Potential Iowa Governors on Parade

The six Democrat gubernatorial candidates debated last evening on IPT for 90 minutes. It was at times lively and informative. Themes that stood out, candidates were running against Kim Reynolds and running against Fred Hubbell, the current front-runner in the polls. Other themes were connecting with voters who feel disconnected from Iowa politics, the problems of health care particularly mental health care and health care for women, water quality, and wages and workers rights.

On the face:
 Former Chief of Staff  John Norris: Portrayed himself as the most experienced Democrat in terms of his political bona fides with experiences that span national and state politics.
Former businessman Fred Hubbell: Presented his family history, business, and philanthropy and volunteer experiences. State Sen. Nate Boulton: set his frame around the workers of Iowa both as a lawyer and State Senator.
Former state Democratic Party chair Dr. Andy McGuire: Made the case for her service in caring for others as a doctor and health care executive leader.
Former mayor Ross Wilburn: Brought out his 12 years in elected politics and his experiences in the Army, in economic development, and his diverse family and issues around LGBTQ.
ICU Nurse Cathy Glasson: Made the case for her working-class roots, a labor leader and being the alternative progressive candidate to the other five with the fight for $15 minimum wage and single-payer health care.

Priorities for each;
Norris: Fund Education/Reverse privatization, reverse tax cuts
Boulton: Repeal Collective Bargaining bill, reverse privatized Medicaid
Glasson: Raise minimum wage to $15 per hour, reverse tax cuts, "Iowans need a raise" to bring in tax revenue, "Unemployment low, but the Misery Index is high"
Wilburn: Mental Health and Education K-12, higher education, anti-trafficking, reverse Medicaid privatization
McGuire: Healthcare around Medicaid mess and mental health care
Hubbell: Reverse privatization of Medicaid on day one; fully fund pre-k and public education, reverse wasteful tax giveaways, unfunded priorities, mismanagement of the budget

All but Glasson for 3/8 tax for water quality funding; Glasson wants taxes on Big Ag for nitrogen, CAFOS, etc. Other echoed Hubbell in essentially saying "Water Quality is an Iowan problem" and tax addresses it for all.

Electability X-Factors:
Hubbell: (Hit  - Never elected, rich/out of touch):  Been all  over the state, better education, better healthcare, incomes go up; getting results in public/private life
Boulton: (Hit - too young): New generation of leadership, labor support, vision for the state
Glasson: (Hit - too liberal): highlighted bold, progressive women candidates winning, proud of attacks against her because of support of single payer, raising the minimum wage, and vision moving us ahead
McGuire: (Hit - Head of the party that lost under leadership): Upset over Republican agenda, worked hard to win as state Democratic Party leader but could not overcome the national tide
Norris: (Hit: Lack of fundraising ability): Running the gauntlet of other candidates for funding, if he wins the primary, it would be from fundraisers who support Hubbell, Boulton, Glasson
Wilburn: (Hit: Elected in most liberal town/county in Iowa): Wasn't progressive enough/was too liberal; Been in many parts of the state, rural Iowans concerned about water and making a living

More on the debate summary can also be found on The Iowa Starting Line website.

More Pollworkers Needed in Johnson County for Nov. 4th

The Johnson County, IA Auditors Office is seeking 43 more pollworkers of the Green, Libertarian, Republican, and "no party". Pay is $10 and hour with time and a half after an 8 hours a day. Visit the auditors office at 913 S. Dubuque St. or contact the office at 356-6004 or email nmueller@co.johnson.ia.us as soon as possible if interested.

The auditors office has enough Democrat pollworkers, in case you were wondering.

Tell Legislators That Nuke Power is Not Safe Alternative Energy

According to the 2/28 Des Moines Register:

Lawmakers are considering offering more incentives to expand nuclear energy in Iowa. So far, 57 representatives have signed on to a proposal to allow nuclear energy projects to apply for millions of dollars in state grant money. The bill already has passed a House subcommittee and heads to the full House Commerce Committee for consideration.

“This is, in my opinion, the right direction for the Legislature to send the signal that yes, we are interested in you guys ... making this investment, growing the work force,” said Rep. Kraig Paulsen, a Hiawatha Republican who supports the proposal.

State officials have said Iowa’s energy supply is one key reason the state landed the $600 million Google data center under construction in Council Bluffs. The state also is hoping to attract a Microsoft data center that some lawmakers have speculated could generate a $750 million investment.

Supporters of nuclear energy said such projects may not come to Iowa in the future if the state doesn’t expand its energy sources.

“One of the main attractions of Iowa is affordable and abundant power,” said Timothy Coonan, a lobbyist for the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives. “If we’re not thinking ahead and planning, looking sometimes 25 to 50 years in the future for energy needs, we hit a ceiling.” The Duane Arnold Energy Center in Palo is Iowa’s only nuclear plant. It produces 592 million watts of electricity a year, enough to power 600,000 homes, according to the Web site of FPL Energy, the Florida company that owns the plant.

Lawmakers said there are no immediate plans to build another nuclear power plant. However, they said Iowa should send a signal to businesses that the state is willing to expand nuclear power production.

Supporters of the bill say nuclear energy is clean and safe, despite its reputation as a societal hazard.

Some organizations disagree. A Cedar Rapids group, the “Strong Like a Willow” project, notes the ill effects of the 1986 nuclear reactor explosion of Chernobyl.

The group’s director, Hope Burwell, has said advocates of nuclear power fail to adequately consider possible consequences of a nuclear disaster, such as birth defects, heart conditions and other health issues.

Iowa's only nuclear power plant in the Duane Arnold plant in Palo came on line in 1975 and is up for relicensing on February 21, 2014 . It, like other nuclear plants, is coping with delays in opening the national waste depository at Yucca Mountain. In 2001, the Des Moines Register reported that the spent fuel pool would be full within 2 years. An interim plan was developed to accommodate future waste as the delays at Yucca Mountain continue.

As long as disposal of nuclear materials is a significant issue and the costs of clean-up so expensive ($53.8 million predicted if there were a major accident at this plant), it seems like a poor way to generate power. In addition, as a state that is so important to food production, can we really afford to risk a Chernobyl or Three Mile Island like disaster?

Smoke That Cigarette (Not)

The Press-Citizen weighs in favoring the proposed smoking ban.

I think the smoking ban will be an economic boon for restaurants and bars that have entertainment, because I think folks who stay home on account of smoke will likely give them another try. Also, since the local control issue was defeated by the Iowa Supreme Court, it is the only way to level the playing field. However, I question exemptions for casinos, Veteran Service Clubs, and "some farms". For a smoking ban to be fair, it should be across the board and protect the health of all workers.

Alternatively, the state could create a separate license for "smoking" clubs that would provide a living wage and health coverage for all its workers.

For those who oppose this kind of law because of their perception that government is solely around to provide national defense, guess what? Healthy, productive workers are the best defense.



Smoke That Cigarette: Ray Benson and Asleep At the Wheel

Iowa Senate to Take Up Smoking Ban

In what will be a great improvement to those of us who refuse to go to places where smoking clogs our lungs, and a boon for those restaurants and bars that have been hesitant to voluntarily impose one, the Iowa Senate will take up the public smoking ban. I wrote to Senator Joe Bolkcom about the exemptions to the ban to get his take on its chances--and the possibility that the senate would push for a tougher bill.

Gark: I find it curious that casinos, VFW's and some farms are exempt from the smoking ban. I know that Illinois has a smoking ban on its casinos (which I understand has led to the construction of outdoor smoking lounges).

Wouldn't it be easier to pass a universal workplace smoking ban? I imagine the restaurant and bar lobby is not happy and is likely to be less happy if casinos are exempt.

Senator Bolkcom: "I wish we could stop the exemptions. This will be hard. If casinos and VFW's get the exemption and we can pass a statewide ban, the anti-tobacco advocates will be able to focus their attention there next."

"This legislative process is an interesting one. You try to get as much as you can and make the best deal possible."

"I can't believe that we are even talking about a statewide ban. If we get this done it will be one of the most important actions this session."

"We have work to do in the Senate this week to get this done."

Gark: Thanks for doing what you can. I understand that it is difficult to do this, but more interesting is why just these exemptions? Particularly for the gaming industry, an industry that will likely continue to grow and employ many low-income wage earners, it would seem like a question of workplace safety and social justice to stand up for this group of workers.

Senator Bolkcom: "The casino exemption is a big problem. They have the votes to get the exemption at least for now. The logic makes no sense."

What's the Legislature Doing About Foreclosures?

Iowa's foreclosure lawsuits echo a third quarter report from the Mortgage Bankers Association that shows Iowa has the 14th highest foreclosure rate in the nation. Iowa ranks seventh nationally in percentage of subprime loans in foreclosure.

While smoking bans and pop bottle bills are important, the number of lawsuits that seek to foreclose on homeowners is climbing across Iowa. Records show the lawsuits nearly doubling last year, to almost 10,000. In Iowa, foreclosure lawsuits usually begin the process of seizing homes and end with sheriff's sales if no other resolutions are found.

Surely there must be a legal remedy that can be applied to keep homeowners in their homes?

Two Planning to Run for Sandra Greiner's House Seat

From the Kalona News

The race for the 89 district atate representative position is heating up.
Two candidates have announced that they are running to replace Sandra Greiner, when she retires at the end of this term, after serving as a representative for sixteen years.

Larry Marek, a democrat and a farmer, from the Riverside area, and Jarad Klein, a republican and a fifth generation farmer, from the Keota area, are the two candidates who have announced so far. This is a first time run for both candidates.

Iowa Offers Welfare to Microsoft

Known for our glorious Vistas and PC attitudes, Iowa has now opened our wallets a little wider to have Microsoft build a data center here.

According to the Gazette

The measure, approved 45-2, would build on incentives created last year that lured Google to build a $600 million center in Council Bluffs. House File 2233 now goes to Gov. Chet Culver for his expected signature.

Sen. Bill Dotzler, D-Waterloo, said the computer giant could invest $600 million in a facility in Iowa if the state is chosen as its project location.

To attract Google to Iowa, the Legislature approved a package that exempted electricity and capital investments from the state's sales tax. The measure approved Thursday broadens the language to make sure Microsoft would qualify. The measure doesn't mention Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft by name. It requires an investment of at least $200 million and a decision by Dec. 31.

In addition to legislative action, other state and local incentives probably would be offered to Microsoft.

Sen. Dick Dearden, D-Des Moines, one of two senators to oppose the measure, said Iowa had no business "offering welfare" to a company that made $14 billion last year — which is more than twice the state's general fund budget.

"There's no reason why we have to keep giving corporate welfare," he said.

Dotzler countered that the state will far recoup more benefits from a Microsoft project if Iowa is chosen as the project site.

A Corn Carb Pipe Runs Through it

Two companies are exploring a possible ethanol pipeline through Iowa to the east coast. Two companies are exploring the possibility of building a pipeline to carry ethanol from northwest Iowa to the East Coast. Of course with recent legislation in the Iowa House to remove the labeling of ethanol from gas pumps, the pipeline would likely have to be wrapped in brown paper.

Magellan Midstream Partners of Oklahoma and Pennsylvania-based Buckeye Partners have announced a joint assessment of the project, which would cost more than $43 billion.

Ethanol is not shipped via gasoline pipelines because of concerns the alcohol would corrode the pipes and absorb water.

The plan faces several hurdles, including a government loan guarantee to make it financially feasible.

The proposal tentatively calls for three sites in Iowa, near Mason City, Fort Dodge and in O'Brien County, with other sites in Indiana and Ohio.

The pipeline could carry more than 10 million gallons of ethanol a day.

Smoking Ban Wafts Through the House

By a vote of 56 to 44, the Iowa passed a smoking ban that pertains to all public places except casinos, VFW halls and some farms. "Second hand smoke kills 440 non-smokers in Iowa every year and another 4,000 Iowans die each year from smoking-related illnesses," said State Rep. Tyler Olson, D-Cedar Rapids.

Apparently the goal now is to just kill off non-smoking Veterans, hogs, and gamblers with this bill.

Will Iowa Ban Go Up in Smoke?

Tonight the members of the Iowa House are expected to debate a possible smoking ban in most indoor public places. The bill had been moving quickly until last week when it suddenly met a snag when debate was postponed.

House Leader Kevin McCarthysaid backers of the proposed smoking ban had not filed a proposed amendment in time to allow for debate.

"We do have house rules," said McCarthy. "When we have a controversial bill, it is the duty of the floor manager to make sure their amendments get filed in a timely manner."

At odds for a total smoking ban is an exemption for casinos from the smoking ban. Legislators say that exemption could give casinos an unfair advantage over bars that still would have to eliminate smoking. Smokers might end up going to bars inside the casino if they can't light up at the neighborhood tap, they say.

Additionally, restaurant owners have joined together to fight the ban. Smoking policies in their private establishments should be theirs to decide, they say.

Given the experience in Iowa City when a smoking ban was put in place and later rejected by the Iowa Supreme Court because of jurisdictional rights. it would make sense for the state to not exempt casinos, restaurants or bars. That way, everyone is on an even field and no one can say that they are being treated unfairly.

More

Dems Looking Good to Iowans and Others

From Bloomberg News
Democrats have the advantage with voters in Iowa and New Hampshire, states that plan to hold their presidential nominating contests in January and are likely to be battlegrounds in November 2008.

A new Bloomberg/Los Angeles Times poll shows voters favoring a Democratic candidate by a 16 percentage-point margin in Iowa, which went narrowly for President George W. Bush in the 2004 presidential race. The party has a 21-point lead in New Hampshire, a swing state that the Democratic candidate, Massachusetts Senator John Kerry, won last time.

Even in South Carolina, which hasn't voted for a Democratic presidential candidate since 1976, Republicans have a lead of just 10 percentage points. Bush took the state in 2004 with an 18-point margin of victory.

New Hampshire, Iowa and South Carolina are slated to hold the nation's first electoral contests, and polling trends in those states are often considered a better indicator of the direction of presidential races than many national polls. Iowa, for example, has picked the winner in three of the last four presidential elections.

Harkin's A Fry, Baby

Exerpted From Iowa Politics (www.iowapolitics.com):

This weekend six declared Democratic candidates -- Obama, Biden, Clinton, Dodd, Edwards and Richardson -- are set to join thousands of Iowans at the 30th anniversary of Harkin's trademark fundraiser. The event is set for 1 p.m. Sunday just east of Indianola.

"This will be a unique opportunity to see our candidates articulate their vision at one of Iowa's largest Democratic gatherings," Harkin said. "The Steak Fry has become my signature event of the year, and I look forward to celebrating 30 years of history and tradition."

When it comes to the Harkin event, presidential candidates and the top names in Democratic politics turn out to appear at the Warren County fundraiser. Leading up to the last presidential election more than 3,000 turned out for the 2003 steak fry, which featured former President Bill Clinton and a field of Democratic candidates that included Howard Dean, Congressman Dennis Kucinich, Sen. John Kerry, Edwards and Carol Moseley-Braun.

General admission tickets for the steak fry are $30 apiece (students can get in for $15), while those wishing to give more can sign on as sponsors ($500) or hosts ($200). Harkin, who already had more than $2.6 million in the bank as of June 30, faces re-election in November 2008. Cedar Rapids businessman Steve Rathje, who is making his first Senate run, is seeking the Republican nomination.

Harkin has yet to endorse any presidential candidate, and it does not appear an endorsement is coming in the future either. "Unlike my wife, I have not made a decision to support, nor do I plan to endorse, any of the Democratic presidential candidates," Harkin said in his campaign blog. "I have worked closely with many of them, and I am extremely proud of each of them for their commitment to public service. I remain focused on my own re-election campaign in 2008 and look forward to working with a Democrat in the White House."

Instant (Voter Registration) Kharma Gonna Get You

Auditors around Iowa are concerned about the cost of same-day, instant voter registration. In Johnson county, it is estimated that it will cost an extra $20,000 to bring in 100 extra people to staff the polls. It is also projected that 10% more voters will show up at the polls to vote on election day.

Depending on the type of election, this works out to add between $3 per vote (based on the 2004 Johnson county presidential election turnout) and $51 per vote (for the 2005 county school board election) to the expense of the auditor's office.*

* This assumes 1) the same amount of workers regardless of election-type and 2) the same % turnout increase

Gayman to Run Obama Campaign in Eastern Iowa

Press Release from Obama for President

The Obama Campaign today announced the addition of Iowa State Representative Elesha Gayman (D-Davenport) to the Obama for Iowa team. Elesha will work as the Eastern Iowa political director and lead outreach efforts throughout the region.

“We’re proud to welcome Elesha to our Iowa team and look forward to having her join us as we work to change the way we do politics in Washington,” Iowa State Director Paul Tewes said. “With Elesha’s help in Eastern Iowa, we will continue to mobilize our grassroots campaign focused on reaching out to Iowans one by one. Elesha brings valuable experience building a true grassroots network, and we’re proud to have her on board.”

Representative Elesha Gayman was born and raised in Davenport and just completed her first term in the Iowa Statehouse as a State Representative. A University of Iowa graduate, Gayman was a 2004 Iowa delegate at the Democratic National Convention and later worked for Democratic candidate for President John Kerry. Gayman went on to work as a clerk in the Iowa Senate and Lead Facilitator for the Safer Foundation’s Youth Empowerment Program. Currently, Gayman is serving a three-year term on the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service. She is set to complete her Masters in Public Administration at Drake University in July.

TIF For (Rat-a-tat) Tat: Gun Factory Moving to Iowa

It is not bad enough that the city of LeClaire sold 3 acres of public property for a custom firearms factory to relocate from Illinois to a location across from the Welcome Center in LeClaire,Iowa, but it will receive a $150,000 in TIF to do so. This story from the WQAD

The City Council in LeClaire, Iowa, has cleared the way for a new gun plant.

The council voted yesterday to sell about three acres of city-owned land for $10,000 to Les Baer Custom, which makes high-end custom firearms. The city also agreed to tax-increment financing, up to $150,000.

Les Baer Custom is currently based in Hillsdale, Illinois. The company's owner, Les Baer, says he decided to move his business after Illinois lawmakers proposed a ban on the distribution, sales and manufacture of semi-automatic weapons.

Baer hopes to move into a new building by November and will employ 14 to 18 persons.

More on this story from Gun Guys and the Des Moines Register

And here is some TV coverage.