Archive of ‘Press Release’ posts

Statement in Celebration of Labor Day

Monday, September 6th, 2010

DES MOINES – Iowa Democratic Party Chairwoman Sue Dvorsky released the following statement today in celebration of the Labor Day holiday:

“Today we celebrate the commitment and strength of working men and women across Iowa and the nation. Americans, who have always felt the satisfaction that comes from hard work, continue to advance, create, and achieve unlike any other nation.

“This is also a moment of reflection, as we honor those who have worked to protect future generations. Leaders in the labor movement have fought tirelessly to ensure fair wages, safety in the workplace, access to health care, and countless other reforms that have secured the dignity and respect that every employee deserves. Today the men and women of organized labor continue to be the backbone of the American workforce and fight to protect these rights that have made the American economy a global leader.

“In Iowa our commitment to organized labor could not be stronger. As we take today to celebrate and honor our union brothers and sisters we renew our commitment to stand beside them and protect working families across the state.”

Democrats across the state are participating in Labor Day parades, picnics and other events. Chairwoman Dvorsky will be attending the Hawkeye Federation of Labor picnic with Governor Culver in Cedar Rapids and the Iowa City Federation of Labor picnic in Iowa City.

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New Web Ad Highlights Brad Zaun’s “Experience”

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

DES MOINES - The Iowa Democratic Party today released a Web ad showing Brad Zaun’s real “experience” in political office. In April 2001, while he was the mayor of Urbandale, Zaun was told by police to stay away from his ex-girlfriend; after showing up at her house, pounding on the door, and calling her names.

“Brad Zaun’s record speaks for itself. This type of behavior isn’t acceptable from any elected official or candidate for public office,” said Iowa Democratic Party Executive Director Norm Sterzenbach. “We’re releasing this Web ad because voters in the 3rd Congressional District deserve to know Brad Zaun’s past and the character of the man who wants to represent them.”

According to a 2001 West Des Moines Police report, Brad Zaun’s ex-girlfriend accused him of harassing behavior and police were called to her house. The report shows Zaun pounded on her windows and doors, while yelling insulting names. This wasn’t the first time either, the report also stated Zaun had “come to her home uninvited several times within the past year” and that he “sounded intoxicated” when police arrived.

“Brad Zaun lacks the judgement and leadership experience to represent Iowans,” added Sterzenbach.

Source: The Des Moines Register, “Congressional candidate Brad Zaun told in ’01 to stay away from former girlfriend,” 8/19/10

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Steve King on Debate: “No”

Monday, August 30th, 2010

DES MOINES – Republican Congressman Steve King today said he would not debate Democratic challenger Matt Campbell. King, who previously claimed Campbell, “hasn’t earned” the right to debate, justified his refusal by saying, “he’s not worthy.”

“The people of the 5th District deserve an open debate between Steve King and Matt Campbell. They have earned the right to hear from both candidates in a fair and public setting and Steve King is proudly standing in the way of that,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chairwoman Sue Dvorsky. “Surely a four-term Congressman like Steve King is capable of debating the issues, the only question is why he feels his constituents don’t deserve the chance to make an informed decision in this election.”

While King has repeatedly dodged debate requests, when asked again by Matt Campbell today at a town hall in Sioux City he said “no” and went on to argue that debate is not necessary to the political process, saying “I don’t know where that rule is written.” Since taking office in 2003 King has avoided a single, formal debate with his opponents.

“It’s disappointing that Steve King, who never misses an opportunity to comment on an issue, is hiding from a real debate with his opponent. The people of the 5th District deserve better, Matt Campbell will be a strong voice for hard working families across the district” added Dvorsky

Matt Campbell won the Democratic nomination after a competitive primary earlier this year and has earned the endorsement of prominent figures including U.S. Senator Tom Harkin and the Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO.

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When You Can’t Win on the Issues, Stick to Fearmongering

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

GOP Front Group Launches False Attack on Congressman Braley

DES MOINES - Days after promising to spend hundreds of thousands attacking Congressman Bruce Braley, the American Future Fund (AFF) has launched an outrageous and innacurate attack ad in the state featuring false statements and images of September 11th.

The ad falsely accuses Braley of supporting a mosque in the area near Ground Zero after showing images of the devastation at the site as well as the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor. Lacking any basis in reality, the AFF cites the overtly partisan Iowa Republican as their source for the claim. On August 23rd the Iowa Republican ran an article in which Braley stated. “this is a decision that the people of New York are going to have to deal with.”

“It’s shocking and sad that images from the most tragic days in American history are being used to scare and mislead Iowa voters,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chair Sue Dvorsky. “There is no place in Iowa politics for this kind fearmongering. Voters in the 1st Congressional District know Congressman Braley has stood up for them and the important issues facing the state, that’s why he will be reelected in November.”

The American Future Fund is a registered 501(c)(4) organization which means they are not required to disclose a list of donors, who in 2008 were responsible for total revenue of $7.5 million. The Des Moines based group has previously run attack ads in the state, most recently in 2008.

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Where’s the Outrage?

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

RPI Silent as Special Interest Group Spends Hundreds of Thousands Without Revealing Donors

DES MOINES – No stranger to hypocrisy, the Republican Party of Iowa has remained silent in the face of reports detailing the American Future Fund’s six figure spending spree against Congressman Bruce Braley, which is backed by anonymous donors.

“Their outrage seems to disappear when they’re trying to protect their own donors,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chairwoman Sue Dvorsky. “Spending six figures on a smear campaign without disclosing where a single penny came from is something that any Iowan should find outrageous.”

The American Future Fund (AFF) is a Republican special interest group led by Republican political operative Nick Ryan who was also the campaign manager for Jim Nussle’s failed gubernatorial bid in 2006. As a tax-exempt 501(c)(4) organization, the AFF is not required to disclose a list of donors, who in 2008 were responsible for total revenue of $7.5 million.

“The Republican Party of Iowa only supports transparency when it’s convenient for them and their donors. I think most Iowans can see through this hypocrisy.” added Dvorsky.

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