Gronstal Uses His VOICE --To Flip Out

As reported on Blog for Iowa and Tom over at Political Fallout, Senator Mike Gronstal flipped out during an informal meeting with supporters of VOICE (See video story). Clearly aggravated by these activists, Gronstal launched obscenities at the group. One wonders why?

Could it be that his his new position with the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee is making him a less than fair arbitrator. This being the group that recruits legislative candidates to run for Congress. Gronstal was previously the DLCC Finance Chair.

"With Senator Fitz-Gerald as Chair and Senator Gronstal as Finance Chair, the DLCC also grew to over a ten million dollar committee this cycle, over a 50% increase from the 2004 cycle."

Could it be on the state level Gronstal has raised over $500,000 for his own committee?

"More than 75 percent of the money raised for his committee during that period, $426,250, was contributed to the Iowa Democratic Party."

Could it be that Gronstal is starting a 527 to avoid those FEC regs?

"Now Gronstal and his colleagues are going to create a 527 committee, named for its designation in the IRS tax code. A 527 is created primarily to influence elections through the use of "issue advocacy" ads that avoid regulation by the Federal Election Commission. These groups raise practically unlimited amounts of money from individuals and corporations. Since a 527 is not required to report its source of funds to the FEC, the industries and interests giving money to these groups are seldom disclosed."

Could it be he has not studied states or cities that have clean election laws?

"Under a Clean Elections system, candidates hoping to receive public financing must collect a certain number of small "qualifying contributions" (often as little as $5) from registered voters. In return, they are paid a flat sum by the government to run their campaign, and agree not to raise money from private sources. Clean Elections candidates who are outspent by privately-funded opponents may receive additional public matching funds."

In any case, the closing down of this legislation is a power play by a powerful politician. Do Iowans owe Mike Gronstal an apology for holding his feet to the fire-- NO!--We are simply living up to the state motto--"Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain." VOICE Activists--High Five.