Iowa Democrats will hold the first weekend of County Conventions this Saturday, March 13. County Conventions not held this Saturday will be held on the following Saturday, March 20.

County Convention delegates were elected at this year’s precinct caucuses. Delegates to each county convention will elect delegates to the District and State Conventions, which will be held April 24 and June 12 respectively. Delegates will also discuss and vote on the county party platform this Saturday.

Iowa’s elected Democrats, including Governor Culver and Senator Harkin, as well as our Democratic candidates for office will be visiting this week’s conventions. For more information on where each will be, please see below.

For a complete list of County Conventions held this Saturday, please visit iowademocrats.org/countyconventions.

County Conventions are open to the public and to the media.

WHEN: Saturday, March 13, 2010

WHAT: Boone County Convention Convention
WHEN: 10:00am
WHERE: Boone County Historical Center
602 Story St
Boone, IA
SPEAKERS: Governor Culver, Secretary of State Michael Mauro

WHAT: Buena Vista County Convention Convention
WHEN: 1:00pm
WHERE: Buena Vista County Courthouse
2nd Floor
215 E. 5th St
Storm Lake, IA
SPEAKERS: First Lady Mari Culver

WHAT: Calhoun County Convention Convention
WHEN: 10:30am
WHERE: Calhoun County Courthouse
416 4th St
Rockwell, IA
SPEAKERS: Congressional Candidate Bill Maske (4th CD)

WHAT: Cass County Convention
WHEN: 10:30am
WHERE: Cass County Courthouse
5 W 7th St
Atlantic, IA
SPEAKERS: Congressional Candidate Mike Denklau (5th CD)

WHAT: Cherokee County Convention
WHEN: 2:00pm
WHERE: Cherokee County Courthouse
Courtroom
520 W. Main St
Cherokee, IA
SPEAKERS: First Lady Mari Culver

WHAT allas County Convention
WHEN: 9:00am
WHERE: Dallas Center Middle School
1400 Vine
Dallas Center, IA
SPEAKERS: Governor Culver, Secretary of State Michael Mauro

WHAT es Moines County Convention
WHEN: 9:00am
WHERE: SE Community College
Little Theater
1500 W. Agency Rd
West Burlington, IA
SPEAKERS: Lt. Governor Patty Judge

WHAT: Floyd County Convention
WHEN: 1:00pm
WHERE: Charles City Library
106 Milwaukee
Charles City, IA
SPEAKERS: Congressional Candidate Bill Maske (4th CD)

WHAT: Hamilton County Convention
WHEN: 9:00am
WHERE: Webster City Fire Station
919 Superior St
Webster City, IA
SPEAKERS: Congressional Candidate Bill Maske (4th CD)

WHAT: Johnson County Convention
WHEN: 9:00am
WHERE: West High School
2901 Melrose Ave
Iowa City, IA
SPEAKERS: Senate Candidate Roxanne Conlin, Senate Candidate Tom Fiegen, Candidate for Secretary of Agriculture Francis Thicke, Congressman Dave Loebsack

WHAT: Lee County Convention
WHEN: 10:00am
WHERE: Keokuk Middle School
2002 Orleans Ave
Keokuk, IA
SPEAKERS: Lt. Governor Patty Judge, Congressman Dave Loebsack

WHAT: Muscatine County Convention
WHEN: 1:00pm
WHERE: Muscatine Community Schools
Admin Building
2900 Mulberry Ave
Muscatine, IA
SPEAKERS: Lt. Governor Patty Judge, Congressman Dave Loebsack

WHAT: Palo Alto County Convention
WHEN: 9:00am
WHERE: Iowa Lakes Community College
Auditorium
3200 College Dr
Emmetsburg, IA
SPEAKERS: Congressional Candidate Bill Maske (4th CD)

WHAT: Polk County Convention
WHEN: 9:00am
WHERE: Lincoln High School
2600 SW 9th
Des Moines, IA
SPEAKERS: Senator Tom Harkin, Senate Candidate Roxanne Conlin, Senate Candidate Tom Fiegen, Governor Culver, Secretary of State Michael Mauro, Candidate for Secretary of Agriculture Francis Thicke, Congressman Leonard Boswell,

WHAT: Poweshiek County Convention
WHEN: 9:00am
WHERE: Malcolm Auditorium
3rd and Main
Malcolm, IA
SPEAKERS: Senate Candidate Tom Fiegen, Congressman Leonard Boswell

WHAT: Tama County Convention
WHEN: 1:00pm
WHERE: South Tama Elementary School
1611 Country Club Dr
Tama, IA
SPEAKERS: Candidate for Secretary of Agriculture Francis Thicke, Congressman Leonard Boswell

WHAT: Wapello County Convention
WHEN: 9:00am
WHERE: UFCW Hall
1305 E. Mary St
Ottumwa, IA
SPEAKERS: Senate Candidate Tom Fiegen

WHAT: Woodbury County Convention
WHEN: 10:00am
WHERE: West High School
2001 Casselman
Sioux City, IA
SPEAKERS: First Lady Mari Culver, Congressional Candidate Mike Denklau (5th CD)

The Iowa Democratic Party announces today that Derek Eadon will be the Coordinated Campaign Director.

“Iowa Democrats have had great successes over the last few years that we now need to maintain those hard-fought victories,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan.

Kiernan continued, “Derek will be the guy to get the job done, and we are very excited to have him join us.”

Derek will oversee the Coordinated Campaign, which will focus heavily on organizing the grassroots, from volunteer coordination to get-out the vote-programs.

“My job is to build on the organization already put into place by the Iowa Democratic Party so that Democrats win here in November. I am confident we can do that and I am eager to get the Coordinated Campaign underway,” said Eadon.

Eadon is a 2006 Coordinated Campaign veteran, working as a field organizer in the Cedar Rapids area. He then became the first field organizer hired in Iowa for President Obama’s campaign, and he worked for the Obama campaign throughout the 2008 election. Prior to this, Eadon was the Iowa State Director for Organizing for America.

Derek Eadon started in his new position as Coordinated Campaign Director this week.

The Iowa Democratic Party is launching a new web video, highlighting the ‘income tax check-off’ that allows Iowans to donate $1.50 to a specific party.

“With help from Iowa Democrats who will check the box, we will have the resources needed to maintain our hard-fought victories,” said Iowa Democratic Party Executive Director Norm Sterzenbach.

‘Checking the box’ for the Iowa Democratic Party will not result in paying higher taxes and will not be deducted from any tax refund.

“Iowa Democrats are working hard to continue moving our state and our country forward. Having the resources to communicate our message and organize the grassroots will help us fight back against the Republican Party’s fear mongering.”

Last year, the Iowa Democratic Party brought in more than $66,000 from the ‘income tax check-off’ compared to the Republican Party of Iowa, who raised about $52,000.

Click to watch the video.

Mike Huckabee is in Iowa today promoting the Iowa Family Policy PAC and Bob Vander Plaats’ bid for governor.

Maybe Huckabee will feel a bit of déjà vu. Vander Plaats faces a Doug Gross backed candidate, headquartered in Urbandale, who changes his positions on issues right and left in an attempt to dodge his record of broken promises. That might remind Mike Huckabee of a candidate he faced in the 2008 caucuses.

Huckabee’s visit is just another crack in the divisive primary between staunch social conservative Vander Plaats and Terry Branstad.

Here are the top 10 questions to ask Mike Huckabee today:

1. Does Huckabee believe his caucus attendees will come out for Vander Plaats in the primary and lead him to victory as well?
2. If he were running in this race today, which would he rather have: the money or the organization?
3. Does he think the Republican candidates should debate? If so, when and how often?
4. Would he consider himself a member of the “confrontational right?”
5. Does he believe that Doug Gross’ strategy of shying away from conservatives will do better in this primary than it did against him in the 2008 caucuses?
6. What does he think of candidates who change their positions on issues when faced with tough primary opposition?
7. Do Branstad or any of the Republican candidates in the race remind him of any candidates he ran against in 2008?
8. Does he think voters should judge Governors by whether or not they keep their campaign promises?
9. The Club for Growth targeted him in 2008 for raising taxes. Should the Club for Growth be targeting candidates like Terry Branstad who raised the sales, gas, and property taxes?
10. Unlike the Iowa Family Policy PAC, would he support Terry Branstad in the general election?

Huckabee will attend events in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids this afternoon.

Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan today released a public letter to all three Republican candidates for governor asking if they stand with him in support of Iowa’s military families.

“This is part of Iowa’s commitment to its veterans and military families. Iowa Democrats know that a key to moving our state forward is supporting them. I encourage these candidates for governor to do the same,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan.

Today, Governor Culver asked that the legislature move to pass House File 2110, which would expand unemployment benefits to military spouses who are forced to leave their jobs due to reassignment or deployment.

Governor Culver also expressed support for three other bills currently before the Iowa legislature that would support Iowa’s military families and veterans.

“This is about sending a message to Iowa’s hard working families, including the spouses and children of our military. Governor Culver and Iowa Democrats are fighting for them each and everyday.”

“Let’s see if any of the Republican candidates for Governor are willing to stand with Iowa’s military families and continue moving the state forward,” continued Kiernan.

Today, the Iowa Democratic Party also sent an email to Iowa Democrats asking them to sign onto Chairman Kiernan’s letter expressing support for this important bill and asking each Republican candidate to do the same.

Here is the complete text of the letter:

February 23, 2010

Governor Terry Branstad, Representative Rod Roberts, and Mister Bob Vander Plaats,

I travel across Iowa constantly. I hear so many stories about Iowa’s hard-working families and these tough economic times. None of these stories are as inspiring or as heartbreaking to hear as the military families who sacrifice each day in the name of service to our country.

At the end of the year, Iowa will have 3,500 troops deployed overseas. They’ve been a source of strength and relief in the wake of natural disasters here at home in Iowa and abroad.

The bottom line is that we have a commitment to Iowa’s veterans and to their families. We cannot take for granted or forget their service.

House File 2110 has been introduced to ease the burden on military families. It expands unemployment benefits for spouses who are forced to leave their jobs when their spouse is reassigned or deployed. At a time when so many soldiers are being sent overseas, we need to give these families, who are being affected the most, a helping hand.

This morning, Governor Culver asked that House File 2110 be passed by the legislature and enacted into Iowa law.

I urge to you, as candidates for Governor and leaders in your communities, to vocalize your support for this legislation. Send a message to hard-working Iowans that you stand with our military families.

Governor Culver fights everyday for Iowa’s hard-working families, including the families of Iowa’s military. I hope you will join him in supporting this legislation.

Sincerely,

Michael Kiernan
Chair
Iowa Democratic Party

Rep. Tom Price (R- GA) visits Sioux City and Sioux Center today to help raise money for Iowa legislative candidates. Why is he in Iowa?

Why is a Congressman from Georgia coming to Sioux City to raise money? As the leading attack dog against the President’s healthcare summit which is only days away, doesn’t Price need to prepare even more attacks against President Obama?

Is it to hold a seminar for Iowa House Republicans on how to excel at putting the brakes on good legislation? Tom Price leads efforts in Washington to block expanding access to health insurance to thousands of Iowans, so he’s got some experience.

Is it to endorse Bob Vander Plaats for Governor, now that Chris Rants, the other Sioux City native, has dropped out?

Or, is it a quixotic foray into Presidential politics? This trip to Iowa comes just a few weeks after he wrote an op-ed in the Nashua Telegraph. If this is true, then the question should be this — does he really think he can cut into Mike Huckabee’s media coverage this week?

Perhaps his trip is for all of those reasons.

Rep. Tom Price of Georgia has served in the U.S. House of Representatives for the last six years. He’s a registered Republican and a confirmed member of the “Party of No.”

One year ago today, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Since then it has funded up to 2 million jobs nationwide, including 9,000 jobs in Iowa, and saved our economy from total collapse. And though they both voted against the bill, Rep. King and Senator Grassley have done a 180 after seeing its success. Despite Rep. King’s opposition to the Recovery Act, he has now touted Recovery Act projects. And, Senator Grassley requested funds from the act. Because of their hypocrisy on the matter, DNC Chairman Kaine yesterday inducted both King and Grassley into the DNC’s “GOP Hypocrisy Hall of Fame,” which is 93 Republicans and counting. To see the list of inductees please click here.

On the first anniversary of the signing of the bill, Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan issued the following statement:

“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, signed into law by President Obama one year ago today, has funded thousands of jobs in Iowa and saved our economy from total collapse,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan.

“The bill has kept teachers in the classroom and police officers on the streets. Iowa’s working families have seen a tax break because of this bill, and small businesses have received loans to help them build their businesses and create more jobs. And though they are now touting its successes, both Rep. King and Grassley voted against the Recovery Act and stood in the way of relief for millions of American families. This is pure politics and hypocrisy at its worst.

“On this day, I want to thank President Obama and Iowa Democrats like Senator Tom Harkin and Congressmen Boswell, Braley, and Loebsack for their leadership on this issue as they continue to work day-in and day-out to get our economy back on track. And I urge Republicans like Rep. King and Senator Grassley to stop playing politics and get to work helping the people of Iowa, like we elected them to do. Iowans deserve better.”

# # #

Rep. Steve King (IA-5) Had No Problem Announcing Federal Highway Funds For Iowa, Coming From Stimulus.” “Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, announced today that $570,000 for the U.S. Highway 20 widening project has been included in the federal stimulus bill signed by President Barack Obama earlier in the week.” [Sioux City Journal; 3/13/09]

Sen. Grassley Sent Two Letters to USDA Asking for Stimulus Funding. “Sen. Charles E. Grassley of Iowa, the ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, was yet another lawmaker who voted against the stimulus and later backed applications for stimulus money in two letters to the Agriculture Department. ‘If the funds are there, Senator Grassleys going to help Iowa, rather than some other state, get its share,’ spokeswoman Jill Kozeny said.” [Washington Times, 2/9/10]

The Iowa Poll released today shows candidate Terry Branstad has fallen by 4 points in the polls in the two weeks following the announcement of his attempted political comeback. Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan released this statement:

“As Governor, Branstad horribly mismanaged state government, kept two sets of books, and raised taxes on Iowans. Now that he’s a candidate, Branstad is flip-flopping on issues, including on taxes, to help him survive the Republican primary.

“Branstad should have gone up in the polls after announcing. The poll released today shows that when Iowans hear about the Two Faces of Terry Branstad, his numbers have only one way to go: down.

“The fact is Governor Culver is working on passing a balanced budget, fighting for policies that will help Iowa’s hard-working families, and making the tough decisions that will continue to move this state forward. As always, he is focused on governing, not politics.”

Instead of doing the right thing and finding ways to create jobs and help his constituents recover from layoffs, Congressman Steve King is more worried about his constituents refusing to look for work until their unemployment benefits stop.

King told KTIV, Sioux City’s NBC affiliate, that extending unemployment benefits would turn “the ’safety net’ into a hammock. It should actually be a ’safety net’.”

“Calling the extension to unemployment benefits a ‘hammock’ is insulting. Sioux City is suffering with the blow of the Morrell plant closing. This is the worst recession in 80 years. But, Congressman King believes that we should be worried about these workers being too lazy,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan.

Kiernan continued, calling King’s comments “absurd,” noting that extending unemployment benefits has bipartisan support in Congress. Unemployment benefits were extended as part of the original stimulus, and eligibility for that extension expires at the end of February.

“Iowans believe in working hard and playing by the rules, and I know that many affected by the Morrell plant closing are already looking for work to provide for their families after the plant closes. Steve King should stop insulting his constituents and get to work helping them get through this difficult time.”

The Gibbons campaign today announced that Denny Hastert and all of his baggage will be coming to Iowa to do a fundraiser for Jim Gibbons.

“If it wasn’t clear before, it’s clear now. With Jim Gibbons, Iowans will get the same old Bush-style politics of Denny Hastert and Tom Delay,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan.

Kiernan continued, “Hastert had a lot of friends during his time in the House, but friends like Tom Delay and Mark Foley – and his new friend Jim Gibbons- aren’t the type of people we need in Congress.”

As the saying goes, ‘you can judge a person by the company they keep.’ Now, it’s up to Gibbons to wrestle with the company Hastert keeps: George W. Bush, Tom Delay, and Mark Foley.

“These are the same people who brought us the culture of corruption, and the war in Iraq, as well as led us into the worst recession in decades,” said Kiernan. “Iowans don’t need Jim Gibbons in Congress to carry out Denny Hastert’s politics.”

Denny Hastert is the former Speaker of the House who resigned shortly after Republicans lost control of Congress in 2006. The fundraiser will be held March 17, 2010.

Statement from Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan in response to Auditor David Vaudt’s comments regarding Governor Culver’s budget:

“Iowa’s hard-working families deserve better than state Auditor David Vaudt’s cheap shot political attacks. Do Matt Strawn or I need to run just to take some of the politics out of the Auditor’s office?

“Who’s looking over Vaudt’s shoulder at how he does his books? The question is can Iowans really trust David Vaudt even though he’s clearly using his office for political purposes? Vaudt needs to take the politics out of his report and start understanding that he plays an important role for Iowans.”

Senator Chuck Grassley is doing it again: having his cake an eating it too.

The same Chuck Grassley who voted against the stimulus bill is now lobbying members of the Cabinet about how to spend that money.

The Washington Times writes, “Sen. Charles E. Grassley of Iowa, the ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, was yet another lawmaker who voted against the stimulus and later backed applications for stimulus money in two letters to the Agriculture Department.”

“Someone needs to tell Chuck Grassley that you can’t have your cake and eat it too,” Chairman of the Iowa Democratic Party Michael Kiernan said. “You can’t vote against something and then take credit for the funds coming to Iowa.”

Kiernan continued, “It’s a little ridiculous. We’ll probably see him next at the ribbon-cuttings for stimulus projects. But, Iowans know that if Chuck Grassley had it his way no one would be benefiting from these projects because they wouldn’t exist.”

DES MOINES, IA – Following news reports this morning that Republicans are seeking to raise money from Wall Street and the banking lobby using the pitch that they will stymie financial regulatory reform and protect banks from the type of oversight that could prevent another financial collapse, Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan released the following statement:

“The GOP is again putting the interests of Wall Street over the needs of Main Street in this latest appeal to Wall Street for campaign contributions in exchange for a Republican promise to stop financial reform. Congressional Republicans never cease to amaze in reaching new lows.

“By essentially offering a quid pro quo to Wall Street bankers, Republicans have shown that their interest is not in helping everyday  Americans get back on their feet and ensure that those responsible for the latest financial crisis are held responsible.  Instead, Republicans are showing that they are willing to sell themselves to the highest bidder for political and economic gains.  Sadly, this is not the only instance of Republicans putting their interest before the American people.  Republicans have time and time again made overtures to the same individuals who nearly drove our economy over a cliff.  In December Republicans met in the cover of darkness with 100 banking lobbyist to figure the best way to block financial regulatory reform.

“However, Iowans are working hard to rebuild and provide for their families after the reckless policies of the last eight years and the reckless behavior in the financial industry – cheered on by a Republican Congress and the Bush Administration.  While President Obama and Iowa Democrats are fighting to clean-up the mess they inherited, Republicans are joining the very same people who created the worst economy in 70 years.   Iowans and the American people have every right to disgusted and appalled by Republicans behavior.”

###

The Iowa Democratic Party announced today that it outraised the Republican Party of Iowa by more than $1 million in 2009.

Iowa Democrats raised $2.47 million in 2009 while the Republican Party of Iowa raised $1.46 million.

The announcement comes as both parties have filed their financial reports with the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board and the Federal Election Commission.1-3

“In 2009, our goal was to build the party and make sure we would have the resources needed to win this November,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan. “We’ve been able to do that, and we have the momentum to carry us through the year.”

Kiernan continued, “Iowa Democrats are unified and excited. Between our fundraising success and voter-registration lead, we will maintain our hard-fought victories won over the last 4 years as well as work to send a few more Iowa Democrats to Congress to work with President Obama.”

Democrats hold a 100,000 voter-registration lead over Iowa Republicans.

Sources:

1. IDP filed $1.23 million in the state report. RPI filed $450,137 in the same report.
   Filed 19 January 2010. Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board.
   http://iowa.gov/ethics/
2. IDP filed $148,574in State Party Building Fund Report. RPI filed $177,365.
   Filed 28 January 2010. Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board.
   http://iowa.gov/ethics/
3. IDP filed $1.09 million filed in Federal Year-End Report. RPI filed $837,406.
   Filed 31 January 2010. Federal Elections Commission.
   http://fec.gov

Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan today accused Senator Chuck Grassley of taking Sarah Palin’s PAC money as a reward for deceiving Iowans about President Obama’s healthcare plan.

“Chuck Grassley certainly likes to paint a picture of being an independent working for everyday Iowans, not the fringe right of the Republican Party and their interests. But, it’s become clear: Grassley works for them and not us,” said Kiernan.

In August 2009, Chuck Grassley and Sarah Palin argued that President Obama’s healthcare plan would result in the federal government deciding “when to pull the plug on grandma.” That’s a claim that earned the “Lie of the Year” from Pulitzer Prize winning PolitiFact.org.1

Sarah Palin’s PAC, SarahPAC, made donations in 2009 to several Republicans, including Senator Grassley, who led the fight against health insurance reform for Americans.2

“It’s appalling. Senator Grassley and Sarah Palin misled Americans about healthcare, and she rewarded him for it.”

###

Sources:

1. Politifact.org “Politifact’s Lie of the Year: Death Panels”
   http://www.politifact.org/truth-o-meter/article/2009/dec/18/politifact-lie-year-death-panels/
2. Federal Elections Commission. SarahPAC Year End Report: http://iowademocrats.org/reports/sarahpac.pdf

Terry Branstad is joining perhaps the toughest race of his political career Tuesday – the race against his own record as Governor.

“I agree with Terry Branstad on one thing: he made mistakes as governor,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan, “Iowans cannot afford for him to make more, and we’ve learned some things over the last 12 years: we are better off without him and his mistakes.”

“Branstad’s failed policies resulted in a deficit of nearly $430 million, and Iowans still pay the sales tax he increased to get out of the mess he created,” Kiernan said, “It’s very tough to see how Iowans are going to embrace a Governor who ran up a deficit over one who has balanced budgets and not raised taxes.”

So far, candidate Branstad has already contradicted some of the greatest hits of Governor Brantad’s record:

• Candidate Branstad claimed that he only raised the sales tax after cutting spending as well in 1992. Governor Branstad actually raised the sales tax twice – it was the first bill he ever signed as Governor in 1983.
• Candidate Branstad takes credit for instituting normal accounting practices… in 1992. Governor Branstad mismanaged the state budget for a decade and kept two sets of books before he was forced to institute reforms to stop his practice of hiding the hundreds of millions in deficit spending he created.
• Candidate Branstad attacks the concept of eliminating federal deductibility. Governor Branstad was the first Governor to try to eliminate federal deductibility and then supported it under Tom Vilsack.
• Candidate Branstad attacks the concept of using bonding to pay for IJOBS. Governor Branstad used public bonding multiple times to pay for over a billion dollars worth of projects.

“Iowans want to know where Terry actually stands on the issues. Whether running to the right for Republican primary voters or glossing over his record as governor, it’s clear that Branstad will say anything to make his political comeback happen.”

Since entering the race last October, conservative Republicans have criticized candidate Branstad for Governor Branstad’s record, his earlier endorsement of Senator Ben Nelson and support from Joy Corning, his former Lieutenant Governor.

Last week, the Iowa Family PAC passed over Branstad and endorsed Bob Vander Plaats, saying they would, under no circumstances, endorse Branstad in the primary or general election.

“The Iowans I talk to are concerned about the state’s future and how we move Iowa forward. They aren’t interested in a campaign about the past,” continued Kiernan, “The fact is, the Republican Party has changed a great deal since Branstad last served, and it will be difficult for him to make the case for going back to the past.”

DES MOINES, IA – Statement from the Iowa Democratic Party Chairman on Iowa Family PAC’s endorsement of Bob Vander Plaats’ candidacy for governor today.

“Bob Vander Plaats picked up a huge endorsement today.

“The Iowa Family PAC’s endorsement of Vander Plaats and refusal to support Terry Branstad even if he wins the nomination is an explicit rejection of Branstad’s candidacy. And, it seems that the Iowans Branstad refers to as the ‘confrontational right’ just became a whole lot more confrontational.

“Branstad’s fatal miscalculation is in underestimating the Vander Plaats campaign. Bob Vander Plaats is the former Huckabee for President campaign chair, and he knows how to organize in their communities, at churches, and even at Tea Parties, like the one he’s going to tonight.

“The social conservative movement in Iowa that vaulted Huckabee to the top in the 2008 Iowa caucuses is poised to do the same for Vander Plaats.  Regardless of what the campaign finance reports show next week, it is clear that the grassroots momentum that surprised the nation during the caucuses is on the side of the Vander Plaats campaign and can spur on a legitimate third party candidate.”

###

DES MOINES- Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan reacts to the final meeting of the DNC Change Commission, which will make recommendations regarding the timing of primaries and caucuses, significantly reducing the role of unpledged or super delegates and establishing national standards for caucuses. Chairman Kiernan represents Iowa on the Rules and Bylaws Committee, which will vote next year on whether to accept the recommendations made by the Change Commission.

“The 2008 caucuses were the most successful caucuses in Iowa’s history, and we are very proud so many Iowans turned out. The Change Commission, created by the Democratic National Convention following the 2008 primary, has just finished their work and has made its recommendations to the Rules and By Laws Committee.

“Iowans should continue to be cautiously optimistic about our First-in-the-Nation status. While the Democratic National Committee evaluates shifting the schedule of primaries and caucuses to later in the year, I expect Iowa will remain the first caucus. I look forward to discussing and debating the Commission’s recommendations next year on the Rules and By Laws Committee.

“For now, Iowa Democrats remain focused on our upcoming 2010 caucuses on January 23, 2010 and on electing more Democrats in 2010.”

###

Someone needs to let Terry Branstad know that the cold temperatures make it a bad time of year for flip-flops in Iowa, Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan said Thursday.

Branstad isn’t even officially a candidate yet, but his recent campaign remarks have repeatedly contradicted his own actions as Governor. The issues involved aren’t small – they’re significant policy decisions.

“He has not explained why he changed his position on any of these important issues,” Kiernan said. “Taxin’ Terry apparently has no core convictions and has decided to say whatever he thinks will get him the nomination of his party in 2010.”

“Voters want to know if a politician will stand with them when it counts, and with Branstad’s recent flip-flops, who can tell what he stands for?” said Kiernan.

Since launching his “exploratory” campaign this fall, candidate Branstad has contradicted Governor Branstad on several topics, including:

• The use of public bonding (and the debt that accompanies it) to fund state projects.
• Funding the Iowa State Patrol out of the state’s road use tax fund to relieve pressure on the state general fund during difficult budget times.
• The elimination of federal tax deductibility from Iowa income taxes.

[Sourcing and support material on each of these topics is available at www.iowaknowsbetter.com. Don’t miss the exclusive new video of Branstad’s comments on his efforts to eliminate federal tax deductibility as Governor.]

“If campaigns are about trust, Terry Branstad undermines his own credibility on a daily basis,” Kiernan said. “Iowans cannot afford his flip-flops on such important issues to go without scrutiny.”

Click here for information on public bonding.

Click here for information on the road use tax fund

Click here for information on federal deductibility.

DES MOINES, IA – When Taxin’ Terry comes to Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, he’ll have a great chance to explain why he’s against I-JOBS, the state’s effort to provide Iowa communities $46.5 million to rebuild after the devastating floods of 2008.

The truth candidate Branstad doesn’t want the conservative Republicans who will decide his fate in the primary to know is that, as governor, Branstad used bonding to fund state projects, totaling nearly $1 billion in today’s dollars.¹ One project Branstad used bonding for — and put the state in debt over — was the Iowa Communications Network, which is a drain on the state treasury to this day.

Despite his record, Branstad criticized I-Jobs saying at a November Republican Party fundraiser, “Too much debt is bad and those that create it should be thrown out of office.”²

“Here’s the general rule of thumb for Taxin’ Terry:  He was for it before he was against it, and now no one knows what- if anything- he stands for,” Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan said Tuesday. “Branstad criticizing Governor Culver for using bonding to fund I-Jobs after bonding out nearly a billion dollars in state projects himself is hypocritical.”

Last week, Branstad attacked Governor Culver for making a proposal to pay for the state troopers out of the Road Use Tax Fund, which is how Governor Branstad paid for them for 13 years.

“He’s a hypocrite. Period.” Kiernan continued, “He’s looking at his own record with rose-colored glasses making calculated, political decisions that will, in his mind, distance himself from his own record and help him win the primary.”

Officials in Linn and Johnson Counties worked hard in conjunction with the Culver Administration to leverage federal funds and make the best use of state resources to speed recovery efforts.  The I-JOBS program will bring more jobs, repair infrastructure throughout the state and help Iowans recover from the devastation of 2008 without raising taxes on hard-working Iowans.
Sources:

1. http://www.iowaknowsbetter.com/news/branstad-s-words-contradict-his-borrowing-past
2. http://okhenderson.com/2009/11/07/2010-iowa-gop-gubernatorial-candidates-take-stage/

###

Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan today warned Iowans to be wary of partisan polls that are disguised and presented to the Iowa media as legitimate private surveys.

“This is an interesting little gimmick Doug Gross seems to have found — you conduct a partisan poll, paid for by a 527 group whose sole purpose is to get Republicans elected, then you ask loaded questions to get your desired results,” Kiernan said.

The gimmick is not a new one. Other Republican organizations have used the method in the recent past, and some Iowa media outlets have presented the information as a valid public opinion poll. “How could this be seen as anything other than part of a campaign to smear Gov. Culver, and distract attention from his work on job creation, economic stimulus and disaster recovery?” Kiernan said.

“If we put up a poll on our Democratic Party website, I would hope it would be covered too,” Kiernan said. “Governor Culver cares less about partisan polls and more about creating good jobs in wake of the Bush/Cheney recession and rebuilding the state after the worst floods in our state’s history — those are things that actually matter to Iowans.”

Kiernan urged Iowans who have seen partisan polls being covered in the media as if they were legitimate public opnion surveys to contact him at the Iowa Democratic Party – (515) 244-7292.

Chairmans Strawn and Kiernan announce Saturday, January 23 as date for 2010 precinct caucuses.

Iowa Democratic Party State Chairman, Mike Kiernan, and Republican Party of Iowa State Chairman, Matt Strawn, made the following joint statement concerning the date and time for the 2010 precinct caucuses.

“We are proud to announce the Republican Party of Iowa and the Iowa Democratic Party, with the support of our respective State Central Committees, have agreed to hold the 2010 Precinct Caucuses on Saturday, January 23 beginning at 1 p.m.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time either Party has held its precinct caucuses on a Saturday. Our decision to hold these important organizational meetings on a Saturday was made to encourage greater participation in an off-year caucus and get more Iowans actively involved with the work of our Parties.

Getting more Iowans involved in their local precinct caucuses is good for Democrats, good for Republicans, and good our political process. Iowans will be making some critically important decisions in 2010 and the more people actively involved in the process the better for Iowa.”

Statement of Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan on Sen. Grassley’s decision to vote ‘no’ on Sotomayor confirmation

I am disappointed to learn Sen. Charles Grassley has decided to join a partisan battle instead of using Iowa common sense when it comes to the confirmation of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court.

By voting ‘no’, Sen. Grassley signals he’s out of touch with Iowans and more interested in pleasing Republican Senators on the Judiciary Committee than his constituents back home. Like GOP legislators at the Iowa statehouse, Grassley is just another Republican who will spitefully say ‘no’ as often as possible.

Judge Sotomayor, is a down-to-earth person who has approached the bench from the real world, not an ivory tower. Instead of big theories, she’s applied the rule of law to the facts of each case in pursuit of justice and fairness for all. Iowans used to be able to talk about Chuck Grassley that way.

I look forward to Judge Sotomayor’s near-certain confirmation despite the obstruction of Sen. Grassley and others in the Republican minority.