Archive for the 'Vander Plaats, Bob' Category

IA-Gov: Final push

Published by
Chris Woods
November 5, 2006 in 2006 Elections, 2006 Governor's Race, Culver, Chet, Democrats, Harkin, Tom, IA-02, Iowa Legislature, Iowa politics, Judge, Patty, Nussle, Jim, Republicans, Vander Plaats, Bob, Vilsack, Tom and Voting. 0 Comments

As I write this, both Chet Culver and Jim Nussle — as well as their entourages — are still out on the stump, cris-crossing the state pushing for victory. The Culver-Obama-Vilsack-Harkin-Loebsack rally is about to begin in Iowa City, hopefully motivating hundreds if not thousands to turn out on Tuesday and push Culver and Loebsack over the threshold and bring victory to the 2nd CD. We’re in the final push. Shortly, we’ll be less than 48 hours from the polls closing on election day and then we’ll have lots of anxious waiting to do, and then some victories to celebrate. This Register story from this morning notes the arduous campaigning that is going on right now and both Culver and Nussle give the final nudge towards their base and those in communities across Iowa to get out, volunteer, be visible, and vote on Election Day.

What about Culver and Nussle personally? If you’re looking beyond the issues, look at the people behind them. Read this story for information on faith and values for both Culver and Nussle. Read this story about the two women who could be the next First Lady of Iowa. What was college like for both candidates? Read about that here.

Kay Henderson spent a day campaigning and travelling with each of the candidates. Her adventures are written about here and are quite interesting. Seems like across the state no matter what you hear is that Culver is getting folks to turn out and hearing the good news.

We’re in the final push — we’ve gotta win this thing. No more sleeping or resting. We’ve got to work hard, turn out the vote, and talk about the issues. It isn’t just about polls. It is about leadership. Culver has the plans and has the information — he’s got the ideas and knows how to pay for them. Just look at the Culver website for details on the issues: renewable energy focus, “Silicon Valley of the midwest,” raising the cigarette tax, expanding Hawk-i for thousands of uninsured Iowa kids, supplemental prescription support for seniors who fall into the doughnut hole, and a commission to look at tax reform. Raising the minimum wage to help 257,000 Iowans. Helping all Iowans achieve the greatness that is possible in this state.

Chet Culver and the Democratic Party are your tool to achieve Iowa’s potential and to make government work for you. On November 7th, I respectfully ask you to vote Democrat.

And PS, if you want to follow the events in Iowa City, make sure to check in frequently with John Deeth.

IA-Gov: Culver and the rainforest

Published by
Chris Woods
October 31, 2006 in 2006 Governor's Race, Culver, Chet, Democrats, Iowa politics, Judge, Patty, Nussle, Jim, Republicans, TV, Vander Plaats, Bob and Yepsen, David. 0 Comments

Today, David Yepsen writes a five-piece column — either because there are too many things to talk about before Election Day or that he is just being lazy — and his first highlight is attacking Chet Culver and Patty Judge on their Iowa Rainforest ad. I’m sorry, but if even State 29 likes the ad then there has to be some kind of appealing quality to it even if we don’t understand the style or State 29.

I think State 29 is on the point when he writes:

“Listen, Yepsen, you’re not fooling anybody. The Register is in bed with the Omans and Bob Ray can do no wrong. Your newspaper has rarely been objective about the rainforest scam, especially in recent years. A reporter is always around whenever David Oman has a press conference, but there’s never any critical analysis by your army of opinion columnists.”

‘In bed’ might be a bit strong of a phrase, but there has been limited highlights of criticism by the reporting staff or the opinion page. Oh, and if State really believes that the Register is in bed with David Oman and Bob Ray, then I had better never hear him call the paper some kind of liberal rag, because both are quite the popular and influential Republicans.

The fact is, you can’t sell Iowa to tourists and others with something that is uniquely un-Iowa, in this case, a rainforest. It is a waste of federal tax dollars to try to improve tourism in Iowa by building this thing. Why not indulge in building on what Iowa already has that we can sell and attract people to our state?

Listen, Culver is right on the money by criticizing the rainforest. Who honestly thinks it is a good idea to spend at least $50 million on a rainforest here in Iowa? I want to build on this state as much as Yepsen does, but a rainforest is a waste.

Yepsen’s other criticism is that the ad doesn’t look professional or gubernatorial. Yepsen doesn’t get what the people are looking for. Culver took one out of Fallon’s playbook, to some extent, by making this ad different and adding humor to it. It stands out from the typical attack or comparison ads — not to mention it incorporates Patty Judge as a running mate, which is more than the Nussle campaign has done with BVP, who they are right to control because when he speaks he says dumb things like intelligent design is good in schools.

Iowa Politics Round-Up

Published by
Chris Woods
October 30, 2006 in 2006 Elections, 2006 Governor's Race, Boswell, Leonard, Congress, Culver, Chet, Democrats, Des Moines, Drake University, IA-01, IA-02, IA-03, IA-04, IA-05, Iowa politics, Judge, Patty, Lamberti, Jeff, Media, Mohamed, Sal, Radical Right, Republicans, Stem Cells, TV, Vander Plaats, Bob, Vilsack, Tom and Voting. 3 Comments

I’ve been gone for a few days because of midterms and planning for events on campus. I should be back in full-force until election day next week, when my plan is to volunteer a lot, and then get around town to gauge turnout and expectations. This is going to be a massive post with a lot of links. Please click-through to what you can.

Iowa Governor’s Race

  • First, here’s the new ad from the Culver Campaign. It features current governor Tom Vilsack:

    It is a great ad. Some may not like it because of Vilsack, but he is what is needed in the ad. Vilsack has worked hard for this campaign, he needs Culver as a legacy, and Democrats in Iowa support Culver’s vision which will ad to the progress of Vilsack’s last eight years. We are officially 8 days out. Keep up the hard work on your end as well.
  • And here is the ad that appeared several days ago with regards to the Iowa Porkforest. State 29 liked it and Dave Price of WHO has Nussle’s response radio ad here — it isn’t a good sign when they can’t compete on the air and go for radio instead.
  • As I’m sure you’re well-aware, the Register endorsed Culver yesterday as well. You can read that endorsement here, with thoughts from John Deeth and Common Iowan.
  • Culver has also received the endorsements of the Mason City Globe-Gazette, the Quad-City Times, and the Iowa City Press-Citizen.
  • Nussle’s running-mate Bob Vander Plaats is a fan of teaching intelligent design (read: creationism) in schools. Just an example of what a Nussle administration would bring to Iowa: a disdain towards science.
  • Jimmy the Hustler put in his two-weeks notice. We’ll be sad to see him go. And yet happy at the same time.
  • Michael J. Fox drew 1,000 people to Drake’s Olmsted Center — quite possibly the biggest turnout for an event there ever. The Register’s first write-up of the event is here. You can also watch Flash-based video of Fox’s speech from that page. Make sure to watch it.

IA-01, 02, 03, 04, and 05

  • The Register endorsed Bruce Braley, Selden Spencer, and Joyce Schulte as the challengers in their races, along with incumbent Congressman Leonard Boswell. Unfortunately they did not endorse Dave Loebsack. Common Iowan and John Deeth rightfully take the Register to task for their endorsement of Leach. At least they admitted they were wrong in endorsing Steve King in 2002 and 2004.
  • Selden Spencer and Tom Latham debated last week and Spencer made some campaign stops. Common Iowan has some thoughts here.
  • More on Selden Spencer: He’s up on TV now — go see his ad here.
  • Here in Central Iowa, President Bush campaigned for Jeff Lamberti by calling him Dave. You can see video here. The conventional wisdom coming from the folks there was that Bush slipped up because it happened right Bush talked about Dave Vaudt. Not according to Kay Henderson. Iowa Progress has some fun here too.
  • That’s all I’ve got for now, but I’m sure I’ve got more odds and ends that I forgot to add to this post, so expect to see them later.

Iowa Statewide Races (Ag and SoS)

  • Michael Mauro is up on the air with his first campaign ad — you can watch it here. I’ll try to get it on YouTube in a bit.
  • Denise O’Brien is also up on the air, this time with a second advertisement on local control. You can view it below:

    Local control is an important part of this race — Denise O’Brien is the candidate to support in this race because of that one issue, not to mention she is the candidate of the future, not the status quo.
  • Speaking of O’Brien, Common Iowan saw her at a campaign stop over the weekend. Read his thoughts here.
  • In the Secretary of State race, Michael Mauro got the Register’s endorsment. You can read John Deeth’s thoughts here, including the part where he boils the race down to one real simple point.
  • Denise and Mike both got the endorsement of the Storm Lake Times as well. There is some harsh criticism of Northey that’s worth noting here:

    ” We support Denise O’Brien for the job, based on that stupid and dishonest ad.

    […]We don’t know what Northey means by Iowa values, but by our definition he lacks them. Chief among Iowa values is honesty. The sort of dishonesty Northey displayed in that ad disqualifies him from state office. He knows better.

    Vote for O’Brien, and put a stop to the sort of rubbish put out by the likes of Northey.”

    Ouch. And in the Republican bastion of Northwest Iowa.

And I think that is about it for now. That took forever to put together and I’m sure I’ll have more reports soon. Damn, it is going to be a long 8 days.

2006 JJ: New Iowa Poll puts Culver up 46 to Nussle’s 39!

Published by
Chris Woods
October 14, 2006 in 2006 Elections, 2006 Governor's Race, 2006 Jefferson Jackson Dinner, Culver, Chet, Democrats, Iowa politics, Judge, Patty, Nussle, Jim, Polls and Vander Plaats, Bob. 3 Comments

An exclusive I just received. Tomorrow’s Iowa Poll to be released by the Des Moines Register puts Chet Culver up 7 points over challenger Jim Nussle.

And Tom Vilsack just announced it to a highly enthusiastic crowd!

IA-Lt. Gov: Interesting question

Published by
Chris Woods
October 10, 2006 in 2006 Governor's Race, Democrats, Iowa politics, Judge, Patty, Republicans and Vander Plaats, Bob. 0 Comments

Over at Kyle’s blog, there is an interestting question that I think would be worthy of a lot of discussion: What should a lieutenant governor do? It was prompted from a David Yepsen blog post and some of the comments Jim Nussle made. I think there are a lot of serious issues that’d be worth talking about — and I’d like to hear some thoughts from folks who might be interested in amending the state constitution to give the lt. gov. more defined power. So, go head over and leave your thoughts; I already have.

IA-Gov: Cover up? I think Vander Plaats has lost it

Published by
Chris Woods
August 18, 2006 in 2006 Governor's Race, CIETC Scandal, Culver, Chet, Democrats, Iowa politics, Judge, Patty, Nussle, Jim, Republicans and Vander Plaats, Bob. 6 Comments

This story from Radio Iowa just blew my mind. Honestly, I mean, many of us on the Democratic sides of things know just how out there in his conservatism Bob Vander Plaats is, but I didn’t know he wore tin-foil conspiracy hats as well.

“The Republican candidates for governor and lieutenant governor are accusing Democratic rival Chet Culver of being part of a “cover-up” of the scandal at a central Iowa job training agency. G-O-P lieutenant governor candidate Bob Vander Plaats (PLAHTZ) says there’s a lack of “integrity” among Democrats on the controversy surrounding the Central Iowa Employment and Training Consortium where three top managers were paid lavish salaries and bonuses. “Our opponent supports the cover up and the secrecy and the greed of the current administration and what we’re watching down in Des Moines today,” Vander Plaats says.”

Yeah, Culver supports a cover-up my ass. Chet Cuvler was the first statewide Democratic official to call for Archie Brooks to step down and he released a comprehensive plan for ethical and accountable government — something which he will guarantee should he be chosen as Governor in November.

BVP and Jim Nussle continue to mislead Iowans on the important issues of the day. Chet Culver has a comprehensive plan as governor and will work hard to follow it. Instead of throwing out vague ideas and promises, Culver has an agenda with accomplishable goals. Don’t let the hype and fear-mongering of the Republican gubernatorial ticket get to you — on November 7th, vote Chet and Patty!

IA-Gov: Debate negotiations enter final stages

Published by
Chris Woods
August 9, 2006 in 2006 Governor's Race, Culver, Chet, Debates, Democrats, Iowa politics, Judge, Patty, Nussle, Jim, Republicans and Vander Plaats, Bob. 5 Comments

UPDATE: Krusty outlines his debate proposal here — 6 total debates (5 with the gov. candidates and 1 with the lt. gov. candidates). It isn’t bad on face, I’m just curious to know if he thinks five debates are really needed for the gubernatorial candidates, particularly since the IPTV debate is broadcast statewide and picked up by all public television stations. I think the statewide coverage of that debate — and the massive press coverage it will get — will undoubtedly get wide viewership and reviews in all the major media markets.
- - - - - - - - - -
Earlier today Jim Nussle released a statement and text of a letter he sent to Culver today challenging him to 8 debates throughout the state. Culver’s campaign responded by appointing a campaign representative to negotiate the number and location for the debates, with the intent and desire for five total debates — three between the gubernatorial candidates and two between the Lieutenant governor candidates — one located in each district of the state. Jim Larew, an Iowa City lawyer (and great guy), has been appointed the representative to negotiate with a representative of the Nussle campaign.

Below is the full text of a letter sent to Jim Nussle and his campaign today:

“Dear Congressman Nussle,

I write to accept your offer to participate in a series of one-on-one debates as part of the campaign for Governor. I look forward to giving Iowans the opportunity to see the clear choices in this election. I also am excited about the chance to share the details of my Plan to Lead Iowa Forward.

In order for us to arrive at a joint schedule I propose the following:

  • I propose we hold five public debates – three between the candidates for Governor and two between the candidates for Lieutenant Governor;
  • You have suggested a list which includes five Eastern Iowa sites. Iowans who live in rural areas, particularly in Western Iowa, too often feel left out of the policy debate as well as the governing process. I suggest regional balance with one debate being conducted in each congressional district;
  • Your proposal does not include a debate featuring the candidates for Lieutenant Governor. I look forward to showcasing the leadership abilities of Patty Judge, the first woman Secretary of Agriculture in Iowa and the only woman on either ticket in this race. I am proud to have her on my team. I therefore propose two debates between the candidates for Lieutenant Governor.
  • Iowans expect substance from their leaders, and I hope you will join me in making substantive positions on issues the central focus of these debates. Iowans are concerned about the quality of our schools, access to quality, affordable heath insurance and the best ways to create good jobs at good wages. The debates should focus on issues, which will allow us to discuss our plans in detail.

Obviously there are a number of choices to be made here if we are to achieve our joint goal of holding a series of one-on-one debates. To that end I am appointing James Larew as a representative of the Culver-Judge campaign for purposes of debate preparations. Jim may be reached at 319-337-7079 or by mail at: Larew Law Office 504 E Bloomington St., Iowa City, IA 52245.

My hope is that you will appoint a representative as soon as possible following your receipt of this correspondence. I also propose a meeting between the two representatives no later than August 30, 2006. I am excited for work to begin on what I expect to be an exciting and informative exchange of ideas about Iowa’s future.

Very truly yours,
Chet Culver”

The geographic and CD balance seems like a good idea to me, as does including the lt. gov. candidates. Your thoughts?

Standing my ground

Published by
Chris Woods
March 1, 2006 in 2006 Governor's Race, Blouin, Mike, Culver, Chet, Democrats, Fallon, Ed, Iowa politics, Judge, Patty, Nussle, Jim, Republicans and Vander Plaats, Bob. 7 Comments

I’m beginning to get a lot of criticism for my posts about Andrea McGuire’s contributions. The biggest complaint that I see and that I’ve heard is that I’ve gone overboard with and simply gone too far. I don’t know how you measure these things, but I’m pretty sure what I’ve done is entirely reasonable and isn’t going to shake the foundation of Iowa Democratic politics. I’m a blogger and a Democrat first and foremost. Andrea McGuire is about to be announced as a Democrat on Mike Blouin’s ticket and folks are going to try and portray her as the liberal and progressive alternative to Blouin. Her party affiliation and contribution records simply don’t show that. Is this the kind of Democratic ticket Iowa deserves?

Look, I’m not trying to be a hack or a mud-flinger. Hell, it is really disappointing to me that I have to defend myself against accusations of certain improprieties like that. Maybe I do need to reconsider some of the things I write on this blog, but I shouldn’t have to tone down things I find important because certain people don’t like them or because I’m not doing something right in someone else’s eyes. I’ve probably pissed off a lot of people lately because I do support Chet — especially Democratic insiders here in Iowa. But sometimes you’ve got to buck establishment and stand your ground. I’m going to do that. Charlie Wishman felt the establishment rath and I don’t want to end up like him. I enjoyed his blog immensely and now because he didn’t say the right things, it can be used against him and his family. That’s just wrong.

Pointing out the contributions that Andrea McGuire is linked to is important in this primary race. She isn’t the liberal alternative to Mike Blouin. This race needs to be about Democratic values and visions, and particularly about passion for Democratic politics. I can’t be the judge about where Blouin-McGuire stand on the passion issue; only those that really know them can comment on that. But it seems pretty clear to me from her contributions and registration that she isn’t this left-wing savior for Blouin’s ticket. And that definitely seemed to be what they were going for. Candidates like Chet Culver and Ed Fallon have a Democratic vision and values — they might be different at some levels, but fundamentally they’re progressive. Mike Blouin has argued against union benefitting PLAs, gone on record to say that we don’t need a minimum wage hike only to change his mind, and the details of what he would do when it comes to a woman’s right to choose is sketchy at best.

And it isn’t that she just swtiched parties to vote in primaries, like the Register writes this morning. She contributed large amounts to the Republican Party of Iowa and to federal and local level Republicans running for office. Party loyalty wasn’t something that appeared from her contributions. She monetarily supported David Oman’s Republican primary bid for governor in 1998, then decided she could contributed to Vilsack in 2002. Switching party registration to screw with Republican primaries is one thing, but adding monetary support creates a new dynamic that shows actual support for a Republican candidate. The politics and the strategy of the decision are the most mind-boggling aspects of the decision to me. Mike Blouin can’t pick off Republicans and other conservatives from Jim Nussle and Bob Vander Plaats. He needed to pick up liberal activists on choice issues and needed to grab the Democrats left that he could. I honestly don’t see how Andy McGuire adds that assistance to the ticket. That is what is confounding.

I finally got my copy of Crashing the Gate by Jerome Armstrong and Markos Moulitsas Zuniga yesterday. I’m going to take the afternoon off, read a bit of that, and work on a project. While I’m gone, I’d love to hear your comments, thoughts, criticisms, suggestions, and anything else you may have to say (so long as it isn’t the obnoxious amounts of spam comments I’ve been having to moderate lately). Just please keep it civil and a bit polite.

Iowa doesn’t have term limits and other ‘Duh’ moments

Published by
Chris Woods
February 24, 2006 in 2006 Elections, 2006 Governor's Race, 2008 Elections, Culver, Chet, Democrats, Iowa politics, Media, Nussle, Jim, Republicans, Vander Plaats, Bob and Vilsack, Tom. 3 Comments

Maybe they can blame this error on the Cox News Service reporters from Washington who evidently don’t know what they’re talking about:

“However, one of the best pick-up opportunities for the GOP this year is Iowa, where Democratic incumbent Tom Vilsak is barred from seeking a third term. Republican congressman Jim Nussle and businessman Bob Vander Plaats have decided to run as a ticket rather than compete against each other for the gubernatorial nomination. Nussle believes it will focus party attention up and down the ticket. Nussle, though, polls neck-and-neck with Democrat Chet Culver, the current secretary of state, but well ahead of the other Democrats in the race.”

This is what happens when political reporters in DC only read things like the Cook Political Report (not a bad source of information, just an insulated one). Vilsack isn’t barred from running again because of term limits — Iowa doesn’t have them. He has chosen not to run again so he can run in 2008, even if he says he’s not. If these guys new anything about political reporting or doing a bit of research, they’d note that Former Governor Terry Branstead served 16 years as Iowa’s governor. That’s four consecutive terms of Republican rule in Iowa.

And while Nussle and Vader Plaats created a united ticket, why not mention that Culver has a running mate if you’re going to mention him at all? I’d also like to point out that Chet doesn’t have a lead placing him “well ahead” of other Democrats in the race, but I wish he did.

It’s a decent story overall about the nature of the 2006 races across the country for both parties, but for God’s sake, try to get your reporting straight. So many errors or obfuscated information in one paragraph isn’t a sign of good reporting.

IA-Gov: “The ultraconservative wing of the Republican Party is very happy”

Published by
Chris Woods
February 23, 2006 in 2006 Governor's Race, Democrats, Iowa politics, Nussle, Jim, Radical Right, Republicans and Vander Plaats, Bob. 0 Comments

Highlighting the money quote from today’s Register story on the Nussle-Vander Plaats announcement:

“”It was a huge surprise. It took me a good 24 hours, but I now believe they have united the Republican Party in Iowa,’ said De Byerly , a Mason City Republican and top adviser to Vander Plaats. ‘The ultraconservative wing of the Republican Party is very happy, because we have two men with the same beliefs on the ticket.”"

Charlie makes mention of this here, as does Drew.

And Des Moines Democrat has some good words of advice for the Dems:

“Note to Democratic nominee: run this quote on billboards, TV, park benches, write it in the sky, do what it takes to show there is no moderation or sensibility in this ticket.”

Another ‘word’ moment for me.

IA-Gov: Nussle announcement tomorrow at 10:15, Embassy Suites in Des Moines

Published by
Chris Woods
February 21, 2006 in 2006 Governor's Race, Iowa politics, Nussle, Jim, Republicans and Vander Plaats, Bob. 0 Comments

From a Jim Nussle Media Advisory:

“DES MOINES, IA - Jim Nussle will make a major campaign announcement at press conferences across the state on Wednesday, February 22nd. Nussle will be joined by his wife, Karen, as well as supporters at stops in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport and Sioux City.

Des Moines

WHEN: 10:15 AM

WHERE: Embassy Suites - Salon A/B
101 East Locust”

You can find the other locations and times here. The Nussle-Vander Plaats ticket announcement will stop in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City.

Watch out — the Destructive Duo is on the prowl.

IA-Gov: Confirmed — VP to drop out and join Nussle

Published by
Chris Woods
February 20, 2006 in 2006 Governor's Race, Iowa politics, Nussle, Jim, Radical Right, Republicans and Vander Plaats, Bob. 1 Comment

Just out about an hour ago from Radio Iowa:

“Sources say another candidate for governor is dropping out of the race. This time it’s a Republican.

Bob Vander Plaats will endorse Republican rival Jim Nussle, and Nussle will in turn make Vander Plaats his Lieutenant Governor/runningmate according to sources who spoke with Radio Iowa.

Last week, Democrat Patty Judge ended her campaign for governor, endorsed rival Chet Culver and Culver promised to make her his runningmate.

Vander Plaats, who’s from Sioux City, ran for governor in 2002, losing in the GOP primary to Doug Gross. Vander Plaats is a former high school teacher, coach and administrator who is now a business consultant after serving as the executive director of a day care center for disabled children.”

Looks like Bacon got it right.

The Register’s story went up about 15 minutes ago.

Remember — you read it at Who’s Makin’ Bacon? first. It’s his exclusive and he had it last Thursday.

IA-Gov: Latest on Nussle-Vander Plaats ticket announcement

Published by
Chris Woods
February 19, 2006 in 2006 Governor's Race, Iowa politics, Republicans and Vander Plaats, Bob. 0 Comments

From Bacon:

“OK, here’s the latest I’ve heard from inside the bowels of the Nussle/VP headquarters. The official announcement will come Wednesday, with the biggest dog-and-pony show occuring at the state capitol. All of Bob’s heavy hitters — Steve Sukup, Bernie Saggau, Dick Johnson, and a cabel of heavy hitters from western Iowa — are being encouraged to attend the Des Moines event to show their support.”

Bernie Saggau’s a great guy, especially in the history of state high school athletics, but goddamnit, why are you a VP guy? Anyway, that’s the latest details. Stay tuned for more info about Wednesday’s announcement. Again, if you’re a member of the press, send me the media advisory/press release as soon as you can get it.

IA-Gov: Nussle and VP the Destructive Duo?

Published by
Chris Woods
February 18, 2006 in 2006 Governor's Race, Iowa politics, Nussle, Jim, Radical Right, Republicans and Vander Plaats, Bob. 0 Comments

Des Moines Democrat has an insightful post on the potential of a Nussle-Vander Plaats ticket and the dangers they pose should Democrats fail to hold onto the governorship of this great state:

“While Nussle and VP have worked to out-conservative each other over the last few months, I think that they will both mesh well. This is a ticket to be feared, two strong conservatives vying to tear down the progress of the Vilsack Administration. If Nussle gets in and continues to be ambitious (running for the White House after a few terms), we still have a Vander Plaats ready to take the reigns in the Governor’s office.

More will come on this possible ticket in the coming weeks and it’s not something to be taken lightly.”

As they say, go read it all.

There is a reason why we need a strong Democratic candidate to emerge from June and trounce the crazy budgeteer that is Jim Nussle and his soon-to-be-pal and resident wingnut Bob Vander Plaats. The stakes are high. Democrats have got to unite after whatever happens in June. I’m ready — are you?

IA-Gov: Vander Plaats meeting with folks to announce decision to join Nussle ticket

Published by
Chris Woods
February 17, 2006 in 2006 Governor's Race, Iowa politics, Nussle, Jim, Republicans and Vander Plaats, Bob. 0 Comments

The most recent update from Bacon:

“Vander Plaats is spending part of today with his so-called leadership team and council of advisors to announce his decision to them and is going to hold a series of press conferences with Nussle mid-week. Like the Culver-Judge event, an event will be held at midday, probably Wednesday, in Des Moines. An event will also be held in northwest Iowa, Vander Plaats stomping grounds, but possibly later in the week.”

I’m giving Bacon a lot of credit for his prognosticating, I sure hope he doesn’t let me down. I don’t have any ears inside the Nussle or VP camp, so I can’t confirm any of this beyond rumors I’m hearing from other folks as well.

If you’re a member of the press or any kind of media and get some kind of media advisory or notice about something with one of the two campaigns next weekend, please leave a comment below or on the contact page to let me know. I’m thinking they’ll be doing something at the Capitol again, especially considering VP announced his plans to run from the Capitol.

Stay tuned for more details over at Bacon’s site — he’s the one with the inside eyes and ears.

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