The Weekly Stampede - July 23, 2008

House Republicans Lead Opponents in Campaign Cash

Republican candidates for the Iowa House are leading their Democrat opponents in cash reserves according to financial reports filed this week with the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board. Reports due Monday, July 21st, show Republican candidates hold a $12,500 advantage in cash on hand, a key indicator of campaign strength heading into the November elections.

“We are in a very solid position right now,” said House Republican Leader Christopher Rants, R-Sioux City. “If fundraising stays at the pace we expect, then our chances look very good to win the seats necessary to take back the majority in the Iowa House.”

During the reporting period, ending on July 14^th, Republicans running for the Iowa House had $1,177,107 cash on hand compared to the Democrat candidates having banked $1,164,602. Republicans in leadership positions out raised the Democrat leaders by nearly two to one and reported twice as much cash on hand.

“The candidates running under the Republican banner this year are the most qualified, aggressive, and effective campaigners that I’ve ever worked with,” said Kraig Paulsen, R-Hiawatha. “They’re fundraising hard, knocking on doors, and doing all the things it takes to win their elections.”

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Iowa Veterans Unite Behind John McCain

DES MOINES, IA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign announced the launch of the Iowa Veterans for McCain Leadership with a gathering at the state capitol to pledge their support for John McCain and to screen the campaign video entitled, "The Obama Iraq Documentary: Whatever the Politics Demand."

"Whether as a soldier, a leader or a citizen, John McCain has always put his country first," said Curly Hultman, Chair of Iowa Veterans for McCain. "He has been a tireless advocate for our troops who are currently serving, as well as all the soldiers from different generations who have returned to civilian life. Unlike his opponent, John McCain doesn't need to make campaign stops overseas in an attempt to beef up his foreign policy credentials. He already has the credentials, the experience and the judgment we need. That is why veterans throughout Iowa are eager to give our support to John McCain."

Chuck Larson Sr., Vice Chair of the Iowa Veterans for McCain, added, "My son and I have both spent time in the combat zone in Iraq, and I can say that in these dangerous times we cannot afford to have an inexperienced commander in chief. We need a leader with strong foreign policy and national security experience and that is Senator John McCain.

Featured speakers included Iowa Veterans for McCain Chairman Major General (Ret.) Evan (Curly) Hultman and Vice Chairman Colonel (Ret.) Charles (Chuck) Larson Sr.

Click Here to see the entire Iowa Veterans for John McCain Leadership Team.

News From Iowa GOP House Minority Leader Chris Rants

Bogus Bonding

The revenue in the Restricted Capital Fund (RC3) comes from the issuance of tax-exempt bonds for the non-securitized tobacco settlement dollars. The projects receiving funding from this source must meet the IRS definition of vertical infrastructure or the state is penalized due to the bond status.

Similar to the funding for the prison and the Veterans Home, projects that are funded by the RC3 may not be spent until the bonds have been issued. As many of you may recall, House Republicans warned of the status of the bond market during the legislative session. The Democrats must have found that to be true because they have yet to issue the bonds. We’ve even been informed that the bonds would not be issued until the fall.

The delayed issuance of the bonds is problematic because it means that community colleges will not receive their infrastructure dollars, lake improvements will not take place and community based corrections will not be improved.

While dollars to the above groups are being stalled, an organ in Northeast Iowa will still receive $1 million, a Dubuque Amtrak Depot and Platform will be funded despite the fact that Amtrak does not have service to Dubuque and a Riverwalk project in Des Moines will receive its $750,000.

A bloated budget and large state projects that hinge on the variability of the bond market can only mean one thing—dangerous outcomes for Iowa taxpayers. Similarly to the rocky housing market and subprime lending, projects that Democrats have committed Iowa taxpayers to could end in disaster with our children left holding the bag, having to pay for it for several years.

I know bonding is a boring topic and with all the other things going on in your life, it’s not something you think about. But as a taxpayer of this state, you should pay attention to the bogus bonding plans going on because some of the Democrat leaders are talking about using similar bonding for flood relief purposes. Clearly, they haven’t gotten this bonding right so we must remain hesitant about the options to use similar bonding for flood repair.

This is just another one of those things you won’t read in newspaper but for the sake of your pocketbook, you need to know about.

If anyone you know would like to be added to the Rants-n-Raves update, please contact me at christopher@rants.us

The Weekly Stampede - July 16

Karl Rove to speak at Victory 2008 Luncheon

(Des Moines) – Karl Rove, the former deputy chief of staff to President George W. Bush, will keynote a luncheon fundraiser for Iowa Victory 2008 next week.

The luncheon will be held at Des Moines’ Wakonda Club, 3915 Fleur Drive, beginning at Noon on Friday, July 25^th. Iowa Republicans can attend the luncheon for a donation of $100. A photo reception with Mr. Rove is being held for those donating $1000.

Funds raised by Iowa Victory 2008 will go towards implementing the Republican Party of Iowa’s get-out-the-vote (GOTV) efforts leading up to the November 4^th General Election. These efforts include door-knocking, phone banks, and canvassing across the state.

Reservations for the luncheon can be made by contacting Wes Peterson at RPI Headquarters, 515-282-8105 or email wpeterson@iowagop.org.

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2008 RPI State Convention Recap

(Des Moines) – The road to the 2008 General Election passed one more milestone as the final gavel fell on the Republican Party of Iowa State Convention Saturday, July 12. The convention, held at Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines, was attended by an energetic crowd of more than 1600 delegates, alternates, and visitors from all of Iowa’s 99 counties.

“Impressive is the word I would use to describe it,” said RPI Chairman Stewart Iverson. “The venue was excellent, our candidates were superb, and the delegates all came enthused and prepared to conduct the business of the Republican Party.”

Iowa will send 40 delegates and 37 alternates to St. Paul, Minnesota for the Republican National Convention September 1-4. Twenty-two of the national delegates and their alternates were approved as a slate by the 1,347 voting delegates at Saturday’s convention. Fifteen delegates and alternates were chosen the night before at the District Presidential Caucuses with three delegates and alternates elected from each of Iowa’s five Congressional Districts.

The final three members of Iowa’s delegation will be RPI Chairman Stewart Iverson, National Committeeman Steve Roberts, and National Committeewoman Phyllis Kelly.

Newly-elected National Committeeman Steve Scheffler and National Committeewoman Kim Lehman will begin their terms following September's convention.

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2008 Republican National Convention Preview

The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event.

Iowa GOP delegates to Republican National Convention

Radio Iowa has release a list of Delegates and Alternates to the Republican National Convention:

At-Large Delegates
Ike Ackerman, Bremer
Carmine Boal, Polk
Andy Christiansen, Polk
Bill Clark, Polk
Robert Cramer, Polk
Ed Failor, Jr., Muscatine
Sandy Greiner, Washington
Reid Houser, Pottawattamie
Roger Hughes, Hamilton
Morris Hurd, Des Moines
Drew Ivers, Hamilton
Katie Koberg, Polk
John Ortega, Scott
Kim Lehman, Polk
Bill Northey, Dickinson
Steve Scheffler, Polk
David Roederer, Polk
Loras Schulte, Benton
Lisa Smith, Wapello
Bob Vander Plaats, Plymouth
David Vaudt, Polk
Craig Williams, Carroll

At-Large Alternates
Jacob Bossman, Woodbury
Katherine Betts, Linn
Ray Dearin, Story
Ricky Dean, Mahaska
Tim DeMouth, Johnson
Katherine Farrand, Linn
David Fisher, Polk
Chuck Hurley, Polk
Drew Klein, Jasper
Mark Lundberg, Sioux
Ellen Markham, Dubuque
Chris McGowan, Plymouth
Shelly Pitts, Dallas
Lynn Proudfoot, Polk
Carmen Reitsma, Mahaska
Stephanie Laudner, Floyd
Liz Schofield, Clinton
Monte Shaw, Guthrie
Larry Smith, Madison
Scott Spray, Polk
Luana Stoltenberg, Scott
Jerry Tweeten, Winnebago

District Delegates
Sen. David Hartsuch, Scott
Matt Reitsetter, Black Hawk
Mike Knopf, Dubuque
Edward Thornton, Johnson
David Chung, Linn
David Miller, Jefferson
Diana Hansen, Poweshiek
Peggy Herman, Polk
Ted Sporer, Polk
Polly Granzow, Hardin
T.J. Augustine, Webster
Tamara Scott, Warren
Vergene Donovan, Dickinson
Ann Trimble-Ray, Sac
Mary Ann Hanusa, Pottawattamie

District Alternates
Steve Hoodjer, Butler
Nicole Baker, Clinton
Jeremiah Johnson, Dubuque
Bob Anderson, Johnson
Sarah Henderson, Linn
Rose Eaton, Linn
Roger Barr, Jasper
Charla Farnum
Wes Enos, Polk
Glen Massie, Warren
A.J. Spiker, Story
Crystal McIntyre, Warren
Linda Holub, Woodbury
Kurt Brown, O’Brien
Nancy Bowrey, Page


National Convention Committee Members
Credentials:
Steve Scheffler
Katie Koberg

Permanent Organization:
Loras Schulte
Vergene Donovan

Rules:
Steve Roberts
Sandy Greiner

Resolutions:
David Chung
Lisa Smith

The Weekly Stampede - July 9, 2008

News From the Republican Party of Iowa:

Republican Party of Iowa 2008 State Convention to be held July 11 & 12

The 2008 Republican Party of Iowa State Convention has been scheduled for Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12, 2008 at Hy-Vee Hall, 730 3rd St, Des Moines.
District Presidential Caucuses will convene at Hy-Vee Hall the evening of Friday, July 11. Credentialing for the caucuses will begin at 6 p.m. and they will convene at 8 p.m.
State Convention registration begins Saturday morning, July 12, at 7:30 a.m. and runs to 8:45 a.m. with the Convention call to order promptly at 9 a.m. If you have a question about the State Convention, please contact Heather Hooper at (515) 282-8105 or hhooper@iowagop.org.
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RNC Chairman Mike Duncan to Attend Pre-Convention GOParty Picnic

To kickoff the 2008 Convention, RPI will host a GOParty Picnic from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 11 at RPI Headquarters, 621 E 9th St, Des Moines (two blocks north of the State Capitol). Delegates, friends, and family are invited to attend for hamburgers, hotdogs, and all the fixings. Republican National Committee Chairman Mike Duncan will be the guest of honor at the picnic. Duncan, a 30-year political strategist and veteran of Republican politics, was elected as the 60th Chairman of the Republican National Committee in January 2007.
The cost for the GOParty Picnic is $10 and RSVP’s are required by Noon on Thursday, July 10. Please contact Wes Peterson at (515) 282-8105 or wpeterson@iowagop.org.
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RPI State Chairman Stewart Iverson to appear on this week’s edition of Iowa Press

Republican Party of Iowa State Chairman Stewart Iverson will be a guest on this week’s Iowa Press. Joining him will be Scott Brennan, chairman of the Iowa Democratic Party.
The program will air on Iowa Public Television at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 11 and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 13.
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From the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, July 8, 2008
McCain Campaign reaches out to Iowa
By Ed Tibbetts, Courier Lee News Service

DAVENPORT --- John McCain's presidential campaign reached out to small business owners in Iowa on Monday by criticizing rival Barack Obama for backing a federal budget they say will raise taxes on middle income Americans.

The criticism came as McCain and Obama argued over taxes and the economy.

At a news conference in Davenport, McCain's Iowa chairman, David Roederer, said the Republican presidential hopeful has a "pro-growth, pro-job-creation tax policy," while Obama voted for a 2009 budget measure in March that would raise taxes.

"Mr. Obama talks about raising the taxes on the wealthy," Roederer said. "His definition of wealthy is any business or individual who makes $32,000 a year."

Click here for the full article.
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The Widening Obama Credibility Gap

Barrack Obama Votes to Tax Those Making As Little As $32,000

This year, Barack Obama returned to the United States Senate twice to vote in favor of a budget resolution which raises income tax rates by three percentage points for the 25, 28 and 33 percent tax brackets. This would mean a tax increase for those earning as little as $32,000.

While Barack Obama campaigns on a promise of no tax hikes for anyone but the rich, we once again find that his words are empty when it comes time to act. In both March and June, Barack Obama could have put the force of his vote behind his words. Instead, he decided that "rich" now means those making just $32,000 per year.

Over the past several weeks, Barack Obama has made it increasingly difficult to take him at his word on anything. After pledging to accept public financing, he decided not to. After saying he would debate "anywhere, anytime," he decided against participating in any of the ten joint town hall meetings. After backing the D.C. handgun ban, he now says it was unconstitutional. After pledging to filibuster the FISA bill, he voted for it. He is running ads taking credit for welfare reform that he opposed. He is claiming to be bipartisan even though he has never voted against his party on any major issue. He has backtracked on trade. He has backtracked on abortion. And last week for the space of several hours, he held the position that he would listen to our commanders in Iraq if they say we need to stay longer to secure the gains of the surge.

All this political "refining" has resulted in a credibility gap. Since we can no longer simply take Barack Obama at his word, we are left to examine his actions.

Based on his actions and votes, Barack Obama is going to raise taxes on nearly every American. If you make over $32,000 per year, Barack Obama has voted to raise your taxes. If you own stocks, Barack Obama has a plan to raise your taxes. During the primary, he proposed lifting the cap on income subject to Social Security taxation. He has proposed to repeat the failed Windfall Profits Tax and new taxes on natural gas and coal. He is going to raise taxes on small businesses. There is no group rich, poor or other who will not be adversely impacted by his tax increases.

Even more troubling, Barack Obama has proposed increasing Washington spending and expanding government programs while failing to outline how he will pay for his proposals. Where will Barack Obama make up the difference? Unfortunately, we already know the answer. If we ignore his words and look at his record, he will not hesitate to tax any Americans at any income level.

This is a question of credibility. And on ensuring that we can grow our economy by keeping taxes low and more money in the pockets of taxpayers, Barack Obama's record of action shows that his words are empty.

The First Ever Republican Party State Convention

From Michael Zak, speaker on the history of the Republican Party:

In 1854, the Democrats in control of Congress were moving toward passage of their Kansas-Nebraska Act, allowing slavery to expand into the western territories. The Democrat President at the time, Franklin Pierce, said he would sign the bill into law. The Democratic Party had chosen to promote slavery.

Amid the intense reaction, a grassroots movement sprang up to oppose the extension of slavery. At town meetings and demonstrations, anti-slavery activists voiced their opposition to the "Slave-ocrats" and organized the Republican Party.

On this day in 1854, the Republican Party held in Jackson, Michigan its first-ever state convention. So many people attended - over 10,000 - that the meeting had to be held outdoors, Under the Oaks.

Just four months later, one of the founders of the Michigan Republican Party, Kinsley Bingham, was elected our nation's first Republican governor. And, another of the original Michigan Republicans, Zachariah Chandler, became one of the first Republicans in the U.S. Senate. Senator Chandler, a former mayor of Detroit and a leader of the Underground Railroad, went on to serve as Chairman of the Republican National Committee.

4th of July Statement From Christopher Reed

232 years ago on the 4th day of July a body of representatives came together to declare as a self-evident truth, that all men were created equal.

Since the day of this great nation's birth we have enjoyed both greatness and sorrow. Everyday we are inundated with statements of "what's wrong with America?". Let us on this day discuss what's RIGHT with America.

Since its inception, the United States has done more to secure freedom around the world than any other country or countries in history. Never before in the history of man, has one country had the power to conquer so many, yet acted so little. No country in the world is as charitable as the United States. As a country, we give more to the world financially than ALL other countries combined. As a country, even the poorest among us enjoy material wealth not enjoyed b the majority of the world.

So, the next time you hear someone complain about what is wrong with America, remind them of the greatness of this country. Ours is the greatest country God has ever given man.

Nowhere in the world is there a better chance for success than the United States. In this country, I have three simple rules to ensure success in this country. If you adhere to these simple principles, you will be guaranteed success. 1. Don't do drugs or associate with those who use or distribute them. 2. Graduate from High School. 3. Don't get pregnant or cause someone to become pregnant out of wedlock. Follow these simple rules and you too can be successful in this country.

Reflect with me on the high improbability of the forging of this country. Can there be any doubt of divine intervention? As Ronald Reagan said, "If we forget that we are one nation under God, then as a nation we will go under".

As a veteran, I would like to personally thank all of those past and present who have sacrificed so much to ensure the vitality of this great country. As a Naval veteran myself, I had the opportunity to serve alongside some of this country's greatest men and women.

Today truly marks a grand occasion that many have celebrated before us, and God willing and by the hard work of many, future generations will continue to celebrate the birth of this great nation.

Thank you and God bless America,

Christopher Reed
Candidate, US Senate

The Weekly Stampede – July 2, 2008

Former POW, Iowan Col. Bud Day Responds to Gen. Wesley Clark’s Attack on John McCain

Sioux City Native “Astonished” by Obama Surrogate’s Remarks

(Des Moines) – Recent comments by General Wesley Clark (Ret.), an Obama campaign surrogate and advisor, are not sitting well with many veterans, including Iowa native Colonel Bud Day.

In a conference call Monday, Col. Day refuted Gen. Clark’s statement that “riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down” is not “a qualification to be president.”

“I, too, was quite astonished with this unworthy remark made by Wesley Clark against one of my great warriors,” Day said. “This backhanded slap against John of not being a worthy warrior because he just got shot down is one of the more surprising insults in my military history.”

The expression ‘takes one to know one’ is given new meaning when Col. Day speaks about great warriors. Born in Sioux City, Iowa, Col. Day is the most decorated American service member since Gen. Douglas MacArthur, having received nearly 70 decorations and awards including more than 50 for combat. Col. Day is also personally close to the matter as he shared a cell with John McCain in Hanoi and spent 87 months as a prisoner of war.

Controversy has erupted beyond Gen. Clark’s remarks as many pundits speculate that this attack and those of other high profile Obama supporters are signs of a coordinated effort to discredit John McCain’s military service.

In May, Iowa’s own Senator Tom Harkin told reporters that McCain’s views come “from always having been in the military, and I think that can be pretty dangerous.”

“This pattern of attacking John McCain’s sacrifice for his country is very disturbing to me, as both a citizen and a veteran,” said Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Stewart Iverson. “I would hope that Sen. Obama has enough courage to denounce these remarks for what they are – a cheap stunt to misinform voters.”

Col. Day concluded Monday’s call saying, “I am astounded that a person who represents a presidential candidate would be involved in this kind of a political shenanigan against a man of John McCain’s character.”

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Help Iowa Flood Victims

In an effort to assist our neighbors in eastern Iowa with the flood recovery, RPI will be collecting supplies to donate to that effort. Recovery leaders have informed us their greatest need is for non-chemical cleaning supplies. We will have an area reserved at state convention to drop off supplies.

Some examples of those supplies are:

Gloves, Trash bags, Brushes, Sponges, Brooms, and Paper towels

If you would prefer to make a monetary donation directly to the recovery effort, please visit http://corridorrecovery.org/.

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Victory 2008 Announces Headquarters Grand Opening

(Urbandale, IA) – Republican Victory 2008 will host a grand opening celebration for their headquarters in Urbandale.

DATE: Thursday, July 10, 2008

TIME: 6 p.m.

LOCATION: Victory 2008 Headquarters

2775 86th St

Urbandale, Iowa

(Just east of Panera Bread)

The grand opening will feature many local candidates and elected officials. Refreshments will be served and a kickoff volunteer opportunity is being planned.

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House Majority Fund Hosts Fundraiser Featuring Governor Tim Pawlenty

$120,000 Raised to Help Elect Local Candidates

(Des Moines) - The Republican House Majority Fund hosted a hugely successful fundraiser Saturday raising $120,000. The event, held at the new Holiday Inn in West Des Moines, was keynoted by Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota.

“The HMF and Republican Leadership are obviously very excited about Saturday’s event,” said HMF Director Matt Gronewald. “The donations we received will go a long way towards achieving our goal of reclaiming the majority in the Iowa House.”

House Republicans have an aggressive plan to pick up the four seats needed to reclaim the majority – and there are many opportunities for you to get in on the action. If you would like to donate or volunteer to help a legislative candidate in your area, please call 515-282-8105.

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Post Convention Tailgate and Barnstormer Game on Saturday, July 12

Presented by the Young Republicans

Join fellow State Convention Delegates for good food and beverage, live music, and much more at the Post Convention Tailgate on Saturday, July 12. The tailgate begins at 4:00 p.m. and will be located north of Vet’s Auditorium. Afterwards, head to Wells Fargo Arena to watch the Iowa Barnstormers take on the Quad City Steamwheelers, kickoff at 7:05 p.m. As a delegate or alternate delegate to the State Convention, you can purchase discounted tickets for as low as $10 a seat. If 5 or more delegates from your county attend, we will recognize your County Party on the video board during the game. To RSVP and to order your tickets call Grant Young at 515-564-8454 or email gyoung@theiowabarnstormers.com.

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Treloar Named as RPI Communications Director

(DES MOINES) – The Republican Party of Iowa (RPI) has hired Nathan Treloar to serve as Communications Director for the 2008 Election. No stranger to Iowa politics, Treloar has worked for a number of Congressional, state, and local candidates, as well as for RPI.

RPI State Chairman Stewart Iverson said, “The breadth of experience that Nathan brings will be a huge asset for us this fall. We are very excited to have him on the team.”

Treloar, 29, will be taking time off from a business he began in 2006 providing outreach and communications services for political action groups such as Newt Gingrich’s American Solutions. Prior to that he spent three years with RPI, first directing field operations in Northwest Iowa from 2003-2004 and then as Finance Director for the House Majority Fund in 2005. Treloar has also worked on the U.S. Senate campaign of former Congressman Greg Ganske and gubernatorial campaign of Bob Vander Plaats. A native of Ogden, Iowa, Treloar graduated with a degree in Political Science from Iowa State University in 2001. He is currently a resident of Des Moines.

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The Debt We Owe for the Price They Paid

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army, another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed, and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they?

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners, men of means, well-educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags. Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt. Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.

Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild-eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged: "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

They gave you and me a free and independent America. The history books never told us a lot of what happened in the Revolutionary War. Our forefathers didn't just fight the British. They were British subjects at that time, and they fought their own government! Some of us take these liberties so much for granted...and we shouldn't.

So, let's take a few moments while enjoying our 4th of July holiday and silently appreciate these patriots and thank the God who moved them. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.