18. We can better address young adult alcohol abuse, a very real problem I know too well from my own youth, by first acknowledging young adult rights.
“But there are differences between philosophy and reality,” Elliot says. And that reality is federal law that ties highway funding to the 21 year old drinking age. One (non-county) official says (s)he also agrees with me on the principle, but says if (s)he has five minutes with a federal or state official, the drinking age issue isn't enough of a priority to take the limited time.
But it should be a priority. Here's some modest suggestions.
First, officials need to say, on the record, what they really think of the 21 year old drinking age. If they like it, that fact can be shared with young voters. If they disagree, they should lobby on the issue, the way law enforcement and county attorneys did on the unworkable 2000 foot sex offender law. No one on either side, myself excepted, seems willing to take this on.
Next, and there seems to be positive movement on this facet at least the inevitable vote should be as soon as is fair and practical. This fall's general election would be good, and the city's process should be timed and expedited to help this happen. The city set a precedent in 2000 by putting the infamous “Yes means No” First Avenue initiative on the presidential ballot.
Finally, delay implementation of 21 until after the people have voted. Of course, that already happened two years ago. but since the council seems determined to force a do-over, delayed implementation will make it a little easier to swallow.
As Iowa City's perennial 21 bar fight gears up again, the No on 21 forces have settled on a strategic counter-move: petitioning to lower the admission age to 18. Petition supporter and 2009 city council candidate Dan Tallon said last week that supporters had gathered 3,500 signatures in about 48 hours.
University of Iowa President Sally Mason offered plenty of patronizing opinions in a March 12 Daily Iowan interview. "It is about looking for better alternatives to promote a healthy and safe environment in our community." I've been here longer than Mason, and every "better alternative" (Planet X, anyone?) has flopped. Young adults want adult activities, not the same stuff they were doing in high school.
“I’ve gotten a lot of e-mails and notes from community members about their disappointment and displeasure with student behavior," adds Mason. The Love the Hawkeyes and Hancher, Hate the Students crowd dominates normal city elections, and never acknowledges that the students are the lifeblood of our city rather than a nuisance.
Former City Council member Bob Elliott also came out for 21 bars in his Press-Citizen piece. “Philosophically, I favor identifying a standard legal age for being an adult. If you're old enough to join the military and defend our country in wartime, you should be old enough to have a beer.”
For me, that's where the argument ends. But what should that age be? “You might as well place numbers from 18 through about 23 on a board and throw darts at it,” Elliott says. “I've known some people who've exhibited outstanding maturity by age 16 or 17, and others who just never seemed to acquire that quality of being mature.”
My preference is to make it the constitutional voting age, 18. We can better address young adult alcohol abuse, a very real problem I know too well from my own youth, by first acknowledging young adult rights.
“But there are differences between philosophy and reality,” Elliot says. And that reality is federal law that ties highway funding to the 21 year old drinking age. One (non-county) official says (s)he also agrees with me on the principle, but says if (s)he has five minutes with a federal or state official, the drinking age issue isn't enough of a priority to take the limited time.
But it should be a priority. Here's some modest suggestions.
First, officials need to say, on the record, what they really think of the 21 year old drinking age. If they like it, that fact can be shared with young voters. If they disagree, they should lobby on the issue, the way law enforcement and county attorneys did on the unworkable 2000 foot sex offender law. No one on either side, myself excepted, seems willing to take this on.
Next, and there seems to be positive movement on this facet at least the inevitable vote should be as soon as is fair and practical. This fall's general election would be good, and the city's process should be timed and expedited to help this happen. The city set a precedent in 2000 by putting the infamous “Yes means No” First Avenue initiative on the presidential ballot.
Finally, delay implementation of 21 until after the people have voted. Of course, that already happened two years ago. but since the council seems determined to force a do-over, delayed implementation will make it a little easier to swallow.
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