Jackson County Republicans

Jackson County Vietnam Wall Committee Announces Date For Moving Wall Event

2011-03-29T23:07:00.000-05:00

It was announced by the Jackson County Moving Wall Committee that a contract has been signed by the organization and that the Vietnam Moving Wall Memorial will visit Maquoketa, Iowa

from June 23, 2011 to June 27, 2011. The Moving Vietnam Wall Memorial will be on display at the Jackson County Fairgrounds - West Campus in Maquoketa.

“We are honored that The Moving Wall will visit Jackson County and appreciate the efforts of the Committee members in bringing this very special experience to Maquoketa,” said Ronald Horan Jr., Committee President. “The memorial helps to bring healing to veterans, families and friends of those who died or are missing in Vietnam, especially those who may not have the opportunity to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC.”

“It is a great honor to be chosen to host the Moving Wall,” said Jean Davidsaver, Secretary - Treasurer of The Moving Wall Committee. “It is our intent to present the Wall in such a way as to preserve the solemn nature of the memorial while providing an opportunity for our young people to learn more about this important part of our history and the great sacrifices made by our armed forces to preserve our freedoms.”

"The Moving Wall" is the half-size replica of the Washington, DC Vietnam Veterans Memorial and has been touring the country for more than twenty years. When John Devitt, “The Moving Wall“ creator, attended the 1982 dedication in Washington, he felt the positive power of "The Wall." He vowed to share that experience with those who did not have the opportunity to go to Washington. Vietnam veteran volunteers built “The Moving Wall” and it went on display for the first time in Tyler, Texas in October of 1984.

The Jackson County Moving Wall Committee was formed by Baldwin AmVets Post 64, the Jackson County Republican Central Committee, Bellevue American Legion Post 273 & the Jackson County Historical Society to bring this special exhibit to Jackson County. The Committee is still looking for groups, businesses and individuals to join the Committee, help defray the cost of the event and volunteer to assist with event activities. Those interested may contact Ronald Horan Jr. at 563-652-4998 or Jean Davidsaver at 563-872-3705.

Jackson County Republicans Candidate Forum and Dinner

2010-05-02T22:55:00.004-05:00

Featured speakers at the Jackson GOP Candidate Forum on May 6th will be 1st District Congressional candidates Will Johnson, Mike LaCoste and Ben Lange, plus State Senate candidate Andrew Naeve and County Supervisor candidate Jack Willey. The Thursday evening event will start with a buffet dinner from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Clinton Engines Museum Program Center, 605 E. Maple St., in Maquoketa. The Candidate Forum begins at 7 p.m., followed by a question and answer period.

Johnson grew up in Dubuque, where he attended Senior High School and Loras College. In 2001 he joined the Navy, attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA, and served as a CTI (Hebrew linguist) until 2005. He enrolled at Loras College in 2006 and majored in International Studies. In early 2008 he traveled to China, where he studied written and spoken Chinese for more than a year.

He is an avid Tae Kwon Do practitioner and instructor, and is also a musician.

LaCoste was raised on a northeast Iowa farm and worked at John Deere in Waterloo for 36 years before retiring from his job as a Quality Inspector. He attended the University of Northern Iowa and Hawkeye Community College in Cedar Falls, as well as several John Deere educational programs. He has coached in the Waterloo area for 13 years.

He and his wife, Peggy, have been married for 33 years and have two grown sons, Sean and Shane.

Lange grew up in Quasqueton, the son of a meat plant worker. He earned his B.A. in political science from Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX and earned his law degree from Hamline University Law School in St. Paul, MN. While attending Hamline, he was a policy advisor to U.S. Congressman John Kline, a Minnesota conservative.

He and his wife, Kelly, have two toddler daughters—Addison and Emelia. He owns a small business in Independence.

Naeve, 25, is a sixth generation family farmer and business owner from the Andover area. He graduated from East Central High School in 2003, where he now serves as an elected school board member and as Varsity Boys Basketball Coach. He graduated from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY in 2007 with a degree in farm business management and finance.

Naeve is engaged to Kristin Conway; they will be married in August.

Supervisor Jack Willey of Maquoketa has been a Jackson County Supervisor for 20 years. Willey is a member of several boards and committees, including the State Committee on Mental Health, the County Case Management Advisory Board, and the Empowerment Board.

He and his wife, Marilyn, own Jack and Associates in downtown Maquoketa. They have three children and nine grandchildren.

Tickets are available at the door for the event—cost is $10 for adults, with family members under 18 admitted free (admission to museum is separate).

Press Release: Naeve Announces Candidacy

2010-03-18T22:00:00.004-05:00

Andrew Naeve Announces Iowa Senate Campaign

CLINTON – Andrew Naeve, a sixth generation family farmer from Clinton, filed his nomination papers and statement of candidacy with the Iowa Secretary of State to run for the Iowa Senate. Naeve is running for Senate District 13, which includes all of Jackson County, the northern portion of Clinton County including the City of Clinton and the southeast tip of Dubuque County.

A lifelong Iowan raised on a family farm, Naeve, 25, graduated from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, with a degree in Farm Business Management and Finance. Upon graduation, Naeve returned to Iowa to join his father and grandfather on the family’s corn, soybean and cattle farm in Clinton County. In 2008, Naeve was elected to serve on the East Central Community School District Board of Education. A high school and college basketball standout, Naeve also serves as the head boys basketball coach at East Central High School.

As a recent college graduate who returned home to Iowa to pursue his career, Naeve is running for the Iowa Senate because he wants to see his generation and future generations be afforded the chance to stay in Iowa or come to Iowa to obtain a good job and raise their families in safe communities and good schools.

“I came back home to Iowa because I believe in Iowa and the opportunities and values that thrive here,” said Naeve. “I am running because I want to focus on finding new ways to create private sector jobs so we can grow our state again. I want my generation and future generations of Iowans to be able to pursue their dreams in Iowa, find a rewarding career and raise their family,” he continued.

Besides focusing on job creation and educational excellence, Naeve says he wants to get Iowa’s budget back in line with revenues after three years of overspending and fiscal mismanagement created record deficits that have lead to increased property taxes. As a family farmer, Naeve understands the burdens placed on small businesses by excessive government and says his optimistic message of job creation, property tax relief, responsible budgeting and education excellence is what is needed to move Iowa forward.

“Like most Iowans, I am upset with the unsustainable levels of spending that has lead to record deficits, the continued increases in taxes and the budgets that are produced in Des Moines that do not reflect the true priorities and values of Iowans. As a local education leader and school board member, I have seen first hand how the decisions in Des Moines affect our schools and harm our property taxpayers,” said Naeve. “As your senator, I will only vote for responsible and fiscally sustainable budgets that reflects your priorities, keeps our taxes low and encourages job creation.”

Naeve is engaged to Kristin Conway. In addition to his work on his family farm, the East Central School Community School Board and East Central High School boys basketball coach, Naeve is a member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Andover.

“I want to be a champion for agriculture and be part of the solution that brings and keeps younger Iowans here to find a good job and raise their family. My focus will be on fiscal responsibility, job creation and working to protect the property taxpayer,” said Naeve. “I look forward to working hard to bring my optimistic message and grassroots campaign to every voter in the district as we all work together to bring about a new direction for Iowa and a brighter future for our children and grandchildren and the generations of Iowans yet to come.”

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Paid for by the Republican Party of Iowa

2010 Caucus Date and Time Announced

2009-08-01T21:29:00.004-05:00

Earlier this week, the Republican Party of Iowa and Iowa Democrat Party issued a joint statement to announced that both parties agreed to hold the next Iowa caucuses on Saturday, January 23 2010 starting at 1:00pm. The date was set on a Saturday as both parties agreed that it would likely increase participation on both sides in a non-Presidential election cycle. Location information for the Republican caucuses in Jackson County will be available here when it becomes available.

Watch RPI Chairman Strawn on Iowa Press

2009-04-05T16:22:00.002-05:00

Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Matt Strawn will be featured on PBS' Iowa Press program at 7:30 p.m. next Friday, April 10, and 11:30 a.m. Sunday, April 12.

Strawn has been active in promoting the Republican Party since his election, and he is an able spokesman. I continue to be impressed by his energy and passion. He is at the center of activity, and has a full schedule of appearances that will certainly make a difference in growing the Party.

That's one PBS program that will be worth watching!

Jackson County GOP Announce Spring Event

2009-03-28T16:09:00.004-05:00

The Jackson County Republicans have announced plans for their upcoming annual spring event to be held Sunday, May 17 at the Clinton Engines Museum Program Center in Maquoketa.

This year's spring event will be a legislative wrap-up luncheon. Scheduled speakers include Iowa Representative Steve Lukan (District 32) and Jackson County Supervisor Jack Willey. More details about this event can be found here over the next several weeks as they become available.

Union-Friendly Bills

2009-03-28T14:03:00.004-05:00

Another Legislative Forum in Maquoketa this morning, and it seemed like a rerun of the last forum in Maquoketa. Union members were recruited to speak in favor of the expansion of union bargaining topics and the selection of doctors by union members injured on the job. Of course, there were persuasive arguments why these bills should be passed.

We also heard persuasive arguments why prevailing wage legislation should be passed during the January Legislative Forum. But their arguments weren't even convincing enough for all the Democrat Representatives, as that bill did not pass. Beware of bills that benefit a minority segment of our population (union members), but may be harmful to business people and taxpayers in general.

Thanks to the Farm Bureau for sponsoring these Legislative Forums. Larry Jepsen does a great job handling these events.

Jean, the Political Junkie

Jackson County Supervisors Meeting Report

2009-03-17T15:35:00.003-05:00

Last week's meeting featured comments that show our supervisors are concerned about state legislative issues and plans by Governor Culver.

Example: Legislators support a gas tax increase of up to 10 cents per gallon to pay for infrastructure improvements, but the governor has said he will veto any bill that contains a gas tax increase. The governor, on the other hand, has proposed a huge bonding program that will put the state in debt for many years--a proposal not supported by legislators. Sounds like a lot of good people spent time formulating Time 21, only to see its plan picked apart by dissension between the administrative and legislative branches. Meanwhile, our roads continue to deteriorate. . .

Senator Jack Hatch (D-Des Moines) was mentioned concerning a proposed mental health bill. Both he and Supervisor Jack Willey serve on the Mental Health Committee, but his proposed bill addressed none of the concerns of that committee.

Is anybody listening to the concerns of the ordinary citizen in Des Moines? It sounds like our County Supervisors are much closer to the taxpayers and voters than other elected officials.

Jean, the Political Junkie

Preschool Education--Public or Private

2009-03-13T08:15:00.003-05:00

Now that government officials are touting preschool education as an economic stimulus, the debate concerning private or government-controlled preschools is heating up once again.

Why would we want government-imposed standards for preschools when private business has been doing an outstanding job? I've been told about studies showing preschool-educated children have an advantage in the classroom that disappears by the fourth grade. Is preschool so necessary that everyone should be taxed to pay for it? Shouldn't the parents have a choice? Parents could choose a private preschool, or they could choose to keep a four-year-old at home with Mom or Dad.

Good Morning America aired a segment this morning with John Stossel interviewing the owner of private preschools. She noted it's laughable for the government to impose standards on preschools when primary and secondary school children are ranked so far behind the children of other countries.

Doesn't it seem incongruous that we are laying off teachers and teachers' aides all around the country, while the government wants to take over preschool education?

Jean, the Political Junkie

Jackson County Supervisors Meeting Report

2009-02-19T12:17:00.003-06:00

During last week's county supervisors meeting, once again, a subject of concern was the mental health services budget. After roads, it's the second largest budget item. Supervisor Jack Willey explained that Federal and State governmental actions have been catastrophic for the county's mental health budget. He further noted that up to $700,000 in funding may be lost to the county because of a small balance left in the account at the end of the fiscal year.

What to do about the shortfall? The property tax levy for mental health is maxed out, so funding through the county cannot be increased, and funds cannot be transferred from another account.

Will services need to be cut? Or will Jackson County resort to waiting lists, just as other counties have already done?

Supervisor Willey noted that this situation is not understood by the general public, but it may soon affect many of us. Let's trust our supervisors to give us more information about this important subject. Perhaps they will schedule a public forum. . .a question & answer session with knowledgeable people about the subject.

Jean, the Political Junkie

New From Iowa House GOP Leader Kraig Paulsen

2009-02-16T23:02:00.003-06:00

Big Labor Strikes

The first big labor bill is on the move, and it’s moving quickly. HSB 149 (click to view) was introduced in the Labor committee this week, and is expected to be moved out of committee on Monday. This bill mandates a “prevailing wage” standard for most public works projects. It’s not the first time this bill has been tossed around, but this time, it has traction in the majority caucus.

The cost to Iowa taxpayers will be quite significant. It’s estimated that at a minimum, Iowa Workforce Development will need an additional $889,000 and 11 new employees and the Board of Regents will need an additional $556,000 and 6 new employees in order to comply with the bill. Additionally, construction costs estimates by the Iowa State Association of Counties and the Iowa Association of School Boards indicate an approximate 10 to 12 percent increase in local project costs due to prevailing wage.

More detail can be found at the following links: http://iowahouserepublicans.com/prevailing-wage-fiscal-impact-memorandum

http://iowahouserepublicans.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/prevailing-wage-april-23-2008.pdf

The bottom line is this: HSB 149 places an undue burden on state and local governments and will undoubtedly cause an increase in property taxes or a scaling back of public works projects.

The last state to pass prevailing wage legislation was Minnesota, in 1973. Nine states have since repealed their laws, including Ohio. When Ohio repealed the prevailing wage for school construction, the projects saw a 10 percent reduction in project costs.

This proposal fails multiple tests, but two that immediately come to mind are: 1—This is a tax increase and it will hit property tax payers especially hard. We already have some of the highest property taxes in the nation-House Republicans will not support raising them even more. 2—At a time when

Iowa has such significant infrastructure needs, this is absolutely a step in the wrong direction. We don’t need to add to the multi-billion dollar rebuilding cost effort by addition on an additional 10% increase in project costs-House Republicans will not support these increases.

If you have thoughts on this bill (or any other) now is the time to share them with your legislators. Our phone numbers and addresses can be found here.

You elect us to represent and serve you, please share your thoughts.

200th Birthday of Abraham Lincoln

2009-02-12T09:02:00.003-06:00

Nothing I write can possibly do justice to President Abraham Lincoln. Better you should read Lincoln's own words. . .read the Gettysburg Address, the Emancipation Proclamation, or one of his Inaugural Addresses. Or, choose one of the more than 14,000 biographies written about President Lincoln. Celebrate this very special day with a look back at history.

Celebrate our Jackson County connection: Captain William Warren of Bellevue was a delegate to the 1860 Republican National Convention and had the honor of voting for Abraham Lincoln, who won the nomination on the third ballot.

Jean, the Political Junkie

Sen.Grassley speaks out against Stimulus bill

2009-02-10T20:51:00.000-06:00

M E M O R A N D U M

TO: Reporters and Editors

RE: Economic Stimulus Legislation

DA: Monday, February 9, 2009

Senator Chuck Grassley made the statement immediately below regarding his vote today against economic stimulus legislation put before the Senate with limited debate, the Collins-Nelson amendment #570 (substitute) to H.R. 1, the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

“Thousands of Iowans have called me to voice their opposition to this legislation. They don’t have confidence that the bill will get the economy back on track. Their cynicism is fueled by the package’s massive government spending and long-term entitlement commitments that will leave the next generation with trillion dollar deficits. The bill is a big missed opportunity, especially with the strength of a new president who campaigned to change the ways of Washington, and the urgent need to help create and sustain jobs. The way this bill was managed with a heavy partisan hand by congressional leaders kept it from being an effective economic stimulus package. Bipartisanship isn’t picking off bare minimum support from a few Republicans at the 11^th hour. It’s working together from the beginning to develop good ideas from both sides and weed out bad ones. When partisanship takes over the process, it shuts out good amendments like mine to extend the wind energy production tax credit, which would have provided certainty for an industry creating hundreds of jobs in Iowa. It also hurts states like Iowa which are likely to see the major blows of the recession after other states, just when the money is likely to be gone. For example, the bill gives disproportionately more help to big states at the expense of states like Iowa with Medicaid dollars, and the majority leader in the Senate wouldn’t even allow my amendment to be discussed which would have directed social services to Iowa and other states still recovering and rebuilding from natural disasters in 2008. So, instead of a plan that is charged with initiatives to encourage investment, risk taking, entrepreneurship and the kind of activity that gets people to work today and for the long haul, America is getting a bill that’s big on government spending and small on much else, including help for Iowa. In the midst of the worst economy since the Great Depression, America’s workforce and those fighting for a better day deserve better.”

Sen. Grassley To Host Town Hall Meeting in Jackson County

2009-02-05T22:49:00.005-06:00

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley has recently announced plans to hold a town hall meeting with his constituents in Jackson County. The meeting will be held Friday, February 20th at the Hurstville Interpretive Center in Maquoketa (18670-63rd St. Hwy. 61) from 10:15-11:15am.

For more information about the event, contact us at communications@jacksoncountygop.net

Jackson County Supervisors Meeting Report

2009-02-03T18:19:00.005-06:00

Supervisor Jack Willey ably explained that even though Jackson County is ranked 97th out of 99 counties for average income, that's not the total picture. No Jackson County residents who work in Dubuque, Scott, Clinton or other counties are included in that average. The average is figured only on Jackson County business wages. It's all in the way those average wages are calculated that make our county's wages sound so dreary.

I watched last week's Jackson County Supervisors meeting on cable today, and discussion focused on mental health services. With a 6-1/2% reduction in state spending, unmandated mental health services may have to be trimmed or eliminated.

Good news is that Jackson County should benefit from both the Federal and State stimulus packages. With an emphasis on "shovel ready" projects, that may help our budget for county roads.

Follow the supervisor meetings if you're able--you'll find the time most rewarding!

Jean, the Political Junkie

Sounds Good, But. . .

2009-02-03T08:59:00.003-06:00

During last weekend's legislative forum in Maquoketa, Rep. Tom Schueller said he is in favor of prevailing wage legislation. Everyone would like to have wages that can support a family, but what dollar amount is that? And who would decide that dollar amount?

During the forum it was pointed out that Iowa is one of only eight states that do not have prevailing wage legislation. One of the attendees also noted that farmers and small businesses may not be able to pay a prevailing wage. Will there be exemptions?

Is this issue like last year's Fair Share Bill? Democrat legislators enthusiastically passed it, but the bill was vetoed by Governor Culver. The Fair Share Bill would have endangered Iowa's Right to Work status, but you would have not known that if you listened only to the bill's supporters.

Since Jackson County's average wage scale is the second lowest in the state, economic development is a hot topic. Will prevailing wage legislation increase our wage scale? There should be lots more discussion before we decide.

Jean, the Political Junkie

Pray and Act

2009-01-30T00:00:00.001-06:00

President Obama spoke to the Planned Parenthood Action Fund in July 2007, saying he would sign the Freedom of Choice Act.

The Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) would permit tax funding of abortions. FOCA would repeal the Ban on Partial Birth Abortion. It would eliminate many laws favoring the birth of children, parental rights, health regulations and our taxes.

According to my dictionary, Webster’s Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary, copyright 1970, abortion was illegal. Of course, a couple years later the USA court system legalized abortion from false testimony. Read the story of Roe vs Wade. Then following, Partial Birth Abortion became legal! Read about what Partial Birth Abortion involves!

We must pray that President Obama would seek to protect the unborn and build up the USA with healthy newborns and involved parents. He has a beautiful and loving family. We must pray for God’s protection of our president and his family, and for all his staff. Pray that they would seek God’s will for protection of the rights of the unborn.

We must act by notifying our elected officials who will be voting for or against The Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA). Notify our representative and senators by phone calls and letters or meet with them when they are in the area.

Learn more about FOCA by visiting:

www.IowaRTL.org

www.cwfa.org

www.nchla.org

www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/FOCA

Thank You,

Carole Whisman, a tax payer and grandmother

Regional Response to Local Needs--ECIA

2009-01-27T09:20:00.004-06:00

Do you know what ECIA is? That's the East Central Intergovernmental Association. You may not be familiar with that organization because they work mostly behind the scenes. Three representatives from their Dubuque office appeared recently at the weekly Jackson County Board of Supervisors meeting. The number of projects this entity is involved in is amazing!

RTA rides? Yes. Economic stimulus package? Yes. Rental assistance? Yes. Downtown revitalization? Yes. Sidewalks, trails, safety issues? Yes. Business loans? Grants? Yes.
Check out their website at http://www.ecia.org .

If you want to know what's going on in county government, attending the weekly supervisor's meetings (Tuesdays at 9 a.m. in the courthouse) or watching them on cable is a great way to start.

Jean, the Political Junkie

Look at the Incentive Plan!

2009-01-27T08:54:00.003-06:00

House Republican Leader John Boehner has some MUST-READ information about the proposed incentive plan. One point that should concern many of us: massive funding for contraceptives. According to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, those "family planning" subsidies are necessary because states can't afford to provide services for those children. In short, don't have babies because the state can't afford to support them. It's a cost-saving measure.

The state can't support them? I always thought the most important question was whether the PARENTS could support them--provide for them financially, educate them well, take care of their medical needs, and raise them to be productive, moral citizens.

Congressman Boehner ably describes Republican concerns with the stimulus plan--go to http://republicanleader.house.gov/News and look for his Top 20 Fast Facts.

Jean, the Political Junkie

Jackson County GOP Central Committee Meeting

2009-01-17T20:12:00.002-06:00

The Jackson County Republican Central Committee will be holding their monthly meeting this Thursday, January 22 at Geno's Pizza, 561 E White St (Hwy 64) in Preston. Come join us at 6pm to eat some pizza, and stick around for the meeting which starts at 7pm.

For more information e-mail us at communications@jacksoncountygop.net .

New RPI Chairman Matt Strawn Reacts to Gov. Culver's Condition of the State Address

2009-01-15T20:40:00.001-06:00

The Republican Party Abolished Slavery

2008-12-06T10:00:00.000-06:00

On this day in 1865, the 13th Amendment -- abolishing slavery -- became part of the U.S. Constitution -- when ratified by three-quarters of the states.

Despite protests from the Democrats, the Republican Party made banning slavery part of its national platform in 1864. Senator Lyman Trumbull (R-IL) wrote the final version of the text, combining the proposed wordings of several other Republican congressmen.

All Republicans in Congress voted for the 13th Amendment, while nearly all Democrats voted against it. So strongly did President Abraham Lincoln (R-IL) support the 13th Amendment, he insisted on signing the document, though presidential approval is not part of the amendment process.

Outlawing slavery was a Republican achievement.

This article is also on the Grand Old Partisan blog, each day celebrating 154 years of Republican heroes and heroics.

Madness!

2008-10-27T20:27:00.001-05:00

MADNESS!!!
If you have ever seen the movie The Bridge On The River Kwai, at the end the British officer looks at all of the devastation war has wrought and says: MADNESS!!!

Well I had my MADNESS MOMENT today. For two weeks around the lunch room at work I have listened to a younger worker rant and rave about the corruption of the bailout. I had a great time thinking this young man may have the makings of an up and coming conservative.

So here comes lunch today, and the young man announces he has voted absentee for Barack Obama, I point out Obama voted for the bailout, the young guy says, I know but he hasn't been there as long as McCain. So hoping this young firebrand knows his stuff I ask him how did you vote for the down ballot offices, I never followed those races!! He said, "I voted straight Democrat!"

I pointed out the Senator he voted for voted for the bailout, and co-sponsored the rules that set up this economic problem, and that the Congressman he voted for voted for the bailout. I also pointed out their opponents already stated publicly and unabashedly they were against the bailout. Well he said it was easier to vote the straight ticket, the ballot was so long and by voting straight ticket I got out of there quicker.

MADNESS!! MADNESS!!

-Tim Grover,
The Plain Blunt Guy

News From Iowa House GOP Leader Chris Rants

2008-10-24T23:25:00.002-05:00

Bad bonds?

With the recent economic downturn across the country, you’ve been hearing me talk about protecting Iowa’s economy now so our state does not also slide into the meltdown. There are several alarms that have been going off recently that are pointing to the fact that we need to act swiftly. The Revenue Estimating Conference projected our state revenues are down….WAY down. The Medicaid numbers have gone up…WAY up. Those two things combined with the legislative Democrats’ runaway spending the last two years have already left a hole in the budget. This, we’ve talked about already.

We’ve also talked about the Democrats’ response to these problems. It’s okay, it’s fine, we have a AAA bond rating. Besides the fact that Fannie Mae also had a AAA bond rating, there’s now MORE to the story.

If you haven’t heard some of the news about this lately, it’s okay—I’m watching out for you. Read this story .

In it, you will find that actually, the agencies that give the AAA bond rating have been less than honest with their assessments. Here’s a glimpse:

"The story of the credit rating agencies is a story of colossal failure," said Democrat Rep. Henry Waxman, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. The California Democrat said, "Millions of investors rely on them for independent, objective assessments. The rating agencies broke this bond of trust, and federal regulators ignored the warning signs and did nothing to protect the public. The result is that our entire financial system is now at risk."

So the Democrats are banking our state’s security on a bond rating that might be a lie. Does anyone else see that as a major problem? Yeah, that’s what I thought.

Fall Grades Are Posted

Speaking of major problems.

Add this to the mix: Recently the CATO Institute released their findings of the ninth biennial fiscal report card. They examine the tax and spending decisions made by the governors since 2003.

They use statistical data to grade the governors on their taxing and spending records – governors who have cut taxes and spending the most receive the highest grades, while those who have increased taxes and spending the most receive the lowest grades.

Our governor? Well, he received an F. That’s right, failure. He failed to cut taxes or reduce spending. He did a great job of raising taxes and increasing spending though, which is why he received his F grade. Read it Here .

Don’t be fooled though, Governor Culver had a few little teacher’s pets in earning his F grade. See, all 53 members of the Iowa House have helped him earn that pitiful grade, and on Nov. 4th it will be time to grade them.

The Weekly Stampede

2008-10-24T23:20:00.003-05:00

Culver, Burt play ‘fast and loose’ with election law

(Waterloo) – Governor Chet Culver’s planned endorsement of democratic state house candidate Kerry Burt will take place just outside of a satellite polling place on the campus of Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo today. The location of the press conference skirts the edge of a state law that forbids campaigning within a 300 foot radius of polling places says Stewart Iverson, Chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa.

“Governor Culver may be adhering to the letter of the law but is playing fast and loose with its spirit,” Iverson said. “Planning a campaign event to coincide with satellite voting on a college campus reeks of the kind of politics that most Iowans are tired of.”

Last week, former presidential candidates Howard Dean and John Kerry stumped for Barack Obama in Davenport and Ames respectively. Both events took place on college campuses near satellite voting locations.

“These campaign events centered around polling places are exactly the type of activity this law was meant to stop,” Iverson said.

Senator Grassley touts ‘strong’ McCain economic program

(Des Moines) – Today Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley joined McCain-Palin advisor Doug Holtz-Eakin and Dave McCartney, an Iowa “Joe the Plumber”, to discuss why John McCain’s pro-growth economic policies are best for small business owners.

Senator Grassley: “I feel that John McCain will help Iowa and America in the coming years because of his strong economic program.”

On the economy and national defense:

Senator Grassley: “I don’t think there’s any doubt or any concern in anybody’s mind that the experience that John McCain had in the military as well as what he’s had as a United States Senator makes him the number one choice of people for looking out for national defense. Obviously a strong domestic economy is the best bulwark for a strong national defense.”

On the economy and energy:

Senator Grassley: “John McCain is for drilling and I heard speeches all through July where Obama was saying the he was not for drilling. Well, (Obama) may be a born again driller now, but I want to make sure that I have as president someone who wants to make use of our own national resources.”

On Obama’s recent remarks to, “spread the wealth around”:

Senator Grassley: “It’s a disincentive for growth, and I will point to my own life even though I’m 75 years old now. You name any number of jobs I had and every person that hired me invested money to create jobs. I’ve never had a poor person or a low income person offer me a job, and that’s why we can’t kill the goose that laid the golden egg, and that’s the small business of America that creates jobs. That’s why we can’t have wealth redistribution added to the attitude that Obama’s got, that you take money away from people just to make other people feel good.”

David McCartney: “What I really strongly believe is that John McCain knows what we need and that is more jobs. We need good paying jobs. Obama’s plan to raise taxes on the small business owners is keeping us down, the employer mandates that he’s proposing to enact on us is really going to hurt us. Personally, if (Obama’s) going to enforce mandates on me then I’ll have to trim my workforce and rethink my whole strategy. The economy is already starting to slow and we’re feeling it. For (Obama) to propose a few mandates and tax increases on us is preposterous. We’re already paying more than our share in taxes.”

Election Day is almost here, RPI needs your help!

The Republican Party of Iowa is looking for individuals to serve as poll watchers for the general election, November 4, 2008. Poll Watching is an incredibly rewarding experience that enables individuals to see the election process in action.

For further information or to sign up please contact Director of Election Day Operations Danny McNamara at dmcnamara@iowagop.org or by phone at (515) 864-6127. In Jackson County, you can contact Jean Davidsaver at chairman@jacksoncountygop.net .

McCain Draws Even With Obama After Debate in AP Poll

By Catherine Dodge

October, 22, 2008

(Bloomberg) -- Republican John McCain erased Democrat Barack Obama's lead in the presidential race less than two weeks before Election Day in an Associated Press-GfK poll, as two other surveys put Obama ahead by 10 points or more.

The AP poll, taken over five days following the candidates' final debate Oct. 15, shows Obama with 44 percent support and McCain with 43 percent backing among likely voters. Similarly, an Investors Business Daily/TIPP poll shows the race tightening to a 4-point Obama lead.

Click Here to read more.

Paid for by the Republican Party of Iowa

The Weekly Stampede

2008-10-19T16:13:00.004-05:00

Reed campaign: Harkin flip-flops on credit default swaps

From IowaPolitics.com
October 15, 2008
(Marion, IA) – Christopher Reed, Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, today criticized Sen. Tom Harkin and his flip-flop policy of credit default swaps – the legislation that allows Wall Street investment firms the right to gamble away America’s nest eggs. Said Reed, “Tom Harkin is now trying to gain back public support during this election cycle. The bottom line is that he made a bad choice and now he is trying to cover up.” Sen. Harkin recently announced that he would propose legislation to correct these Wall Street financial problems.

Sen. Tom Harkin co-sponsored the language that allows Wall Street investment firms to take money from their investors and gamble it away and then either pay-up or pay off their debt. Recently, Congress passed a $700 billion bailout package to save Wall Street and their bad gambling investments. “Wall Street went to the river boat and gambled away our nest eggs and now we have to pay AGAIN through assessed taxes. It’s government at its worst,” said Reed. Christopher Reed stressed that Sen. Harkin has had 20+ years to make changes and he has done nothing but add more government agencies and personnel to correct his bad policy decisions. “It is time that Iowans fight back and take back their lives,” said Reed. “Sen. Harkin is not doing the job that he was elected to do. It’s time to send him home and put and Iowan in the U.S. Senate.”

Click Here to read the whole article.

Sen. Sam Brownback to keynote 2008 Ronald Reagan Dinner

When: Saturday, October 25, 2008
Reception: 6 p.m. ; Host Committee Reception: 6:30 p.m. ; Dinner: 7 p.m.

Where:
Hy-Vee Hall
730 3rd St
Des Moines, Iowa

RSVP:
Host: $1000 (Host Reception, Photo & Table of Ten)
Sponsor: $500 (Host Reception & Dinner for Three)
Individual: $100 (Reception & Dinner)

Contact Wes Peterson for reservations or more information at wpeterson@iowagop.org or call 515-282-8105.

Volunteers needed for campaign mail program

RPI is seeking volunteers to assist with a special campaign mail program to help elect Iowa Republican candidates. Volunteer tasks include sorting, bagging, and transporting mail pieces in Central Iowa. This program is a great way for Republicans of all ages and abilities to take part in this historic campaign!
Interested volunteers should contact Nathan Treloar at 515-282-8105 or Nathan@iowagop.org.

Election Day is approaching, RPI needs your help!
The Republican Party of Iowa is looking for individuals to serve as poll watchers for the general election, November 4, 2008. Poll Watching is an incredibly rewarding experience that enables individuals to see the election process in action.
For further information or to sign up please contact Director of Election Day Operations Danny McNamara at dmcnamara@iowagop.org or by phone at (515) 864-6127.

McCain-Palin Launches new TV ad: “Fight”

ARLINGTON, VA -- Today, McCain-Palin 2008 released its latest television ad, entitled "Fight." The ad highlights John McCain speaking directly to the American people about his bold plan of action to make the next four years better than the last eight. To do that, John McCain will fight to set a new direction by fighting for the American people. He will protect Americans' savings and investments, lower taxes, curb government spending, work toward strategic energy independence and always fight for our country. The ad will be televised nationally.

To learn more about John McCain's "Pension and Family Security Plan" and "Jobs for America" economic plan, please see: http://www.johnmccain.com

Paid for by the Republican Party of Iowa

Christopher Reed For U.S. Senate

2008-10-14T22:50:00.000-05:00

News From Iowa House GOP Leader Chris Rants

2008-10-11T13:26:00.001-05:00

Holes in the Budget

Today we called on Governor Cuvler and Speaker Murphy to let Iowans know how they plan to cover the more than $30 million shortfall they’ve created in the 2009 state budget.

As a result of yesterdays changes in revenue by the nonpartisan Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) that show a declining revenue in the state, the budget year we are currently in is out of balance. Only $7.5 million in revenue is available to cover a $36 million price tag for Medicaid, the state’s program to assist with health care for the elderly and disadvantaged. That leaves at least a $28.5 million gaping hole in the state's budget thanks to the Democrats runaway spending.

By law, the budget must remain balanced and today Leader Rants called on Democrat leaders to be upfront with Iowans and let them know their plan to balance the budget.

Democrats will have to act quickly to balance the state’s budget and they only have three options: increase taxes, cut the budget or both.

The governor has the power to initiate across the board budget cuts before January, however we’re doubtful Culver will have the courage to stand up to his party leaders.

My instincts are that the governor will play politics with the state’s budget and put his political party before the people of Iowa by waiting until after the November elections so he doesn’t hurt his party’s chance of winning.

Our country is on an economic downturn.

Our state is not insulated from the effects of that fact.

Our fiscal house is not in order, we have gaping holes in the budget and no one except Republicans will stand up and say it.

If there isn’t action soon, Democrats will be forced to raise taxes, make across the board cuts or both.

To see the documents from nonpartisan staff, visit my website.

The Weekly Stampede

2008-10-11T13:24:00.000-05:00

Iowa GOP leaders respond to second presidential debate

DES MOINES, IA -- McCain-Palin 2008 today released the following statements from Dave Roederer, Iowa State Chair for McCain, Stewart Iverson, Chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa and Christopher Rants, House Republican Leader, on tonight's presidential debate in Nashville.

Dave Roederer, McCain Iowa State Chair: "Tonight's town hall debate worked well for John McCain. Americans were able to ask him direct questions and he responded with direct answers showing the kind of leadership our country needs right now. Obama played to the crowd yet again in hopes of being rewarded with a free pass from the media. It's a strategy his campaign has used repeatedly during this election, but it doesn't do anything to help everyday Americans with the problems they face."

Stewart Iverson, Chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa: "John McCain was the clear winner of tonight's debate and he didn't need spin from the media or pollsters to do it. He engaged Americans with real solutions for the economy, energy independence, and the war on terror. Barack Obama could only offer more of the same: catchy buzz words and empty rhetoric that in no way matches his record of raising taxes and expanding government."

House Republican Leader Christopher Rants: "Voters are looking for straight talk and substance during these uncertain times. John McCain delivered that tonight and proved that he is the only candidate with the experience and background necessary to get our country back on track. Barack Obama continued to distort not only his own record, but John McCain's as well. It is very troubling to me that after hundreds of speeches and now two debates, we're all still left wondering, who is the real Barack Obama?"

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Volunteers needed for campaign mail program

RPI is seeking volunteers to assist with a special campaign mail program to help elect Iowa Republican candidates. Volunteer tasks include sorting, bagging, and transporting mail pieces in Central Iowa. This program is a great way for Republicans of all ages and abilities to take part in this historic campaign!

Interested volunteers should contact Nathan Treloar at 515-282-8105 or Nathan@iowagop.org.

________________________________________________________________________

Ronald Reagan Dinner is October 25^th, RSVP today!

WHO:

State Chairman Stewart Iverson

Honorary Dinner Chair: Steve Roberts

Co-Chairs: Senator Chuck Grassley, Congressman Tom Latham, Congressman Steve King

Honorary Dinner Co-Chairs: Governors Bob Ray & Terry Branstad

WHEN:

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Reception: 6 p.m.

Host Committee Reception: 6:30 p.m.

Dinner: 7 p.m.

WHERE:

Hy-Vee Hall

730 3^rd St

Des Moines, Iowa

RSVP:

Host: $1000 (Host Reception, Photo & Table of Ten)

Sponsor: $500 (Host Reception & Dinner for Three)

Individual: $100 (Reception & Dinner)

***Contact Wes Peterson for reservations or more information at wpeterson@iowagop.org or call 515-282-8105.

________________________________________________________________________

Election Day is approaching, RPI needs your help!

For further information or to sign up please contact Director of Election Day Operations Danny McNamara at dmcnamara@iowagop.org or by phone at (515) 864-6127.

________________________________________________________________________

Paid for by the Republican Party of Iowa

Those who do not remember the past are condemned to vote for Barack Obama

2008-10-08T23:13:00.002-05:00

From Michael Zak, a Republican speaker:

On July 2, 2008, Barack Obama announced: "We cannot continue to rely on our military in order to achieve the national security objectives that we've set. We've got to have a civilian national security force that's just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded."

Obama's Civilian National Security Force:
• What sort of people would be in this paramilitary force?
• What sort of weapons would they have?
• Who would command them?
• Would they be subordinate to the U.S. military?
• Would they be subordinate to the police?
• What would be the purpose of this paramilitary force?
• What would it do?

And, what are Obama's "national security objectives?"

Michelle Obama lifts back the curtain hiding Barack's plans for a new order:

"Barack Obama will require you to work. He is going to demand that you shed your cynicism. That you put down your divisions. That you come out of your isolation. That you move out of your comfort zones. That you push yourselves to be better. And that you engage. Barack will never allow you to go back to your lives as usual, uninvolved, uninformed."

Yikes!

News From Iowa House GOP Leader Chris Rants

2008-10-06T21:32:00.002-05:00

2009 Republican Agenda
Today the Iowa House Republicans rolled out our plan for the 2009 legislative session.

See below for the plan and visit www.iowahouserepublicans.com for more specifics.

Security for Families

• Protecting your Identity and Privacy
House Republicans know that a key part of financial security is protection from identity theft. That is why we will require the state of Iowa to notify Iowans when it is learned someone else is using their social security number and penalize government officials who sell private information for personal gain.

• Keeping Local Control of Schools
House Republicans support local school boards and officials. We will end plans to take away their authority over taxes, curriculum, getting rid of bad teachers to unelected out of state arbitrators.

• Education standards
House Republicans will approve rigorous state content standards by 2014 and set in motion recommendations for rigorous performance standards. Republicans offered this proposal in 2008 and it was adopted and then repealed by Democrats on April 25.

Security for Taxpayers

• Ban Pork Barrel spending
House Republicans will end the stealthy and unaccountable process of earmarked pork barrel projects. We will cancel the pork projects approved by the Democrats and use those dollars on flood relief efforts.

• Property tax freeze
House Republicans will approve a K-12 allowable growth that does not raise property taxes. It is the same position Republicans took when we offered and supported H-8007.

• Runaway spending
During the 2007 and 2008 legislative sessions, Democrats increased state spending by $928 million or 17 percent.

State Auditor David Vaudt described the FY 09 budget as one that “represents a significant step backward in terms of transparency and fiscal responsibility.” He added, “If we can’t make ends meet with nearly 5% average annual revenue growth, how will we make it if revenues flatten out or decline, as they do in a recession?”

Security for Businesses

• Strengthening Right to Work
House Republicans will end the relentless campaign to repeal Iowa’s Right to Work Law. We will pass a resolution constitutionally protecting Iowa’s Right to Work Law, and place it in Chapter 20 of the Iowa code to protect all workers.

• Small business tax increase
House Republicans will repeal the painful small business tax increase approved by Democrats. Republicans unanimously opposed the tax increase 2008.

• Renewable Jobs
Republicans will work to ensure that we have a business climate that promotes not just new forms of electric energy production, but a transmission system that allows our green power to be sold out of state thereby bringing profit to Iowans and power to America.

In the first month...

Iowans are looking for accountability and answers from their leaders. That's why House Republicans will accomplish the following during the first month of the 2009 session.

• Strengthen Iowa’s Right to Work law. This law protects all non-union workers from being forced to pay union dues. States with Right to Work laws create more jobs and have higher incomes than states that don’t.

• Repeal the $50 Million Tax Increase on Small Businesses. House Democrats passed a painful tax increase on Iowa’s small businesses last session and Republicans will immediately repeal the increase.

• Freeze Property Taxes. Republicans will freeze property tax increases for Iowans so they can catch their breath from the floods and other natural disasters.

• Ban Pork Barrel Spending. Republicans will ban any future pork barrel projects like decorative flower pots, and cancel pork such as a new recreation center in Des Moines that Democrats approved.

The Weekly Stampede

2008-10-06T21:29:00.002-05:00

In their own words: Christopher Reed, candidate for U.S. Senate

Many Iowans are asking who is Christopher Reed and what is he doing?

I’m Christopher Reed and I am a father, a husband, a veteran and a small business owner – and I am traveling Iowa campaigning to be your next U.S. Senator

I was born and raised in Solon, Iowa. I joined the Navy after high school and served my country for 5 years. After that, I came back to Iowa to raise my family and started a small business. I now live in Marion with my wife and 3 children.

As your Senator I will work to return to you your Constitutional rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Everyone is throwing the word “change” around during this election cycle. Change is definitely needed in Washington, but along with that you also need reform. Without reform change is just business as usual, but with different players. I want to be that Senator who forces reform in our U.S. government and the way it conducts its own business.

I am a pro-life candidate who will defend marriage between one man and one woman and will strongly promote family values.

As your Senator, I will defend your right to bear arms as granted in the Second Amendment. I will support the war on terror until the battle is won. The surge has worked and we are winning. The U.S. is training the most professional military forces in history. We need to let them do their job until the battle is won. If we surrender now, we are sending a message to the world that we are weak – enabling them to strike at any time without any notice.

Iowa also needs a Farm Bill that is not full of wasteful spending. I will be that Senator who will work to pass a farm bill that will enable Iowa to continue to feed and fuel the world. I will work to protect our precious agriculture commodity and make it grow.

As your Senator, I will work to defend our borders and keep Iowans safe from illegal immigrants. I want to punish employers who are hiring illegal immigrants and enforce the laws which have been enacted by Congress. Illegal immigrants should not be able to receive better health care than most Iowans, and they should not be entitled to the same social security benefits as hard working Iowans. Our liberties are precious and we must protect them to the fullest extent for each U.S. citizen.

It is important that you know that I am going to push for the drilling of oil in the United States and ANWR. Four dollar gas is unacceptable in a country where millions of gallons of oil lie beneath our soil. There are many capped wells in the United States that are just waiting to be re-opened. This will send a strong message to the oil “powers that be” that the United States is back and we are back better than ever. By drilling in the United States, we will become dependent on ourselves while creating many new jobs at the many new oil sites across the United States. DRILL HERE – DRILL NOW – DRILL OFTEN!

And finally I will work to cut your taxes. By cutting taxes I will be returning your hard earned dollars to your pocket – you will be able to provide for your families and pursue your own happiness. Besides, you know how to spend your money better than the government does. I think our current financial crisis is evidence of the reform that is needed in Washington, D.C.

Our founding fathers did not have career politicians in mind when they developed the two houses of Congress. It is time for change in Washington. Iowa – you have the chance to stand up and say “we’re not going to take it any more – we want our country back!!” Now is the time for change. I am not looking to become a career politician. Once again, it is my turn to stand and serve my country.

Iowans’ deserve a United States Senator who will return their rights to them. You have worked hard for what you have. Enjoy life – enjoy your liberties – and enjoy your pursuit of happiness. Your founding fathers extended that right to you – so embrace it and live life to its fullest. This is your country so fight for it and take it back!!

I am Christopher Reed. I am running for the United States Senator and I am asking for your vote on November 4th.

Respectfully Submitted,

Christopher Reed

www.christopherreed2008.com

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Culver turns blind eye to Iowa’s economic concerns

(Des Moines) – Governor Chet Culver told reporters Tuesday that Iowa’s “fiscal house is in order” despite current economic data that paints a different picture.

Speaking at his own homeland security conference in downtown Des Moines, Culver said that Iowa, “is actually much better positioned than most states,” to deal with the nation’s financial crisis.

Stewart Iverson, chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa, said that the $1 billion in new spending that Culver and his accomplices in the legislature have passed since 2006 would now be, “handy to have around,” to help with recovery efforts.

Iverson also pointed to reports from the office of State Auditor David Vaudt showing that lawmakers will already be dealing with a budget that is over $500 million in the red when they reconvene in January.

“No one ever expects to be hit by tornadoes, floods, and a financial crisis all in the same summer,” Iverson said. “But the fact remains that the state’s ability to respond to crises like these has been diminished due to a complete lack of fiscal restraint by Governor Culver’s office and the Democrat controlled legislature.”

At Tuesday’s press conference Culver also touted Iowa’s 4.6% unemployment rate, which is below the national average of 6.1%, but failed to mention that the number of unemployed jumped 7% from the previous month and is now at its highest level since 2005.

“A lot of people lost jobs and businesses in this summer’s floods, so an increase is understandable,” Iverson said. “It surprises me that the Governor would use rising unemployment to highlight Iowa’s good economic health.”

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Paid for by the Republican Party of Iowa

Thanks For Choosing Life!

2008-10-05T18:36:00.003-05:00

On September 25th at 2 pm my mother in law passed away, at 80 years and 7 months old, and it has taken this long to formulate a reflection about her life.

You know there are a lot of jokes out there about mother-in-laws, which, I never ran across one that applied to my mother in law. I respected her too much for that. She was always nice to me and everyone she came in contact with. I guess in my mind the greatest thing she ever did in her life was to choose to give life to her children. Without that one fundamental choice she made, my life wouldn't have been that good, and I probably would have ended up with a mother in law those jokes would have applied to. So thank you mom for bringing my wife into this world, the best thing that ever happened to me. Leona's life affected many other lives also, she had 1 son and 3 daughters, 13 grandchildren, and 22 great grand children!!! WOW!! All because a farm girl from western Iowa chose life!! What an impact on our society that must have made since Leona made that one fundamental choice. Nobody made Leona do that, she had a value that ran through her life that influenced her to do that.

I think that fundamental value is something we as Americans need to defend, and promote, including making sure our elected representatives support that fundamental choice Leona made, and don't try to undermine it through such societal undermining, such as Roe vs. Wade, and separation of church and state. I believe when you follow a pro life example you lead a happier life and it makes you more considerate to others. I know in my professional life it has made me a better servant to my customer because I now look at the customer as a person rather than a number. I also believe if our country has become more crass, inconsiderate, and more unsafe it is because of a lack of respect for life. I guarantee you our government will be better when we have officials in it that fundamentally respect life, and make a stand for it!!! So thanks mom for choosing life, you made an impact on this world that I am not sure you were even aware of, you did your part if things go bad from here it is my generation's fault.

Tim Grover
The Plain Blunt Guy

News From Iowa GOP House Leader Chris Rants

2008-09-28T22:15:00.003-05:00

Truth Alert!

40 days before election day, House Democrats rolled out more empty political promises—this one regarding Iowa’s economic future. But before Iowans take the bait on this, they need to check the facts.

Forced Unionism
One of the Democrats’ key planks is to reward hard work and play by the rules. What about those people who are working hard, playing by the rules but simply don’t want to join a union? The Democrats voted to force those hardworking folks to pay union dues whether they belong to the union or not.

Iowa’s right to work law prohibits forcing workers, both public and private, to join a union or to fork over union dues or fees as a condition of employment. Having our right to work law in place helps create real jobs and grow the economy. From 2001 to 2006, real personal income growth, as reported by the US Commerce Department, averaged 9.04% in right to work states (North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska). In states not having a right to work law (Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Missouri) it averaged 6.61%. Also, private sector job growth over the past five years was higher in Iowa than it was in non right to work states, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Missouri.

Pork Barrel Spending
How does pork barrel spending secure Iowa’s economic future? Speaker Murphy and Leader McCarthy even snuck some personal pork projects into the budget this year. They might want to explain to the taxpayers why they had them pay for decorative flower pots for the city of Des Moines, full time gardeners at the governor’s mansion and a brand new recreation center on the south side of Des Moines.

Higher Taxes
The Democrats’ record over the last two years on taxes is frightening. Not only did they give Microsoft big tax breaks, but they refused to give the same tax breaks to smaller Iowa-based businesses. Everyone is excited that Microsoft is locating in Iowa, but we need to be fair and offer the same tax breaks to everybody else. Additionally, Democrats had the opportunity to extend the tax break that individuals received on their federal stimulus checks to businesses. They said no.

Identity Theft
It’s hypocritical to claim Democrats will be tough on individuals who engage in identity theft when they voted against having the government inform Iowans when it is learned that someone else is using their social security number.

Seniors
While being in control the last two years, Democrats have done nothing to lessen the economic burdens Iowa seniors face. In fact, their record proves they’ve been okay with taking more money out of seniors pension checks.

The House Republicans have not rolled out a plan of empty promises and hollow details. We stand firm on our record of protecting hardworking Iowans. If Iowans place Republicans back in the Majority they can know they can count on us to protect Iowa's Right to Work against EVERY attempt to force non-union workers to pay union dues.

Iowans know we’ll end the pork-barrel spending like decorative flower pots in Des Moines. They understand that not only will we NOT raise any property taxes, we’ll put a freeze on them. And they appreciate that we'll force tough identity theft protections onto the governor's desk and stop the irresponsible, government knows best attitude that has led to a billion dollar spending increase and tax increases.

The Weekly Stampede – September 25, 2008

2008-09-26T14:59:00.001-05:00

McCain, Palin rev up supporters, tour flood damage

From the Cedar Rapids Gazette, September 18, 2008

CEDAR RAPIDS - John McCain lashed out at his opponent for failing to protect American workers from the financial dominoes falling on Wall Street and at the Democratic Congress for failing to deliver timely flood recovery assistance to Iowans.

"When I pushed legislation to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Sen. Obama was silent. He didn't lift a hand to avert this crisis," McCain said during a Thursday morning rally at PS Air at The Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids.

Later, after a 20-minute walking tour of the Time Check neighborhood in northwest Cedar Rapids, the Republican presidential nominee and his running mate, Sarah Palin, called for quick congressional action to help Iowa families and businesses get back on their feet.

Noting that it's been three months since historic floods devastated 100 blocks of Cedar Rapids, McCain called for quick action on a recovery assistance package "that will provide not only home-owners, but businesses, a chance to be restored, to create jobs and give people an opportunity to rebuild their lives."

Click here to read more.

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Iowa Business and Government Leaders Highlight McCain-Palin Economic Plan & Why it’s Best for Iowans

(Ankeny, IA) – Several state and local elected officials met Wednesday with leaders at Accumold, a plastics manufacturing firm based in Ankeny, to discuss the benefits of the McCain-Palin economic plan and why it is the best choice for Iowa taxpayers.

State Representative Carmine Boal of Ankeny, State Senators Brad Zaun of Urbandale and Larry Noble of Ankeny, and Polk County Supervisor E.J. Giovannetti toured the Accumold facility and then held a press conference with CFO Steve Boal to show support for the McCain-Palin plan. The conference also touched on concerns with the Obama-Biden economic plan that calls for raising taxes on many Americans and the businesses that employ them.

Steve Boal is uniquely aware of how increased taxes and regulations can adversely affect both families and businesses. As the chief financial officer for Accumold, he is the first to see how new taxes and red tape can strain his company’s budget making it harder for them to expand and create new jobs.

“I believe Obama’s ideas for change are taking America down the wrong path,” Boal said. “We need less government, not more, because more government translates to higher taxes.”

Boal also knows the negative effects higher taxes have on families across Iowa. His wife is State Rep. Carmine Boal of Ankeny who also attended the conference.

“Obama has said repeatedly that he’s going to ‘tax the rich’ more in order to help the middle class, but his record doesn’t show that,” Rep. Boal said. “He has already voted to raise taxes on Americans making $42,000 a year, why wouldn’t he do it again?”

State Sen. Brad Zaun’s district does not include the Accumold facility, but called it a, “great success story for Ankeny,” and cited it as an example of smart economic growth.

“Tax breaks always help stimulate new investment and development, no matter where they come from,” Sen. Zaun said. “It’s that investment that enables lawmakers to then keep taxes down.”

State Sen. Larry Noble said that the McCain-Palin plan would be more productive in helping the small businesses that employ the majority of Iowans.

“Bureaucracy and taxes don’t make us stronger, it just drags us down.” Sen. Noble said.

Steve Boal summed up the discussion saying, “John McCain’s philosophy supports smaller government and lower taxes while Obama’s plans include more government. More government is not what Accumold needs.”

_____________________________________________________________

Election Day is approaching, RPI needs your help!

For further information or to sign up please contact Director of Election Day Operations Danny McNamara at dmcnamara@iowagop.org or by phone at (515) 864-6127.

_____________________________________________________________

The question remains: Obama, Fannie, & Freddie

“While the American taxpayer’s hard-earned money was corrupted by a government-backed mortgage business in Washington, Barack Obama took record amount of their campaign cash, and did absolutely nothing to regulate their books. Just like he did over two years ago, Barack Obama chooses to ignore John McCain’s calls to regulate and reform Fannie and Freddie, while defending his own affiliations with their corrupted corporate executives and his stockpile of campaign cash.

“One question remains. Did Barack Obama provide Fannie Mae special access when he appointed Fannie Mae’s embattled former CEO Jim Johnson to lead his vice presidential search committee while Mr. Johnson was still receiving $71,000 a month from Fannie Mae?” ---Tucker Bounds, spokesman McCain-Palin 2008

Three Key Facts:

1. John McCain introduced reforms and regulation for Fannie and Freddie over two years ago.

2. While taking $120,000 in campaign cash in just 3 years, Barack Obama has maintained Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s broken business model.

3. Barack Obama appointed embattled former Fannie Mae CEO Jim Johnson to lead his Vice Presidential search. At that same time Jim Johnson was receiving a $71,000 per month in pension benefits from Fannie Mae. Johnson also received millions in compensation due to accounting manipulation at Fannie Mae.

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Paid for by the Republican Party of Iowa

The Weekly Stampede – September 17, 2008

2008-09-21T13:41:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday Senator Grassley!

The Republican Party of Iowa wishes our senior senator, Chuck Grassley, a very happy 75th birthday! Send him a birthday wish via his website, http://grassley.senate.gov/ or on his MySpace page, www.myspace.com/chuckgrassley.

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Election Day is approaching, RPI needs your help!

For further information or to sign up please contact Director of Election Day Operations Danny McNamara at dmcnamara@iowagop.org or by phone at (515) 864-6127.

__________________________________________________

McCain-Palin 2008 Launches New TV Ad: "Foundation"

ARLINGTON, VA-- Today, McCain-Palin 2008 released its latest television ad, entitled "Foundation." The ad features John McCain talking directly to the American people about our economic crisis and his plans to reform Wall Street and fix Washington. The American people cannot afford Barack Obama's agenda of higher taxes, especially when our economy is in crisis. The ad will be televised nationally.

Click here to read more.

Watch the new ad:

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Prominent Clinton backer and DNC member to endorse McCain

From CNN Political Editor Mark Preston, Extra

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Lynn Forester de Rothschild, a prominent Hillary Clinton supporter and member of the Democratic National Committee’s Platform Committee, will endorse John McCain for president on Wednesday, her spokesman tells CNN.

The announcement will take place at a news conference on Capitol Hill, just blocks away from the DNC headquarters. Forester will “campaign and help him through the election,” the spokesman said of her plans to help the Republican presidential nominee.

Click here to link to the article

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Iowa McCain-Palin Campaign Presents Obama with his own “Hollywood Star”

DES MOINES, IA -- In honor of Barack Obama's star-studded Hollywood fundraiser with Barbra Streisand tonight, the McCain-Palin campaign honored Obama with a celebrity "Star of Fame." Additionally, in the spirit of the fundraiser, tonight the Iowa Victory Office phone banks will play Barbara Streisand songs.

"While Barack Obama is posing for pictures with Hollywood's elite, some of whom are contributing $28,500 -- a price substantially unaffordable to the average Iowan -- Iowa families are worrying about how what's happening on Wall Street will affect their lives on Main Street," said Gentry Collins, the McCain Midwest Regional Campaign Manager. "We don't know whether Barack Obama will use this opportunity to disparage 'bitter' Iowans who 'cling to guns or religion,' as he did at one of his most recent California fundraisers, but we know that Iowa families are worrying about the current financial crisis and how to heat their homes this winter. Tonight's fundraiser is further proof that Barack Obama is out of touch and can't relate to the needs of Iowa voters. He's wrong on the economy, his health care plan needs work and he lacks the experience and judgment we need in a president; however, we do think he makes one heck of a celebrity and deserves his own star in Hollywood. We hope this star reminds Senator Obama of the serious challenges hard-working Iowa families face every day."

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Paid for by the Republican Party of Iowa

Harkin-Obama Let Wall Street Sink!

2008-09-21T11:54:00.003-05:00

While Wall Street was sinking, what were Tom Harkin, and Barack Obama doing? SAVING THE DELTA QUEEN!!!! Let me say that I believe the Delta Queen is OK, I don't have anything against it, but this illustrates the thinking behind a Senator who has been in Washington too long and has lost touch, and his protege who has lost touch very quickly.

I offer this as evidence: Sen. George Voinovich introduces bill to save the Delta Queen on September 17, 2008. On September 16, Sen. George Voinovich has introduced a bill in the U.S. Senate (bill no. S. 3498) to save the Delta Queen by exempting her from 1966 Safety at Seat Law. Support comes from at least seven other Senators, both Republicans and Democrats, giving the Delta Queen a new chance for a bipartisan vote in favor of this unique historic steamboat. Cosponsors of this promising bill so far are: Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Thad Cochran (R-Mississippi), David Vitter (R-Louisiana), Barack Obama (D-Illinois), Evan Bayh (D-Indiana), and Richard Lugar (R-Indiana), but as Vicki Webster, one of the campaign leaders to save the Delta Queen says: "We need much more direct support from Senators all over the country, but especially from the ones coming from a river state".

Members of the Save the Delta Queen grassroots campaign are calling to action all Delta Queen fans and supporters. Campaign's co-leader Franz Neumeier says: "Get on the phone, go to your Senator's local offices, fire up your fax machines and urge your Senators to support this important bill to give the Delta Queen a chance to survive." Campaign leaders are also asking supporters to talk to their local newspapers and TV stations to report about what it means if the Delta Queen disappears forever. "And don't forget to point out that all this is not about safety, because the Delta Queen in fact is a very safe boat", says Neumeier. Detailed information about the Delta Queen's safety can be found at http://deltaqueen.wordpress.com/deltaqueensafety/

OUR GOVERNMENT IN ACTION!!!

-Tim Grover, The Plain Blunt Guy

News From Iowa House GOP Leader Chris Rants

2008-09-19T23:57:00.002-05:00

Legislative Pages

Do you know high school junior or senior who has an interest in government or politics? The 2009 Legislative Page Program application is available and due no later than October 3, 2008. This is a great opportunity for western Iowa youngsters to learn new skills, gain real world experiences and gain a greater understanding of our government. If interested, point the students to www.legis.state.ia.us/pageinfo for more details.

Something to think about...

In the wake of all the financial news from this week, I’m not sure if you all saw the governor’s comments regarding the state of Iowa’s economy. He said, "We've got a very stable economy". The governor is not concerned at all about the state of our economy and I find that troubling.
All he needs to do is take one look at downtown Des Moines to see numerous financial institutions and insurance companies that call our state home. All he needs to do is read the paper to see that the largest ethanol producer in the country might be going under. All he needs to do is read his email to know that the 2nd largest city in the state has no downtown due to the summer flooding. All he needs to do is read the bills he signed to know that he approved some of the largest spending increases in our state’s history.

Certainly, I believe we need to keep a watchful eye on the status of our economy here in Iowa to ensure that no matter what happens on the federal level, we’re protected here. But I do not think it’s wise to gloss over the situation, and pretend that nothing bad is going to happen to us before the next president is elected.

The next president will have to "figure out why our national economy is going in the tank," Culver said. "I'm not worried that Wall Street will affect Iowa" in the four months until the next president takes office.

I hope the govenor hasn't forgotten how many retirees and IPERS recipients are watching their nest eggs shrink.

Maybe we should be prepared, just in case.

WHERE IS MICHELLE?

2008-09-16T23:02:00.003-05:00

The MSNBC reporter made a mistake while covering the 9/11 ceremony. I see John McCain, I see Cindy McCain, and Barrack Obama. Where was Michelle? The MSNBC talking head said she had other events.What events could be more important than attending the 9/11 memorial at Ground Zero? Maybe she was studying all of the different ways she suddenly discovered she was proud of her country about. Maybe Oprah had a brunch going on, Oprah's 9/11 brunches are world famous. Kudos goes out to the MSNBC anchor who asked the question: Where is Michelle? Enjoy your new posting at NBC Sports. Say isn't it getting crowded over there? Here is the video of Michelle standing behind her man at the 9/11 memorial:

-Tim Grover, The Plain Blunt Guy

ITS IMPORTANT TO VOTE!!

2008-09-14T13:16:00.003-05:00

Well very shortly we will be given the opportunity to chart our country's future, when voting lets keep in mind what we will be doing to future generations. Do we want them to live in freedom, to do what ever they chose to do with their lives, or do we want them to pay for mistakes we have made with our economy, and the inability to curb our addiction to ever larger,costly and intrusive government.

THe facts are all there, America is monetarily bankrupt, we can no longer inflate ourselves into prosperity. I was struck in the last Rocky movie how Rocky taught his son that it is not how hard you hit, it is how hard you can get hit, and still keep moving forward.

To be Plain Blunt about this, America, about 43% of us have lost the ability to do that. We take a hit and allow it to flatten us, and accept what ever the government will give us to cushion the blow. It cuts across all aspects of society, big business is lining up now to get their share, after the real estate industry got theirs. Mean while more and more foreign governments own more and more of our children's financial legacy. For this we should be ashamed.

Who will take the hit for the next generation when they grow up and the government is broke, or they have everything they make taken from them by the government to pay for hits we refused to take.

Where would we be right now if the WWII generation hadn't taken the hit they took for us? So yes it is important to vote this year and to pay attention to what each candidate says for EVERY OFFICE on the ballot, our children's future depends on it.

Tom Tancredo has the best way to assess a candidate, ask that person what they want to do when elected, not what they want to be. Don't vote for some one just because you think they will win. Make up your own mind, and VOTE!!

I leave you with the wisdom of JOHN QUINCY ADAMS:
Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost." -- John Quincy Adams

-Tim Grover, The Plain Blunt Guy

A TALE OF TWO SCHOOLS!!!

2008-09-13T19:43:00.001-05:00

School District A just added a building addition of over 1 million dollars, its enrollment is over 1,000 students. School District B has under 1,000 students enrolled, School B got a racing@ gaming grant and paid the book fees for every child in the district.The thought crosses my mind if School A ever thought in the process of spending the 1 million dollars that maybe paying for their own students books would be a good idea!!!JUST A THOUGHT!!

-Tim Grover, The Plain Blunt Guy

THROW THE BUMS OUT?

2008-09-13T19:41:00.001-05:00

Interesting results on the school board elections in Jackson County. Incumbents in Bellevue, East Central, and Andrew school districts all got defeated. In the one contested race in Maquoketa the incumbent won by only 83 votes.

-Tim Grover, The Plain Blunt Guy

The Weekly Stampede - Sept 12, 2008

2008-09-12T23:06:00.004-05:00

Poll: Convention lifts McCain over Obama

“In the new poll, taken Friday through Sunday, McCain leads Obama by 54%-44% among those seen as most likely to vote.”

By Susan Page, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — The Republican National Convention has given John McCain and his party a significant boost, a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll taken over the weekend shows, as running mate Sarah Palin helps close an "enthusiasm gap" that has dogged the GOP all year.

McCain leads Democrat Barack Obama by 50%-46% among registered voters, the Republican's biggest advantage since January and a turnaround from the USA TODAY poll taken just before the convention opened in St. Paul. Then, he lagged by 7 percentage points.

The convention bounce has helped not only McCain but also attitudes toward Republican congressional candidates and the GOP in general.

"The Republicans had a very successful convention and, at least initially, the selection of Sarah Palin has made a big difference," says political scientist Larry Sabato of the University of Virginia. "He's in a far better position than his people imagined he would be in at this point."

9/11 statement from John McCain

ARLINGTON, VA -- Today, in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, U.S. Senator John McCain delivered the following statement on the seventh anniversary of 9/11:

"No American living then should ever forget the heroism that occurred in the skies above this field on September 11, 2001. It is believed that the terrorists on United Flight 93 may have intended to crash the airplane into the United States Capitol. Hundreds if not thousands of people would have been at work in that building when that fateful moment occurred, and been destroyed along with a beautiful symbol of our freedom. They and, very possibly I, owe our lives to the passengers who summoned the courage and love necessary to deny our depraved and hateful enemies their terrible triumph.

"I have witnessed great courage and sacrifice for America's sake, but none greater than the sacrifice of those good people who grasped the gravity of the moment, understood the threat, and decided to fight back at the cost of their lives.

"I spoke at the memorial service for one of them, Mark Bingham. I acknowledged that few of us could say we loved our country as well as he and all the heroes of September 11 had. The only means we possess to thank them is to try to be as good an American as they were. We might fall well short of their standard, but there is honor in the effort.

"In the Gospel of John it is written, 'Greater love hath no man than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends.' Such was their love; a love so sublime that only God's love surpasses it. I am in awe of it as much as I am in debt to it. May God bless their souls.”

RPI student internship opportunities

The Republican Party of Iowa is looking for interns from across Iowa to assist with the 2008 General Election. Applicants need to be committed to electing John McCain and Republican candidates in November. Students from any major are invited to apply and may also be eligible to receive college credit for their work.

For more information, contact Nathan Treloar at 515-282-8105 or Nathan@iowagop.org.
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Paid for by the Republican Party of Iowa

News From Iowa House Minority Leader Chris Rants

2008-09-12T22:55:00.004-05:00

Disappointment

A story broke this afternoon from the Associated Press that “Culver has virtually ruled out the possibility of calling the Legislature into special session to craft a flood relief package.”

What a disappointment.

In my opinion, this decision is a bad one. Instead of worrying about upcoming elections, the governor needs to focus on the local officials and people begging for action and leadership.

Last week we took our caucus to Cedar Rapids and we witnessed that this situation is about so much more than just federal aid.

It’s about people who will pay penalties and interest on property taxes they can’t pay…for homes they can’t live in.

This is about small businesses that are empty—literally, empty—that will see a tax increase if they try to reopen their doors.

It’s about the jobs that will be lost if even one of those businesses has to close its doors.

It’s about the families that are still sleeping outside their dilapidated homes in tents and campers, and with winter right around the corner, it’s about Iowans who will be left out in the cold.

I’m no interested in playing games or competing with others on ideas and proposals—so I will not rule anything off the table. I’m only asking today that the governor just bring us to the table. I’m asking that he consider the pleas of those in Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Parkersburg, New Hartford, Columbus Junction, and on and on…consider their need, the way they’re struggling and not turn a blind eye to the action that needs to take place. A special session is necessary.

We get a call everyday from one of the impacted areas, pleading with us to have a special session. I’ve heard that plea and I’m on board. If you agree, I’m asking you to get on board too and advocate for those who are hurting—ask the governor to call a special session:

Chet.culver@iowa.gov
(515) 281-5211

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Two things you should know

1st: The governor took a cheap shot at me today at his press conference. In talking about not having a special session, he also said I was AWOL on flood recovery efforts. The governor needs to do a better job of keeping tabs on me. It’s true that I haven’t been sitting around at a meeting in Des Moines for the past three months. I WAS however in Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City multiple times meeting with local officials, talking with everyday Iowans about their dilapidated homes, and touring damaged small businesses. And I was in Palo where city council members asked me to take up their cause of calling for a special session. So that’s just what I did. The governor can take all the cheap shots he wants, but it’s not going to help one person get back in their home or open one business.

2nd: Apparently my travel schedule isn’t the only thing he got wrong. But don’t take my word for it, read the recent article in the Des Moines Register.

The Weekly Stampede - August 28, 2008

2008-08-31T23:16:00.002-05:00

GOPFest 2008 tickets on sale now!

On September 20th, the Polk County Republicans will host GOPFest 2008, a festival and informal fundraiser. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty will be this year’s guest speaker. Come and enjoy a great night of fun and entertainment!
To purchase your tickets please contact the Polk County Republicans at 280-6438 or ExDir@polkgop.com. Please include your Name, Address, Phone Number, and the number of tickets you would like. Tickets are $25 for Adults and $15 for Students.
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Poll watchers needed for Election Day

Poll watchers are needed the 2008 General Election. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Danny McNamara at dmcnamara@iowagop.org or (515) 864-6127 for more information.
Poll watching is a great way to contribute to the GOP while also being involved in the election process.
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Biden choice highlights Obama’s weakness

DES MOINES, IA – Today, Iowa Republican leaders questioned Barack Obama’s motives for choosing Delaware Senator Joe Biden as his vice presidential nominee.

Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Stewart Iverson and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey took part in a conference call with reporters this afternoon.

IA Sec. of Ag Bill Northey: “As foreign policy becomes more important, it’s obvious that Obama is trying to play catch up to the John McCain campaign. This doesn’t change Senator Obama’s experience, but emphasizes the huge problem that he has: a lack of experience.”

RPI Chair Stewart Iverson: “Barack Obama is trying to compensate for an area of weakness by selecting Joe Biden as his running mate. Energy and the economy are the top two issues, and Biden and Obama are on the wrong side of these issues. Both of them oppose offshore drilling and nuclear power. John McCain wants energy independence and wants to drill here and drill now.”

At a press conference from the steps of the Iowa Capitol, David Roederer, Iowa chairman for John McCain 2008, was joined by former Iowa Senate President and former U.S. Ambassador to the Eastern Caribbean Mary Kramer and State Auditor David Vaudt to voice their concerns with an Obama-Biden ticket.

State Auditor David Vaudt: “I find the Biden selection interesting. If you step back and take a look at one of Obama’s biggest critics, it’s Joe Biden. Barack Obama’s experience, his credentials, have all come under question. I think he is reaching out to someone to balance that. As the state auditor, I always have to look at the fiscal side of things and Barack Obama and Joe Biden have supported some of the biggest tax increases in American history.”
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Paid for by the Republican Party of Iowa

News From Iowa House GOP Leader Chris Rants

2008-08-31T23:14:00.001-05:00

What's REALLY Going On With Your Tax Dollars?

For months we’ve been hearing from the governor and Democrats that a special session is urgent—we MUST come to Des Moines and address the needs of the storm victims and we must do it FAST, before the winter weather takes holds.

Now we’re hearing the complete opposite…maybe we don’t need a special session at all!

Since the flooding, the Executive Council has been meeting—allocating money at will for these emergencies.

The Iowa Code gives the Executive Council broad authority to act when the Legislature is not in session. The Executive Council consists of Governor Culver, Secretary of State Mauro, State Auditor David Vaudt, State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald and Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey.

Under the Iowa Code, the Executive Council has the ability to tap a "standing unlimited appropriation" from funds otherwise not appropriated to pay for emergency expenditures. Funds not otherwise appropriated means money available in the general fund ending balance. Approval of the expenditure of funds requires a simple majority vote of the Council.

While it is a good public policy to have the Executive Council approve emergency spending and therefore limit the need for a special session, it is also necessary for the taxpayers to know how much is being spent, what it is being spent on and if the money is coming from the ending balance, how much unobligated money is left.

Particularly distressing is news that as on Monday, the Executive Council approved $99.8 million in expenditures for flood relief. We have asked for a breakdown of the expenditures but at this point, our requests have not been answered.

However, we have been made aware that $3 million has been spent on consultants, Witt and Associates and State Public Policy Group (SPPG). Witt and Associates were hired to "cut through the red tape of the federal bureaucracy" and SPPG was hired to facilitate Rebuild Iowa Advisory Commission meetings.

These expenditures bring up several important questions:

1) What is this money being spent on when we don't even know how much the federal government is going to come up with? Allegedly Speaker Pelosi has promised our congressional delegation another supplemental disaster funding bill before the end of September.

2) What is the current ending balance of the general fund - both for FY 08 and FY 09?

3) What programs are going to have to be cut to allow for these expenditures?

4) What if revenue does not meet the REC estimate? Will across-the-board cuts follow?

5) Why does the state need to hire a consultant to "cut through the red tape"? Isn't that the job of our Senators and congressional delegation?

6) And most importantly, how would $3 million have helped flood victims if they had received the money instead of it going to high-priced consultants?

House Republicans are calling on the governor to release ALL of the figures regarding approved expenditures by the Executive Council. Iowans deserve to know how the 2008 disasters are going to be paid for before taxes are raised. We don’t want it to be a surprised come tax season.

A Bi-Partisan Ticket

2008-08-31T23:00:00.002-05:00

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

Most history books written by Democrat professors downplay the fact that the Worst President Ever was a Democrat. Did the Democrats nominate him? No, he was the 1864 Republican nominee for vice president.

Andrew Johnson - Andrew Jackson Johnson, to be precise - was the only southern Senator not to go with the Confederacy. For being strong on national security, this hardline Democrat was nominated by the Republicans to be Abraham Lincoln's 1864 running mate. He was drunk at his swearing in as vice president, and it was downhill from there. A month later, the murder of the Great Emancipator made Andrew Johnson president.

Andrew Johnson shared none of Abraham Lincoln's compassion for African-Americans. Referring to Frederick Douglass, whom Lincoln had called "one of the most meritorious men in America," Johnson said: "I know that damned Douglass." "White men alone must manage the South," he declared. In a message to Congress, President Johnson said blacks have less "capacity for government than any other race of people. Whenever they have been left to their own devices they have shown a constant tendency to lapse into barbarism." This from a man whose political party was overseeing the mutilation and murder of countless black people in the South!
On this day in 1866, President Johnson began his "Swing around the Circle," a trip through the Midwest to win popular support for his policy favoring neo-Confederate, Democrat control of the South.

In one speech lasting an hour, the pompous and crude Andrew Johnson referred to himself more than two hundred times. In another, he went so far as to imply that the murder of Abraham Lincoln had been part of God's plan to make him president. At a third event, he said the Republicans' House majority leader deserved to be hanged. After Johnson compared himself to Jesus, his remaining speeches were drowned out by hecklers. State government officials refused to be seen with him.

In the midterm elections that November, so disgusted were most Americans by this buffoon in the White House that Republicans won two-thirds majorities in both houses of Congress. Congressional Republicans endured Andrew Johnson in the White House for nearly two more years before impeaching him.

In 1874, Tennessee Democrats re-elected Andrew Johnson to the U.S. Senate, making him one of four American presidents to hold federal office after leaving the presidency. Can you name the other three?

House GOP Stages Week-Long Sit-in on House Floor

2008-08-06T22:02:00.001-05:00

House GOP Refuses to Take Summer Vacation without a Vote on Energy, Stages Week-Long Sit-in on House Floor

Last Friday, August 1st, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) adjourned the House of Representatives for the five-week August recess after refusing to allow Congress to vote on legislation to increase the supply of American-made energy and to address the high price of gas.

Just after the lights and the microphones were turned off in the House gallery and C-Span had stopped its live coverage, dozens of Republican Members, led by Reps. Mike Pence (R-IN), Minority Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO), and Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH), delivered a letter to Speaker Pelosi demanding that she call the House back into an emergency session this month to debate and vote on this issue. They then proceeded to loudly debate the energy issue in front of hundreds of U.S. citizens, who they freely welcomed into the House gallery to listen and participate. Some representatives even received standing ovations from the crowd after they concluded their off-the-cuff but passionate speeches.

Since no media or cameras are allowed in the House gallery because Congress is technically "out of session," GOP Members and staff have sent out "A Call to Action on American Energy" to encourage all interested American taxpayers who happen to be in the Washington, D.C. area, even if they are just visiting as tourists, to come to the House floor this week to lend their support by listening and by voicing their concerns in front of dozens of Congressmen.

Remember, democracy doesn't work unless you participate! If you want Congress to reconvene this month and to address the energy issue before the summer is over, the Congressmen pushing this debate are urging you to take action in any or all of the following ways:

Attend the open debate in the House gallery if you happen to be in the Washington, D.C. area.
Report on what you see after you attend, since the press is restricted from the event.
Blog, blast email alerts, call reporters, write op-eds in your local newspapers, etc. and let your family and friends know what is going on.
Flood Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office phone lines with calls, asking her to call Congress back to D.C. for an emergency session.

Capitol Hill office phone: 202-225-0100

Capitol Hill Switchboard: 202-224-3121

Members who have stayed in town and participated in the protest thus far: Reps. Bilbray, Bilirakis, Bishop (R-UT), Blunt, Boehner, Boozman, Brady, Broun, Brown (R-SC), Burgess, Campbell, Cantor, Moore-Capito, Carter, Cole, Conaway, Culberson, Dent, Fallin, Fortenberry, Foxx, Gohmert, Herger, Hoekstra, Hunter, King (R-IA), Lungren, Manzullo, McCarthy (R-CA), McCotter, Nunes, Pence, Pickering, Platts, Poe, Porter, Price, Putnam, Sali, Shadegg, Shimkus, Smith (R-NE), Turner, Walberg, Walden, and Westmoreland.

News From Iowa GOP House Leader Christopher Rants

2008-08-03T22:16:00.003-05:00

Offering REAL Solutions

Recently I received a letter from Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Directors of RSM McGladrey (area accountants from the area most affected by the recent flooding). This letter was stressing the fact that Iowa taxpayers “need help now.” The accountants proposed a few suggestions for tax incentives in light of the 2008 floods which would help provide some immediate relief to the affected taxpayers.

I agreed with the folks at RSM McGladrey, I believe their suggestions would go along way to opening the door to further discussions. Below is my release:

(DES MOINES)—Today House Republican Leader Christopher Rants (R-Sioux City) rolled out a proposal centering around tax incentives for Iowans affected by the storms and flooding of 2008.

Rants’ main suggestion focuses on bonus depreciation and extending the benefit through 2009 for taxpayers who qualify. In early 2008, the federal economic stimulus package included a provision that was designed to aid business taxpayers by increasing the expensing allowance for depreciable assets. However, Iowa failed to couple with the federal law and Iowa businesses were faced with a tax increase.

Rants suggests immediately coupling with the federal standard and then going further; extending that provision into 2009. By coupling and extending the bonus depreciation, taxpayers affected by the weather will be able to replace damaged property, equipment and machinery without having to pay increased taxes. Failure to enact this proposal means that Iowans replacing flood damaged equipment will see their tax liability go up.

“Small businesses, which are the backbone of our communities, large businesses, which employ so many Iowans, and farmers that feed the world are all trying to put the pieces of their operations back together. It’s important to their vitality to offer some immediate relief so they are able to purchase equipment to rebuild their businesses,” said Rants. “I am committed to coming up with solutions and tax incentives to help those businesses who are starting with nothing, allowing them to get back on their feet.”

The Republican Leader is also interested in considering property tax relief for Iowa homeowners who are struggling from weather-related damage as well as sales tax relief on building supplies, materials and other furnishings.

Rants’ ideas have already been endorsed by Cedar Rapids and Iowa City managing directors from RSM McGladrey accountants.

###

Shortly after I sent my release, Democrat Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy sent out a press release of his own—here are some clips:

“The House Republican Leader's plan for flood relief is an utter embarrassment and flood affected Iowans should be outraged.”

“Their proposal is another major warning sign that the Republican party has veered terribly to the political right and is completely out of touch with mainstream Iowa. We have thousands of individual Iowans hurting right now...many of them with their homes and property devastated. We have levees that need repaired or entirely rebuilt. We have hundreds of miles of roads and rail that need repaired. We have insurance obligations that need to be monitored and federal assistance that needs to be obtained - and the list goes on and on. And what is the House Republican proposal to deal with flood relief? Tax cuts for big corporations!”

I’m not entirely sure exactly what the Majority Leader is talking about here—not sure how we’ve “veered terribly to the political right” by trying to make nonpartisan solutions for those who’ve had their homes and businesses destroyed.

As you can clearly read, Republicans are not suggesting that these tax incentives are the end all/be all solution to dealing with transportation, agriculture, education, public health or housing issues.

I was not trying to make partisan statements, but apparently Republicans are not allowed to even make suggestions on how to help those affected by the catastrophic events.

Maybe Leader McCarthy didn’t really understand that these suggestions came from LOCAL folks who have had friends, family and neighbors suffering from the destruction. Maybe he didn’t understand that businesses that he calls “big corporations” are mom and pop retail stores, local contractors and builders, or small owners who are just trying to pick themselves up and rebuild because they want to stay in our state.

Maybe Leader McCarthy should stop trying to politicize the floods and instead of criticizing suggestions, offer some of his own.

The Weekly Stampede - July 31

2008-08-03T22:01:00.003-05:00

Republican Party of Iowa Opens Victory ‘08 Offices Across Iowa

(Council Bluffs, IA) – Fifth District Representative Steve King will be the keynote speaker for the grand opening of the newest Iowa Victory ’08 office on Monday July 28th. The Pottawattamie County Victory office will be located at 1851 Madison Ave, Suite 716 in Council Bluffs. The program, which will include Rep. King and several local candidates, is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.

"We are excited to open our headquarters so that we can continue our efforts to support and elect our local, state and federal Republican candidates," said Mary Ann Hanusa, chairwoman of the Pottawattamie County GOP.

The Pottawattamie County location will be the fourth Victory ’08 office opened by the Republican Party of Iowa this month and several more are set to open in August. Victory ’08 offices are currently open in Urbandale, Dubuque, and Davenport.

Offices in Ames, Waterloo, and Cedar Rapids will open over the next two weeks. Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota will join Fourth District Representative Tom Latham for the Ames opening on August 2nd. Program details for the Waterloo and Cedar Rapids openings have not been finalized.

“Our volunteers are eagerly awaiting the Ames grand opening and the campaign,” said Russ Cross, chairman of the Story County GOP. “Governor Pawlenty and Rep. Latham are two great Republican leaders and their visit will generate a lot of enthusiasm in the county and the Fourth District.”

Volunteers Needed for RPI Booth at the Iowa State Fair!

It’s that time of year again! The Iowa State Fair will be August 7 – 17 and the Republican Party of Iowa is looking for volunteers to staff the GOP booth in the air conditioned Varied Industries Building.

The booth needs to be manned from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. each day of the fair and we are asking that volunteers take at least one shift from either 9-1, 1-5, or 5-9. Volunteer duties are simply keeping the tables stocked with candidate literature and meeting new people from across Iowa and the U.S.! All volunteers will receive a free day pass to the fair!

If you would like to help, please contact Heather Hooper at 515-282-8105 or hhooper@iowagop.org.

McCain Gains as Obama Deplanes

Two pieces of polling data recently released by Gallup USA show that Barack Obama’s World Tour matches nicely with his campaign rhetoric – well scripted, fawned over by media, and not worth a hill of beans.

The Friday – Sunday poll, conducted as Obama was returning to the U.S., showed that overall only 35% of respondents had a positive opinion of the trip. Break those numbers down a little further and you see that the all-important independent vote was split with 31% viewing the trip favorably compared to 28% with an unfavorable opinion. What may be even more telling is that a whopping 39% of respondents said that they did not know enough about the trip to answer.
This begs the question: Are voters getting tired of the media’s incessant flaunting of their love for Senator Obama and are now tuning it out? Gallup just happened to ask and found that 39% of respondents saw press coverage of Obama as unfairly positive. Only 12% of those polled felt that John McCain got the same treatment.

Meanwhile, McCain’s numbers jumped during the same time period. Only a month ago Obama was leading McCain by six points amongst likely voters. This most recent poll now shows McCain with a four point edge. The poll also shows McCain’s favorable ratings moved up three points from last month to 62% as Obama’s dropped by the same amount to land at 61%.
Those may not seem like huge moves considering that the poll’s margin for error is +/- 4%...that is until we again look at those independent respondents. Obama actually lost 5% of his favorables with independent voters while McCain skyrocketed from 57% to 67%.

One last piece of good news for John McCain is this quote from Gallup released along with this weekend’s poll. “The media’s coverage of Obama’s foreign trip, coupled with a strong reaction from McCain and other conservatives, may have created the seemingly paradoxical effect of increasing Republicans’ energy and excitement about voting for McCain.”

The Weekly Stampede - July 23, 2008

2008-07-24T07:19:00.003-05:00

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

2008-07-18T23:42:00.003-05:00

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

2008-07-18T23:37:00.002-05:00

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

2008-07-15T22:46:00.003-05:00

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

2008-07-10T21:31:00.000-05:00

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.
______________________________________________

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.
_______________________________________________

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

2008-07-06T08:26:00.002-05:00

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

2008-07-04T06:47:00.000-05:00

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

2008-07-03T22:50:00.001-05:00

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.

News From RPI Chairman Stewart Iverson

2008-06-27T23:14:00.001-05:00

Obama’s Gun Stance: Unconstitutional

Des Moines – Today’s Supreme Court decision overturning the Washington, DC gun ban sent shockwaves through the presidential race in Iowa.

Barack Obama’s extreme, and now, unconstitutional position on the Second Amendment highlights his unfitness to be Commander-in-Chief. In 1996, while campaigning for the Illinois Legislature Barack Obama responded to a questionnaire indicating he supported banning the sale, manufacturing and ownership of guns. He is also on the record as supporting the Washington, DC gun ban.

“Iowans take their Second Amendment rights very seriously. Obama’s extremely liberal position on guns is just another example of him being out of step with a vast majority of Iowans,” said Stewart Iverson, Chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa. “The more Iowans get to know Obama’s positions on issues like gun control, the fewer votes he will get in November.”

Read the entire article.

John McCain and Victory 2008 Open Urbandale Office

The McCain campaign has hired a great team for Iowa and is teaming up with the Republican Victory Campaign to achieve victory in 2008. McCain’s Iowa Chairman, Dave Roederer, announced the hire of Charlie Liebshutz as McCain’s Iowa campaign manager. Liebshutz will be teaming up with Victory Director Jim Anderson and field directors across the state to help build our Republican grassroots effort. The Urbandale Victory office is located at 2775 86th Street, Urbandale, IA 50322. Stay tuned to your email for volunteer opportunities in the coming days to help elect Republicans all across Iowa!

News From GOP House Leader Chris Rants

2008-06-27T23:06:00.003-05:00

Gun Laws In Iowa

Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Americans have a right to own guns for self-defense in their homes. This was a huge decision and a major victory to those who believe in protecting the 2nd Amendment and allowing the citizens of this country to keep and bear arms.

On a more local level, the issue of the right to conceal and carry, the castle doctrine (allowing people to protect their home) and others have been brought before the Iowa General Assembly numerous times.

Just this past year, Rep. Clel Baudler from Greenfield sponsored an amendment which would have required sheriffs to issue a concealed weapon permit to a qualified applicant. If a sheriff denied a weapon permit, they had to give the reason for denial in writing. It would have also made other changes to the concealed weapons law including an increase in training.

The Amendment, H-8674 to HF 2700, was ruled not germane and 46 House Democrats decided they did not want this issue to come up.

In light of the Supreme Court’s ruling, I think it’s important to reach out to these 46 Democrats and express disappointment for the way they handled the conceal and carry legislation.

The following are the members who voted against bringing this legislation forward.
Rep. Abdul-Samad
Rep. Bailey
Rep. Bukta
Rep. Cohoon
Rep. Davitt
Rep. Foege
Rep. Ford
Rep. Frevert
Rep. Gaskill
Rep. Heddens
Rep. Hunter
Rep. Huser
Rep. Jacoby
Rep. Jochum
Rep. Kelley
Rep. Kressig
Rep. Kuhn
Rep. Lensing
Rep. Lykam
Rep. Mascher
Rep. McCarthy
Rep. Mertz
Rep. Miller
Rep. Oldson
Rep. D Olson
Rep. R Olson
Rep. T Olson
Rep. Petersen
Rep. Quirk
Rep. Reasoner
Rep. Reichert
Rep. Schueller
Rep. Shomshor
Rep. Smith
Rep. T Taylor
Rep. D Taylor
Rep. Thomas
Rep. Wendt
Rep. Wenthe
Rep. Wessel-Kroeschell
Rep. Whitaker
Rep. Whitead
Rep. Winckler
Rep. Murphy

To contact these members, vist: http://www3.legis.state.ia.us/ga/legislators.do?ch=h

Reed Wins Senate Race

2008-06-04T07:28:00.004-05:00

With all but one precinct in the state reporting, it appears that Christopher Reed has won the GOP nomination to face off against Tom Harkin in November. The vote totals are as follows:

Christopher Reed 25,148
George Eichhorn 24,735
Steve Rathje 21,326

With the vote totals being so close, a recount is possible. At this point in time though, it appears that Christopher Reed has secured the party's nomination. Congratulations, Chris!

Lawmakers Should Heed Vaudt's Budget Warning

2008-06-03T21:13:00.003-05:00

Below is a recent editorial published in the Des Moines Register:

Feeling uneasy about Iowa's budget? For good reason, based on state Auditor David Vaudt's recent report: Democratic lawmakers hid some spending and sidestepped state spending limitations by shifting $444 million in general-fund expenses to special accounts for the fiscal year that starts July 1.

That's a record, but the practice is nothing new. When Republicans led the Legislature, they did the same thing, and were criticized, too. (On the chart Vaudt presented, though, Republicans were doing this in at least some years when revenue growth was declining, not growing.)

Tapping special accounts typically occurs because lawmakers want to spend more than they can afford based on regular revenue streams.

But special accounts are supposed to be used for special purposes, and not to routinely cover shortfalls. One example: The Senior Living Trust Fund, created in 2000, was intended to help older Iowans live in their own homes as long as possible.

Over the years, almost $600 million has been diverted from that fund to cover general-fund costs, Vaudt said. While lawmakers are repaying some of that money, they keep borrowing it. That apparently will leave just $37 million in the trust fund in a year.

It's like a family drawing down their children's college-savings accounts to pay regular household expenses.

Mike Gronstal, Senate majority leader, said he is not comfortable with dipping into special funds, and wants to move away from doing that. But it has to be done in the context of establishing policies that better protect middle-class Iowans, said the Council Bluffs Democrat.

"We fully agree this budget is not perfect, and it was not easy to dig ourselves out of all the bad budget practices the Republicans engaged in, but in every respect this budget improves on the previous Republican budgets," he said. Gronstal also said he believes Democrats have put more money into special accounts than Republicans did.

Still, it looks like the gap between spending and revenue may grow because of multiyear commitments and promised tax credits. Add a possible recession, and the emergency funds socked away won't go far.

If that comes to pass, and Iowa's special accounts are exhausted, it will mean cutting the state budget or raising taxes.

Instead, elected officials of both parties should shake their bad habit. Move quickly to phase out relying on those special accounts to cover regular general-fund expenses. That will better position Iowa for the hard times that always come around sooner or later.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080602/OPINION03/806020311/1110

News From Iowa House GOP Leader Chris Rants

2008-06-03T21:09:00.002-05:00

A Sad Day

You may have read the bad news today that Winnebago will be closing their doors in Charles City. Winnebago is one of Charles City’s three largest employers and beginning Aug. 1, nearly 270 Iowans will be out of a job.

Of course many will say there are numerous reasons for the closure of this plant—higher gas prices are leading to less demand for the RV’s, a slumping national economy is hurting businesses throughout the country, etc. However, I believe there are some measures that could have been taken this past year to prevent this tragedy from happening.

You might remember me talking and writing about bonus deprecation. This year Congress passed legislation that provided tax breaks for businesses who purchase new equipment. In order to insure that EVERY Iowa business who purchased this type of equipment could receive the tax break, Iowa needed to couple with the federal tax changes.

I proposed amendment H-8039 to Senate File 2123 which would have done just that. This amendment was also the perfect opportunity to stand up for little guy. Hometown Iowa businesses were going to be hit with an income tax increase of up to $30 million if the Legislature did not “couple” or mirror the federal tax changes in regards to bonus depreciation. Specifically, in this instance, Winnebago would have been able to purchase new equipment and lower their tax bill had this amendment passed.

The CEO of Winnebago wrote to me, explaining how important this measure was for Winnebago and their business. I stood on the House floor and read his correspondence to be sure that every Representative was fully aware of the situation. Knowing it would hurt Winnebago and other businesses across the state and completely disregarding the pleas from the Winnebago CEO himself, Democrats voted down the amendment on a party-line vote (47-53, HJ Page 440).

This is just another example of what the Democrats did to run over the little guy the past two years in the Legislature. When powerful lobbyists came calling, Democrats had no problem passing big tax breaks for Microsoft. But when a CEO of an Iowa company, that provides jobs for thousands of Iowans in our communities across the state pleads for Democrats to do the right thing, they turn around and put them out of business. The closing of this plant is truly unfortunate. But not nearly as unfortunate as having the ability to stop it from happening, but turning your back instead.

It may be too late for Winnebago, but if Iowans put Republicans in control of the House, they will be the last business to get stamped out.

http://www.rants.us/

News From State House GOP Leader Chris Rants

2008-06-01T00:05:00.003-05:00

Vaudt Confirms - Taxpayers Were Duped

On Wednesday, state auditor David Vaudt held a meeting with the press to discuss his findings in the state budget. After careful review and breakdown of the Democrats' budget, Vaudt pointed out the following:

--The past two legislative sessions have increased state spending by $849 million, while revenue only grew by $559 million
--Democrats claimed to have repaid the Senior Living Trust but Vaudt found the hidden shifts which show the trust fund balance will be less than $38 million by the end of June 2009.
--Democrats shifted $444 million of expenses to special accounts to get around the state’s spending limitation law, hiding record spending from Iowa taxpayers.

The auditor's criticisms of the Democrats’ budget echoes what House Republicans have been saying since early in 2007. Democrats who campaigned as conservative, pro-business candidates came to Des Moines and became big-spending liberals. The auditors' criticism is further proof that while the Democrats claim to have approved a fiscally sound budget, the truth is that they went on a spending spree and tried to hide it from the taxpayers. I commend Auditor Vaudt for being diligent in revealing the truth behinds the Democrats’ irresponsible and bloated budget.

To view the entire review of the auditor's findings visit my website (www.rants.us)

News From RPI Chairman Stewart Iverson

2008-05-31T23:51:00.007-05:00

Harkin Spews Hate Against Veterans

…Harkin, who has a history of embellishing his own military record, told Iowa reporters last week that McCain’s background as the son and grandson of Navy admirals creates a “dangerous” situation because he can only view the world through the prism of the military.

“He has a hard time thinking beyond that,” Harkin said, according to The Des Moines Register. “I think he’s trapped in that. Everything is looked at from his life experiences, from always having been in the military, and I think that can be pretty dangerous.”

The paper also quotes Iowa’s junior senator telling reporters, “It’s one thing to have been drafted and served, but another thing when you come from generations of military people and that’s just how you’re steeped, how you’ve learned, how you’ve grown up.”

Military service is not a foreign concept to U.S. presidents. In the post-War War II era, Bill Clinton is the only president to have not served in some branch of the military.

Read the entire article.

…Iverson also called on Obama to "denounce" fellow Democratic Senator Tom Harkin's recent comments about Republican presidential candidate John McCain. Last week Harkin said McCain's worldview is "trapped" because of his military career, and the military careers of his father and grandfather.

"First of all, we have to have a strong military in the United States. We have to take care of not only ourselves, but help allied nations," Iverson said. "With an all-volunteer Army and Air Force, Marines and Navy -- all the branches of service, I think it's absolutely ridiculous to say that John McCain is 'too military.'"

Read the entire article.

California Supreme Court Looses its Moral Compass

In an era where our nations moral compass is being tested daily, last weeks ruling by the California Supreme Court to legalize same-sex marriage is particularly disturbing. The 4-3 decision, which overturned a ban enacted by the California legislature, is yet another example of power hungry justices legislating from the bench. This is just one of the many reasons why this year’s election is so important. The next president may have the opportunity to nominate as many as four justices to the Supreme Court. John McCain will stand up for our Republican beliefs and nominate justices who hold the same jurisprudence as Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alito.

…Highlighting an issue he plans to use aggressively in the general election campaign, Sen. John McCain on Tuesday decried "the common and systematic abuse of our federal courts by the people we entrust with judicial power" and pledged to nominate judges similar to the ones President Bush has placed on the bench.

The presumptive Republican presidential nominee said that Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. "would serve as the model for my own nominees, if that responsibility falls to me," highlighting the gap between Republicans and Democrats on the question of who should sit on the Supreme Court. Both justices have established strong conservative records since Bush appointed them, and the appointment of one more conservative to the nation's highest court could tip the balance on issues such as abortion, discrimination, civil liberties and private property.

Read the entire article.

News From RPI Chairman Stewart Iverson

2008-05-13T22:05:00.003-05:00

South Dakota Senator John Thune to headline Lincoln Dinner

John Thune will keynote the annual Lincoln Day Dinner fundraising event. The event begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, and will be held at Embassy Suites in Des Moines.

Thune, who defeated Sen. Tom Daschle in 2004, is considered one of the party’s rising stars.

“We are extremely excited that Sen. Thune agreed to keynote our event,” said Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Stewart Iverson. “He is a dynamic and passionate legislator, and we look forward to welcoming our Midwestern neighbor.”

Individual tickets are available from the Republican Party of Iowa for $75. Individuals may host a table for $750

All contributions will be deposited in the Iowa Republican Party’s Federal Account. Funds received in response to this solicitation will be subject to Federal contribution limits. The maximum an individual can contribute to the Iowa Republican Party’s Federal Account is $10,000 per year. Contributions to the Iowa Republican Party are not tax deductible. Corporate and foreign national contributions are prohibited under federal law. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year.

For more information, please call Wes Peterson at (515) 282-8105 or e-mail wpeterson@iowagop.org.

McCain Gaining Ground in Election

…And now Democrats, who had been expecting a banner year, are fighting among themselves as the nomination contest between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama becomes increasingly bitter.

That’s giving McCain a head start on making his case to voters while Obama sees his candidacy tarnished with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright distraction…

Read the entire article.

State Auditor Vaudt Continues His Vigilance:

State officials paid an out-of-state contractor $882,260 to help Iowa save $50,325 a year, according to an audit released Monday.

A spokesman for the contractor disputes the conclusions, but State Auditor David Vaudt stands behind the report.

"I think when you look at it, we obviously didn't accomplish the savings that were projected in the contract, but yet we still had to pay the fee," Vaudt said Monday…

Read the entire article.

Taxpayer Forum

2008-04-28T21:54:00.007-05:00

The Jackson County Republicans hosted a Taxpayer Forum yesterday at the Ohnward Fine Arts Center in Maquoketa:

Speakers included State Auditor David Vaudt, U.S. Senate Candidates George Eichhorn, Steve Rathje and Christopher Reed, 1st District Congressional Candidate Dr. David Hartsuch, RPI Co-Chair Leon Mosley, Highway 30 Coalition Chair Edith Pfeffer and Jackson County Supervisor Candidate David Kendell.

All speakers were given time to speak on various tax-related topics. Following their speeches, a Q&A session was held. Guests of the event were given a chance to ask questions, to which any of the speakers were allowed to respond to. It was a very informative day and gave everyone in attendance a chance to meet and speak to a lot of the candidates that they will be voting for in the upcoming primary election on June 3rd and the general election on November 4th.

1st District Convention Results

2008-04-20T21:11:00.003-05:00

The 1st District GOP Convention was held on Saturday, April 19. At the Convention an election was held to elect State Central Committee members. John Ortega, Karl Gilbertson and John Hulsizer Sr. were elected. Also running for the State Central Committee were Gwen Eilers and Denise Kremer.

Below are the results of the elections held for State Convention Committees:

Permanent Organization:
Shana Kramer
Nicole Baker

Rules:
Roshelle Akins
Michael Elliott

Credentials:
Ella Sievers
Liz Schofield

Platform:
Jeremiah Johnson
Ron Gruenhagen
Pam Yenter
Jim Bushkamp

News From House Minority Leader Christopher Rants

2008-04-18T23:33:00.005-05:00

The following is from a recent newsletter sent by Iowa House Minority Leader Christopher Rants:

The End of Session is near...

Tuesday the 22nd is the last “scheduled” day of session. 100 days since we gaveled in back in January. Although, no one really knows when the Legislature will adjourn. In part because, there’s so much left to do and so much left unknown.

There are still serious budget discussions left to go. Many budgets such as: infrastructure, economic development, health and human services—Republicans (or the general public) haven’t even seen a bill for. How much money are we going to spend in these areas? No one knows. Also still out there is the infamous standings bill, which deals with salaries, standing unlimited appropriations, and generally acts a catch-all bill. We’ve seen that Democrats typically put policy bills that couldn’t stand on their own in here to generate the votes for this massive expenditure. This is a bad way to pass laws, but unfortunately that’s what we believe will happen this year.

Rest assured, Republicans will read and study each of the bills once the Democrats release them to us. We will take our time, do our due diligence, and let the public know just how big our budget is going to be. From the figures that the Democrats ARE showing us, it looks like the state budget will be AT LEAST increased by $830 million over the last two years. They offset that with $930 million increase in NEW TAXES. And yet, there has been no tax relief passed, although plenty of opportunities have been offered by Republicans.

An update for you on the Chapter 20/Collective Bargaining bill—the governor was quoted in the Des Moines Register today saying he was still looking over the bill and that the substance of the bill was giving him concerns. Democrat leaders in the House and Senate have indicated that they will be spending all weekend coordinating with the governor’s office, working through their differences on budget bills AND the Chapter 20 bill. You’ve done an incredible job reaching out to the governor and telling him to veto this damaging piece of legislation. Don’t be afraid to keep contacting him. Your efforts are putting pressure on him to do the RIGHT thing and veto the bill, keep it up!
Phone: (515) 281-5211 and email chet.culver@iowa.gov

News From RPI Chairman Stewart Iverson

2008-04-17T23:59:00.004-05:00

Finally…a budget!

Well, it eventually had to happen – and it has. The Democrats have finally released their budget, with just a week left to go in the session.

The end result is a 15.6 percent increase over two years. As if that weren’t enough, they actually came in UNDER Gov. Culver’s budget recommendation, so no doubt as the negotiations continue, we will likely see that number rise as the Democrats try to wrap up the session.

Even at this number, it’s still $300 million MORE in spending than Gov. Vilsack and the House GOP approved in the entire eight years of his administration.

Increasing spending by this much in just two years will leave a serious strain on our budget, because this unfortunately is not just a one-time thing. This funding – nearly one billion dollars – will have to be paid in future years as well, before any additional increases in spending in the upcoming sessions.

The result, coming into next year’s session, will likely be more tax increases just to fund what they have already committed.

This summer and fall, please contribute time and resources to our legislative candidates. We must bring back the fiscal stability of a Republican-controlled state Legislature.

What do Republicans believe?

As many of you depart for district conventions on Saturday, it’s important to remember our core beliefs.

Honest, open and responsive government is limited in its scope, nature and power.

The “Right to Work” and Private Property Rights are essential to a free people.

Traditional marriage and the family unit must be protected, preserved and strengthened.

Iowa’s children must be given the opportunity to receive a quality education.

We the People, derive our lives, dignity and innate value from the Creator.

Economic growth is undeniably related to taxation, regulation and government spending.

Legal immigration to Iowa has had historically positive results.

The Greatest Play In Baseball

2008-04-13T22:59:00.002-05:00

This may not be a video that is necessarily political in nature, but I feel it is worth a few minutes of your time:

More Details About Upcoming Taxpayers Forum

2008-04-13T22:39:00.002-05:00

Maquoketa—Iowa’s Auditor of State David Vaudt will be the main speaker at a Taxpayer Forum Sunday, April 27, at the Drew Gallery, Ohnward Fine Arts Center, 1215 E. Platt St., Maquoketa. He will give a presentation on the Iowa State Budget.

Vaudt, a Certified Public Accountant, is in his second term as Auditor of State. In 2004 he was named to Accounting Today’s “2004 List of 100 Most Influential People in Accounting.” His office serves as the “Taxpayers Watchdog.”

Vaudt is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Des Moines Chapter Association of Government Accountants.

He serves as Board Member of the Iowa Homeless Youth Centers and member of the Des Moines Rotary. He also has served on various other community and civic boards, including the Better Business Bureau, the Des Moines Playhouse, the Morris Scholarship Fund, the Iowa Supreme Court Client Security and Attorney Disciplinary Commission, and the Walnut Creek Family YMCA.

The public event starts at 1 p.m. with a luncheon. From 2-3 p.m., speakers will talk on tax and economic issues of interest to taxpayers. At 3 p.m. there will be a question and answer period.

Additional speakers:

U.S. Senate candidate Steve Rathje of Cedar Rapids will speak on federal taxes. Rathje is one of three Republicans running for Senate in the June primary. A successful businessman, he has received the “National Leadership Award” and “Business Advisory Council 2003: Businessman of the Year” award.

State Senator and Congressional candidate David Hartsuch, M.D. (R-Bettendorf) will speak on Iowa Legislative actions affecting taxes. He is a licensed Emergency Room Physician, and is also a CPA with public auditing experience.

Republican State Central Committee Co-Chairman Leon Mosley will speak on taxpayer concerns he has heard while traveling the state. A former Black Hawk County Supervisor, he also has worked on many civic projects.

Highway 30 Coalition Chairperson Edith Pfeffer of Clinton will speak on funding Iowa road improvements. She has also been involved with the Time-21 Initiative.

County Supervisor candidate David Kendell will speak on local tax concerns. He is a Bellevue farmer and businessman, and was previously on the Jackson County Board of Supervisors for eight years.

The Taxpayer Forum is sponsored by the Jackson County Republican Central Committee. Call 563-872-3705 or e-mail us at tickets@jacksoncountygop.net for ticket reservations. Tickets for the event are also available at the door at $10 each.

How Would Barrack Obama Answer the 3 a.m. phone call?

2008-04-13T17:04:00.001-05:00

News From Iowa House Minority Leader Christopher Rants

2008-04-13T14:46:00.003-05:00

Chris Rants discusses this week what is going on behind closed doors at the Statehouse:

News From RPI Chairman Stewart Iverson

2008-04-13T14:33:00.004-05:00

$32 million tax increase

Newspapers across the state blared the above headline Thursday morning, as taxes will again be raised in Iowa. That’s right – over $400 million in total tax increases, and counting, so far.

The latest measure would eliminate the local option sales tax for schools, and replace it with a statewide penny sales tax that, for now, is devoted to schools.

Two aspects of this bill are troubling. As we have seen time and time and time again, all too often when the governor and Legislature get their hands on funding, it gets “scooped” for other pet projects, especially in times of economic slowdown.

Second, this tax increase now raises the state’s use tax as well. The use tax is applied when businesses purchase goods from out of the state to use here in Iowa. Businesses often do not pay the sales tax in that state, and instead pay the Iowa use tax, which was exempt from local option sales taxes.

That is, until this bill went on its way.

Republicans offered two amendments that would have protected your tax dollars.

The first amendment would have provided constitutional protection to prevent the sales tax revenue from being scooped, or shifted, for other uses. It also provided that this bill would only take effect upon the ratification of an amendment to the Iowa Constitution to protect all revenues received from the state sales and use tax.

The second amendment would have helped to offset any future property tax increases by stating that if the state’s estimate of general fund revenues exceeds original estimates, the excess revenue would go to the Property Tax Equity and Relief Fund.

Remember – the sole intent of the original local option sales tax was for local residents to approve it themselves, and to only last 10 years.

Now, however, this is a permanent tax on the people of Iowa and a $32 million tax increase on Iowa businesses.

Jackson County Republicans To Host Tax Forum

2008-04-06T19:00:00.005-05:00

The Jackson County Republicans have announced that they will be hosting a Taxpayer Forum at the Ohnward Fine Arts Center in Maquoketa on Sunday, April 27. There will be a social hour starting at 1:00pm, with the forum starting at 2:00. Following the forum, there will be a Q&A session starting at 3:00.

Scheduled speakers include: State Auditor David Vaudt, U.S. Senate Candidate Steve Rathje, Iowa Senator and 1st Congressional District Candidate Dr. David Hartsuch, State Central Committee Co-Chairman Leon Mosley, Edith Pfeffer, and County Supervisor candidate David Kendell.

The cost of admission to the event is $10. Tickets can be purchased at the door, or in advance by e-mail at tickets@jacksoncountygop.net .

News From Christopher Rants

2008-04-06T18:55:00.003-05:00

The following is the latest news from the Iowa House from the House Minority Leader, Christopher Rants:

Give it back...
This week House Republicans challenged majority Democrats to give back any additional revenue the state collects at a key state budget meeting scheduled for Friday.

We all know the Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) is going to increase the estimate due to revenue running at over 10 percent year-to-date. Several Democrats have hinted that they are waiting for the increase to add spending to their already excessive budget. We think a better way to use this revenue is to reverse their tax increases and give it back to the people who gave it to the state in the first place - the taxpayers.

The Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) is a three person committee of experts who estimate state tax revenues. The Legislature is bound by law to use the REC’s December estimate of state revenue to build the state budget. The REC is set to meet Friday, and most expect the group to increase the revenue estimate. However state law also prevents the Legislature from spending any additional money from the April meeting.

If the Democrats are going to break the law, they may as well give the money back to the taxpayers. We’ve already seen the Democrats raise taxes at least twice this session. Once on business owners, and once on property owners.
Business owners were socked with an unexpected tax increase due to the federal stimulus package. The change is called “bonus depreciation” and when Iowa failed to mirror the federal changes, Iowa business owners saw a $55 million tax cut disappear.

Republicans attempted to protect property taxpayers from automatic property tax increases due to the growth in local school spending. The House GOP plan had the state pay the property tax increase instead of local property taxpayers. By defeating the Republican plan, Democrats nailed property taxpayers with a $95 million property tax increase over the next two fiscal years.

The REC is scheduled to meet at 10 on Friday to revise the estimates for FY 08 and FY 09.

Keep it up
Don't forget to keep contacting the governor, asking him to veto House File 2645 the bill that tilt's the collective bargaining filed in favor of the unions. Hopefully you've had the opportunity to talk to your city council members, school boards, and county supervisors and they've expressed to you just how bad this legislation is for Iowa and how it strips them of their power.

We must keep the pressure on the governor and keep the attention on this bill so it does not slip through.

Phone: (515) 281-5211

Email: Chet.culver@iowa.gov

Iowa GOP Senate Leader Ron Wieck discusses second funnel deadline

2008-03-28T23:55:00.001-05:00

Update From Chris Rants on Collective Bargaining Legislation

2008-03-28T22:55:00.002-05:00

Jackson County Republicans March Meeting

2008-03-28T22:26:00.004-05:00

The Jackson County Republican Central Committee met last night at Geno's Pizza, braving the unseasonably cold weather conditions.

The meeting started with a few words from George Eichhorn, who will be running for the Republican nomination to run against Tom Harkin. I spoke with Mr. Eichhorn for 5-10 minutes before the meeting, and he did a good job articulating his position on certain issues.

Also in attendance were representatives speaking on behalf of Sen. John McCain, and State Central Committee member John Ortega who gave us an update on what is happening at the state level.

-Adam Reuter

Reaction to Collective Bargaining Legislation

2008-03-28T22:20:00.003-05:00

From RPI:

Your efforts are working...

A special thanks to all of you who called your elected representatives last week regarding the collective bargaining bill, House File 2645, which would strip the bargaining power of local school boards and local elected officials, and place it squarely into the hands of local negotiators.

Despite our best efforts, the bill still passed. However, because of your action, the public has heard about this bill and it currently awaits a signature from the governor before it can become law.

According to Gov. Culver's office, more than 1,000 calls have been made, telling him to veto this bill!

Please continue your calls to (515) 281-5211 and let the governor know that you support the veto of this bill.
Iowa's newspapers agree...
"...The heart of this bill began in bad faith. Democrats appear to have muscled it through simply because they could, driving a deeper wedge not only among partisans in the statehouse, but labor and management in the schoolhouse and city hall..." - The Quad City Times editorial, March 26, 2008
"...More time is needed to better understand and debate this potentially significant measure. Perhaps that's where the debate should begin. It appears, however, Senate Democrats have no interest in openly debating this bill. Rather, they want to rush it through right after the Easter holiday..." - The Sioux City Journal editorial, March 26, 2008
"...Gov. Chet Culver should veto this one. The bill's potentially huge impact on taxpayers and the lack of sufficient public debate are ample reasons for the governor to buck fellow Democratic leaders..." - Cedar Rapids Gazette editorial, March 26, 2008
"A power grab. An end run. Those are some of the ways to describe the attempt by Democrats at the Statehouse to expand union clout by fast-tracking legislation this week with little time for public comment. Changes in the labor-crafted legislation are not modest...What's going on up at the Statehouse is about the Democrats being in charge of both chambers and having the votes to move forward legislation they have long sought. That's their right. The discussion leading up to the vote, however, has been too hurried for most Iowans to have an impact, which is also their right." - The Des Moines Register editorial, March 22, 2008

Comments From Christopher Rants

2008-03-23T23:04:00.001-05:00

Iowa House Minority Leader Christopher Rants weighs on a recent attempt by Democrats to ram thru controversial legislation that would give public employee labor unions a great deal of power and strip away many decisions currently made my local governments:

Iowa Under Siege

2008-03-22T12:50:00.002-05:00

Iowa State Senator (and 1st Congressional District GOP Candidate) David Hartsuch discusses recent attempts by Senate Democrats to greatly increase the power of public employee unions:

News From RPI Chairman Stewart Iverson

2008-03-15T12:23:00.003-05:00

Filing Deadline is Today

Literally hundreds of Republicans have filed for U.S. Senate and House, and Iowa Senate and House. Our Republican leadership has recruited tremendous candidates for these positions. In all, we have 24 candidates for the Iowa Senate and more than 80 running for the Iowa House.

These candidates will need your help in order to be successful this fall. Please take the time to contact them and offer your assistance. A full roster can be found here: http://www.sos.state.ia.us/pdfs/staff/primcandlist.pdf.

If you would like to run for a county office, it’s not too late. The deadline for filing is March 26. Please contact your county auditor for more information!

Senate Republicans’ Stimulus Proposal

Senate Republicans this week enacted a key provision of their economic stimulus plan by passing legislation that allows federal rebate checks to be accepted tax-free. Senate Republicans are currently working on other portions of their stimulus package as well.

One component of their plan is a proposal that extends Iowa’s tax-free weekend through Sunday, and lifts the restriction of only clothes being tax free during these days. For example, a family of four will receive a stimulus check of $1,800 from the federal government. Allowing this money to be spent tax-free adds 6 percent, or an extra $108, to spend on clothes, school supplies or a new computer.

Additionally, over the next five years Iowa is expected to see a skilled workforce training deficit of 150,000 workers. In their plan, Senate Republicans call for a job training program that will address the projected shortage.

Finally, Senate Republicans want Iowans to improve the value of their homes by exempting any improvements made to an Iowan’s home for the next five years from taxation.

Unfortunately, Senate Democrats continue to stand in the way on these last three provisions.

Have a great weekend -
Stew

Hartsuch Set To Challenge Braley

2008-03-15T00:30:00.003-05:00

State Senator David Hartsuch has made it official - he will be on the primary ballot on June 3rd for the Republican nomination to run against Democrat incumbent Bruce Braley.

Many in our county have gotten a chance to meet Sen. Hartsuch over the past year as he has attended Central Committee meetings and fundraisers here in Jackson County. I think all would agree that although we would hate to lose him in the State Senate, that he would be a great replacement for Braley in the U.S. Congress.

-Adam Reuter

Today Marks the 35th Anniversary of McCain's release from "Hanoi Hilton"

2008-03-15T00:28:00.002-05:00

Iowa House Minority Leader Rants Reviews 2008 Session

2008-03-08T23:36:00.001-06:00

Iowa House Minority Leader Christopher Rants Discusses the "Good, Bad and the Ugly" of the 2008 House Session:

Update from RPI Chairman Stewart Iverson

2008-03-08T20:20:00.002-06:00

Dear Friends,

I wanted to update you on some of the key issues in the state:

Marriage Debate

This week, House Republicans called up a vote on the marriage amendment. The bipartisan amendment was drafted due to an August 31, 2007 ruling by Polk County Judge Robert Hanson, which threw out Iowa’s Defense of Marriage Act and thereby made Iowa the only state in the nation to allow same-sex marriage.

The measure was defeated, 50 to 46. All Republicans voted to bring up the bill, and it was all Democrats voting against it. Unfortunately, because the Democrats will not bring up the amendment for a vote, the issue of marriage has been ripped from the hands of Iowans, and instead placed in the hands of the courts.

Be sure to contact your GOP House members and let them know you appreciate their support of this measure.

Culver Slipping in Latest Poll

Apparently, Iowans are none too keen on Culver’s performance. The latest SurveyUSA poll shows him with an approval rating below 50 percent. See for yourself by clicking here.

Gambling with our Veterans’ Trust

House Democrats this week voted down an amendment that would have taken $5 million out of Iowa’s general fund – which exceeds $6 billion – for the Veterans Trust Fund. The measure failed on a 51 to 45 vote.

Democrats instead favored the creation of a new lottery game to fund the program.

The bill, House File 2359, establishes a new series of lottery games to fund the Veterans Trust Fund – which assists low-income Iowa veterans, spouses and their dependents with travel for wounded veterans, job training or college tuition assistance, and certain health care services.

With this bill, the Iowa Lottery would offer one $1 scratch game and one $2 dollar scratch game, as well as one 25-cent and one 50-cent pull-tab game, with post-overhead and marketing expenses going to the Veterans Trust Fund.

The amendment, H-8045, would have allocated $5 million of the state’s $6 billion budget for the Veterans Trust Fund.

Our veterans deserve a sound, reliable funding stream rather than pull-tabs.

Watch Chairman Iverson on “The Insiders”

Those of you in the WHO-TV Channel 13 viewing area will have the opportunity to watch Chairman Iverson take on the Iowa Democratic Party Chair this Sunday, March 9, at 9:30 a.m. Be sure to tune in!

Keep Your Party Strong

Our efforts are in full gear at the Republican Party of Iowa. But we need your help. Please make sure we can fully fund our efforts in November by donating here.

Iowa Senate Republicans Say Smoking Ban Could Impact State Revenues

2008-03-02T15:24:00.003-06:00

News From RPI Chairman Stewart Iverson

2008-03-01T21:37:00.001-06:00

The following was sent in an e-mail recently by Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Stewart Iverson:

Getting Down to Business

Floor debate in the Iowa House had an interesting turn this week, when House Democrats admitted that without a tax increase on Iowa businesses, they will be unable to balance the state budget this session.

Prompting the comment was an amendment put forth by House Republicans that would have mirrored the federal economic stimulus package by allowing an accelerated write-off for businesses for certain assets they own, called bonus depreciation.

The Democrats defeated this amendment on a partisan vote, 53 to 47, with every single Democrat casting a vote against the bill.

This was a great opportunity to stand up for hometown Iowa businesses, who will be hit with a tax increase of up to $30 million. The reason the Democrats gave for voting down the amendment, as stated above, is that the additional revenue generated through the tax increase was needed to help them balance their budget.

This is a sad statement – when state revenues are coming in at record levels – that Democrats need to raise taxes just to balance the budget.

Recently, the Legislature gave Microsoft a big tax break to land a server farm in central Iowa. Tax incentives are an effective way to lure new businesses to the state. Shouldn’t our hard-working, existing businesses in Iowa be offered some tax relief as well?

The Democrats, with their runaway spending, don’t think so.

The Heritage Foundation had this to say about bonus depreciation:

“The best part of the agreement is tax cuts for businesses. "Bonus depreciation," which allows companies to rapidly deduct qualified investment from their tax liability, makes new investment opportunities more profitable and attractive. This provision would increase business investment, which would create jobs and strengthen the economy.”

Republicans will continue to offer real tax relief to stimulate the economy and help Iowa’s businesses.

Stewart Iverson

Chairman, The Republican Party of Iowa

Iowa House Minority Leader Chris Rants Weekly Update

2008-02-29T20:16:00.001-06:00

RPI Announces New Executive Director, Communications Director

2008-02-28T22:57:00.004-06:00

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Contact: Stewart Iverson

515-321-5720

Iverson Announces New Republican Party of Iowa Executive Director

Des Moines – Republican Party of Iowa Chair Stewart Iverson named Caleb Hunter to serve as Executive Director of the Republican Party of Iowa and oversee the day-to-day operations of the Party.

Hunter served as Political Director of the Republican Party of Iowa from 2005-2006 and most recently worked at Lincoln Strategies Group, a West Des Moines Public Relations Firm. He previously worked for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey and the Republican Party of Iowa’s Victory Campaign in 2004. Hunter is originally from Jesup, IA and is a 2001 graduate of the University of Iowa.

“I have worked with Caleb before and I am confident we have selected the right person to guide the Party through the remainder of the election cycle and continue to build the Party towards success in 2008,” stated Iverson.

Albrecht named as RPI communications director

(DES MOINES) – The Republican Party of Iowa announced today that Tim Albrecht will serve as communications director for the 2008 cycle.

Albrecht, 30, says 2008 will be a positive year for Republicans.

“From races for the Statehouse to the White House, Republicans have a big opportunity this year,” said Albrecht. “The Republican Party of Iowa is putting together a strong slate of candidates and staff, and we will be successful in November.”

Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Stewart Iverson, who yesterday announced that Caleb Hunter will be the party’s new executive director, says Albrecht is another great addition to the team.

“Tim is a tested, proven communications director, and I look forward to working with him as we focus on the fall campaigns,” said Iverson. “He brings a wealth of experience and will be instrumental as we share our conservative message to the voters of Iowa.”

Albrecht, of West Des Moines and originally from Ida Grove, most recently served as Iowa press secretary and national media coordinator for Gov. Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign. From 2002-2006, he was communications director for Iowa House Speaker Christopher Rants, R-Sioux City. Previous campaign experience includes Steve Sukup’s run for governor in 2002, and the presidential campaign of Steve Forbes in 1999-2000.

###

Iowa House Republicans Discuss Property Rights

2008-02-25T22:02:00.004-06:00

Part 1:

Part 2:

RNC Celebrates 152nd Anniversary

2008-02-25T20:27:00.002-06:00

Republicans from many state parties held their first national organizational meeting in Pittsburgh on February 22, 1856. Presiding over this preliminary session was former U.S. Senator Lawrence Brainerd (VT), a resolute anti-slavery activist.

The next day, delegates chose the first Republican National Committee. New York's Republican state Chairman, Edwin Morgan, was then elected the first Chairman of the RNC. He had the immense responsibility of organizing the first Republican National Convention, to be held just four months later in Philadelphia. Morgan would be elected Governor of New York and U.S. Senator.

So, today is the 152nd anniversary of the RNC. Two years ago, it would have been a phenomenal opportunity for the Republican National Committee to celebrate its 150th anniversary, to kick off the mid-term election campaign season on a unifying and positive note. Alas, this magnificent party-building and fundraising and outreach opportunity just slipped away! Nonetheless, today we honor -- or should honor -- the patriots, the heroes, the visionaries who gave us our Grand Old Party.

Republicans today would benefit tremendously from appreciating the true heritage of our Grand Old Party.

This Republican heritage article is available on the Grand Old Partisan blog -- http://grandoldpartisan.typepad.com -- each day celebrating 154 years of Republican heroes and heroics.

Michael Zak is a popular speaker to Republican organizations around the country, showing office- holders, candidates and activists how they would benefit tremendously from appreciating our Party's heritage of civil rights achievement. Back to Basics for the Republican Party is the acclaimed history of the GOP from the Republican point of view. See www.republicanbasics.com for more information.

email: grand_old_partisan@hotmail.com

website: http://www.republicanbasics.com

Rants Weighs In On Proposal to use SILO tax revenue for Teacher Raises

2008-02-23T00:19:00.002-06:00

Call To Convention

2008-02-19T18:38:00.002-06:00

Call to County Convention

The Jackson County Convention will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. in the City of Maquoketa at the Maquoketa High School Cafeteria, 600 Washington St.

The County Convention will conduct the following business:

A. Elect District Convention Committee Members (one each for Platform, Rules, Permanent Organization and Credentials).

B. Elect 15 delegates and 8 alternate delegates to the District and State Conventions.

C. Create a County Platform.

IMPORTANT: If you wish to serve as a delegate or alternate delegate to the District and State Conventions, or wish to serve on one of the four District Convention Committees inform Jackson County Republican Central Committee Chair Jean Davidsaver by March 6—call 563-872-3705 or email jeandavidsaver@hotmail.com. Ballots will be prepared for voting at our county convention. There will be a place on the ballot for write-ins or people who are nominated at the county convention.

Delegates to the District and State Conventions are charged a fee of $40 each, payable at the County Convention. Alternate delegates are not charged a fee. Delegates and alternates may sign up for an optional $20 luncheon at the state convention.

The District Convention is Saturday, April 19, starting at the Grand River Center in Dubuque. The District Presidential Caucus meets in Des Moines on Friday, June 13. The State Convention meets at Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines on Saturday, June 14.

From the Desk of RPI Chairman Stewart Iverson

2008-02-15T18:26:00.008-06:00

The following is a message from Stewart Iverson:

"Thank you for your comments from last week’s email. I certainly caused a stir when I used the term Big Tent. Many assumed that my thoughts meant we will let anyone in the door and do whatever they wanted regardless of what we, the majority, desired. This is not the case. I invite everyone to come in and have discussions. We cannot get our point across about limited government and fiscal responsibility if we don’t talk to people. So in other words, we can bring people into our Party while maintaining our core principles.

We can work with many people and point out what makes us unique, not by pandering but by having discussions. Each of us can learn by listening to others but sticking to our principles of limited government and fiscal responsibility. Did you realize that the state legislature led by Governor Culver and the Democrats spent or committed a billion dollars more than the previous budget? The Democrats spent more in two years than the eight years under Governor Vilsack’s leadership. They can get by this year but after the November election, there will have to be a very large tax increase. We must stop this now if we have any desire to improve our future in our great state.

The Democrats want the government to care for us from cradle to the grave. Where is our personal responsibility in all of this? They feel the government is better able to care for us than we are. We must stand up for ourselves. We can care for ourselves.

Are you willing to stand up and fight for our own independence? I am."

A Message From RPI Chairman Stewart Iverson

2008-02-09T13:53:00.000-06:00

From the Desk of Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Stewart Iverson

As some of you know, I recently took the reigns of the Republican Party of Iowa. When this opportunity came before me, it was a no-brainer because I love, respect, care for and am honored to be a part of the Republican Party. For these reasons, I knew I had to step up to the plate because in this next year, the Republican Party will witness one of the most defining, critical and telling years of our time.

Over time, the Republican Party has evolved. It has evolved for the better as we have truly become a “Big Tent Party.” People within the Party are Republicans for many different reasons. Some are more concerned with the business climate. Some are passionate about a quality school system. Some care deeply about their faith and family. Some are worried about the economy. But regardless of all of our insignificant differences, we ultimately are all Republicans for the same fundamental reasons that lie in our core principles.

We need to bear in mind why we have been Republicans from day one. We are Republicans because we chose the Party that stands for limited government and lower taxes, the Party of personal responsibility and fiscal responsibility, the Party of opportunity and not dependence.

I want to make all Republicans feel wanted, welcomed and appreciated. More importantly, I want the Party to bring these core principles back to the forefront of our conservatism, while at the same time embracing all of the other ideas, issues and beliefs that have become a crucial part of our identity. As Chairman, I will bring all Republicans into our big tent and we will unite to ensure Iowa remains red in November and so will the White House.

To hear Chairman Stew Iverson, tune into Jan Mickelson on WHO 1040 at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 14.

Rants Asks Iowa Democrats to Focus on Property Taxes

2008-01-27T21:45:00.001-06:00

Iowa House Minority Leader Christopher Rants Urging House Democrats to Focus on skyrocketing property taxes in Iowa:

1st District Republican Women To Host Candidate School

2008-01-27T11:14:00.000-06:00

Candidates, campaign volunteers, and county central committee members are invited to attend a Candidate School hosted by the 1^st District Republican Women Saturday, March 15^th. It is scheduled for 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Midway Hotel in Dubuque. Cost is $25 per person, including lunch.

This event is designed to assist Republican candidates for office, including nonpartisan races. Municipal, school board, township, county and state candidates will all find this workshop a valuable tool for an election campaign.

Among the topics are:

Candidate Image
Media Relations
Organizational Requirements
Fundraising
Youth Involvement
Voter Vault
Get Out the Vote

Please contact Jean Davidsaver at 563-872-3705 or jeandavidsaver@hotmail.com if you wish to attend this event.