Most Senate Democrats support Blouin in governor bid

[IA_Seth]

http://www.gazetteonline.com/2005/09/22/Home/News/blouingovernorsenators.htm

DES MOINES, IA - Eighteen Democratic state senators on Thursday endorsed former Department of Economic Development director Michael Blouin's potential bid for the party's nomination for governor in 2006.

Leaders conceded differences with Blouin on some issues, but said he's the best shot the party has at maintaining its hold on the office.

....

"He will best continue the Vilsack administration legacy," Sen. Matt McCoy, D-Des Moines, said.

Endorsing Blouin on Thursday were Gronstal, McCoy, Kibbie and Sens. Tom Courtney, of Burlington; Michael Connolly, of Dubuque; Bill Dotzler, of Waterloo; Dennis Black, of Grinnell; Jeff Danielson, of Cedar Falls; Gene Fraise, of Fort Madison; Tom Hancock, of Epworth; Wally Horn, of Cedar Rapids; Keith Kreiman, of Bloomfield; Tom Reilly, of Oskaloosa; Brian Schoenjahn, of Arlington; Joe Seng, of Davenport; Roger Stewart, of Maquoketa; Steve Warnstadt, of Sioux City and Frank Wood, of Eldridge.
----------------------------

What does everyone think about that? I know its still pretty early.

One thing I noticed in this article (read the whole thing, no subscription required) is the tone of it. It kind of seemed like 'electability' was the key reason Blouin has the Senators' support, which is rather depressing.


It's still waaay too early for me to call out my support, but I attended a little briefing-type meeting and heard Mr Blouin share some of his ideas. While I disagree with his stance on abortion, I think he framed his beliefs relatively well and his ideas on education, drug abuse, and other family-oriented issues sort of softened the blow that he is anti-choice.

Honestly I am still struggling to reconcile my feelings on that one issue with the fact that the rest of his ideas seem great. It should be an interesting primary to say the least.

[DU9598]

1. I don't know what to think either

I am softly supporting Patty Judge, but this certainly puts Blouin in a pretty good spot at this point in the campaign. If he is doing half as well with raising money as he is with garnering endorsements then I think we are going to know our nominee before the convention -and it will be Blouin. I really like and respect the candidates - although less so with Fallon (because of the Nader support) - but I may support Blouin if he starts pulling away. I want a united party and I think we can have that.

I have heard rumors that Congressman Boswell is far worse than is known in public. Anyone have more information on his condition? I heard rumors that perhaps Patty Judge or Chet Culver would be looking at the Congressional seat and getting out of the governors race. That was only what I heard from people who could know, but I certainly have no concrete evidence of this rumor. But, both Judge and Culver would be attractive congressional candidates too.

[IA_Seth]

2. RE: Boswell

No, I hadn't heard anything along those lines..that is terrible. I really respect Boswell and would hate to see him have to step down.

I suppose I agree, Judge and Culver both seem to be good candidates for his seat if he should have to resign. I guess I never thought of it though..what a shocker.

I will put my ear to the ground.

[colbushwhacker_2000]

3. Steve 'Mad Dog' King

...needs to be replaced more than any other member of the Iowa Congressional delegation.

Maybe there will be another Bedell running against King in 06 !

I sure hope so.

[DU9598]

4. When will we hear from Bedell?

A Bedell candidacy would make the earth move in Iowa. Is this a serious possibility? If so, what can be done to encourage him? Is he actively raising money, setting up an organization?

Any info would be great. Bedell by name alone could wipe King out.

[colbushwhacker_2000]

7. Much talk

............by some activist, but nothing concrete at this time........Bedell could fund his own campaign.......we need Tom to step up to the plate and take on this challenge, he would destroy Mad Dog King...

[Debi]

5. Waiting to see what Culver will do

Of course this bodes well for Blouin as long as the Senate Democrats go back to their districts and stump hard for him.

Would love to see a Culver back in Washington! But will obviously continue to support Chet's Gubernatorial bid. (Hey, unlike Roxanne Conlin, I'm loyal! :P)

[DU9598]

6. Culver

Hey Debi - I could still support Culver. I still need to see a lot more of the candidates. I have always been a big fan of Culver. Perhaps he is just flying under the radar now to raise all of those big bucks.

One of my all time, life changing memories was with Chet. I worked on the Dukakis campaign overtime my freshman year of highschool. I worked so much that when the had the VP debate in Omaha between Bentsen and Quayle I was invited by the Dukakis campaign to attend. I rode from Sioux City to Omaha with Chet. I learned a lot about him that night. What a great guy. He would be a great governor or congressman or senator.

As for Roxanne, was she officially on board with Culver? She gives a lot of money to most candidates. I don't think she was ever an active supporter for Culver. But, if he gets the nomination I am sure she will be right there with her support.

Also, if Boswell can't continue in Washington, should we make a push for Lt. Gov. Pederson? I like her. What's the consensus here?

[Debi]

10. She was on Chet's initial 50 big names when he announced his committee

But I think everyone knew she'd move if a woman jumped in the race...I just had to pick on you.

Pederson doesn't seem to want to run for any other office...maybe someone here closer to her can enlighten the group.

Has anyone heard an update on Boswell and if his health will affect his race (not only his desire to run, but his capacity to win)?

[yellowdog]

8. I can't support Blouin.

First, because of the anti-choice position. Second, I don't think continuing all of Vilsack's positions is necessarily a good thing. I am tired of the on-going corporate welfare in this state. We keep dropping our shorts to get some corporation to locate in this state, handing over millions of dollars, with absolutely no guarantees of a return on our dollar. I attended a Dubuque Democratic Central Committee breakfast this morning and got to spend several minutes speaking with Ed Fallon and Patty Judge and there is no doubt that Fallon has my support. He is what a Democrat is supposed to be. Yes, I know he supported Nader in 2000, but he felt that Nader was closer to the Democratic platform than Gore was. Right or wrong, the man has the courage of his convictions. I threw a few zingers his way to see if he would state his beliefs or tell me what he thought I wanted to hear and he stayed true to himself. I realize I may be disappointed at the primaries, but I refuse to keep selling out to the idea of electability. If we are going to say a true progressive can not be elected what does that say about our party and ourselves?

[Hungy]

9. McFallon

From what I've seen, Fallon is by far the most grassroots and progressive of the bunch. I'm really uncertain of his platform at this time, though, because Iowa as a whole doesn't usually prioritize the way that Fallon has. We'll see; I'll support him, and I'd like to see him do well anyway.

[Debi]

12. The concern I have w/Fallon is money

can he raise enough to go up against the republican machine? I guess we'll have that question answered during the primary.

Fallon's support for Nader isn't as upsetting to me as some here - after all, he didn't affect Gore in Iowa, Gore won Iowa in 2000 - but it should give some pause that he DIDN'T affect Gore in Iowa. That goes to Fallon's ability to influence voters.

Still, if Fallon is the nominee, I will not be disappointed. Just so much that I'm a Culver fan.

[Debi]

11. You got it Yellowdog

:applause:

I disagree with the corporate welfare programs Iowa runs while continuing to burden the students (and their parents) of this state with higher tuition costs and 'reinventing government'.

I can't believe Democrats who believe in choice are so ready to jump on Blouin's band-wagon. If he's really honest about his anti-choice position then he WILL do whatever it takes to make aborition (and other reproductive healthcare choices for women) illegal.

Culver's off the cuff comments about the death penalty are nothing compared to Blouin's Old World Catholic beliefs (If he's that stuck in his religion where does he stand on birth control? On gays?).

I still believe Chet can make this race, we saw how far electability got us in the last election (and Kerry had the support of the majoity of the legislature and the Governor's office, just like Blouin does today....remember that!)

[MaggieSwanson]

13. Anti-Choice = Pro-War on Women's rights.

And I don't do pro-war ANYTHING.

Blouin might as well have an (r) after his name, as far as I'm concerned.

[Debi]

14. But with Vilsack supporting him - he's sweeping his anti-women beliefs

right under the carpet. (Don't mind my anti-women's reproductive health position - I'm for jobs and the economy and Tom Vilsack supports me). I'M ELECTABLE. :grr:

[haroldgiowa]

19. Anti women beliefs?

It appears you are drawing a conclusion that is only supported by his personal convictions that he doesn't believe abortion should be
an option. I once heard Bill Clinton say, "abortions should be available, but should be rare and not on demand." Does this make Bill Clinton anti-woman for this statement? Ted Kennedy is a Catholic the same as Blouin. Kennedy has been a champion for a woman's choice as much as anybody, against his own religious convictions. I firmly believe it is possible to separate your personal views from your political views and Kennedy is my example.

I personally feel abortions should not be used as a form of birth control. I feel that in case of a mother's life or incest abortion should be available. The right wing would say I am pro-abortion, while the left would say I am anti-choice. If I was an elected official how would I vote? I would never vote to abolish abortions, even against my own convictions. Why? I don't want to see abortions return to the back alleys of America. Do I feel other people can have the same thought process I have on abortion. I would say there are more then some might give them credit for.

I will vote for who ever the party decides to elect next June. Why? I firmly believe a democrat leading the charge, regardless, whether I agree with them 100% or not is better then a republican leading the charge. I can use Jim Leach as an example. He has voted the same way I would have on a number of votes. All be it, safe stances for him. Where I disagree with him his is voting for the present house leadership.

[Debi]

20. How do we know how Blouin would act in the Governor's seat?

Would he let his promise to Democrats (a promise made in order to win a Democratic Primary paving the way to the Governor's mansion) stand? Or would he allow his personal and religious convictions, along with the decision of the majority of the legislature (as that is the only way a bill would end up on his desk) make up his mind? Is that really a chance we want to take?

Maybe people who were represented by Blouin in congress can tell us how he voted on women's reproductive health care issues in the past.

And I do believe that anti-choice is anti-woman. I have yet to see a debate or lawsuit on men's reproductive health care.

On edit:
I agree with you that Kennedy (and Kerry for that matter) are able to differentiate their religious beliefs from their political beliefs, but Blouin stated that the reason he was anti-choice was because of his Catholicism. Can he be trusted to separate his beliefs when he's in Terrace Hill?

[IA_Seth]

15. If...

I do not know Blouin well enough personally to say that he agrees with what I am going to ask, this more to do with the abortion positions in general...

How would you feel if a candidate had a personal view that was against abortion, but understood the need for and the right of a woman's choice and would pledge to never use his/her position as a representative of the people to legislate his/her morality?

The reason I ask is that personally I am somewhat against the idea of abortions in any but the most extenuating circumstances, at least for my own life.....but my beliefs in law and politics would never let me try to impose that view on anyone else. I would vote pro-choice if ever given a chance.

This is similar to how I see religion in politics. I consider myself a Christian, although not a regular church-goer, but I would never try to bring my faith into decisions made on behalf of the people.

Do you think that is too Kerry-ish in its nuanced way (I voted for it before I voted against it type of thing)?

[Debi]

17. Let's say Blouin does make that promise

and becomes Governor. What's to stop him from changing his mind? Quite a gamble to take.

[IA_Seth]

18. I know...

And I really don't think that is a promise he will make.

It was more a hypothetical and somewhat off topic of this thread. Do personal beliefs outweigh political beliefs? Can they be separated?

Its just a sort of inner struggle I have, especially when it comes to abortion (but also present with religion, gun control, etc.).

My personal belief is such that I wouldn't want to consider an abortion as a viable option for me or my partner. If however I were ever elected to anything that allowed me to vote on the matter, my political beliefs would never let me vote to end anyone's right to choose, regardless of if the exercising of that right went against my own personal decisions.

I guess this is a very hot-button topic, and I was looking for a deeper insight into it.

[haroldgiowa]

21. You are not alone

Ia-Seth

I am much like you and my feelings are, we are not alone in our beliefs. If my daughter would have come to me and said she was pregnant and was considering an abortion, I would have done all I could to talk her out of it. If she would have went ahead, I know I would have been highly disappointed, but I would still love her. Yes freedom of choice, but make it personal and see how you feel. I guess if my 13 year old grand-daughter or 9 year old grandson or my daughter would have never been born, I wouldn't know the difference. And I do realize that they were not put here to please me, but please me they do.

I personally don't believe abortion should be used as a form of birth control. I do believe abortion should exist to protect the mother's life, in case of rape and incest. Abortion should never return to the back alley clinics. With the last for circumstances I am willing to bend my beliefs and and allow myself to vote for pro-choice candidates. But with that thought in hand, I would never pick the pro-choice option candidate as my reason for casting my vote for a candidate. He or she cannot be a one dimensional candidate.

Separating my religious convictions from my political convictions. I don't find this to hard to do. I look at the two parties and ask myself, which party is walking the path that Jesus as directed us to walk. The choice is obvious. My son-in-law is always lumping the religious branch of the Republican Party with the Christian faith in general. He even reaches the point of saying he hates all Christians because of the works of these so called christians. My only argument in defense is, these people are not Christians by any stretch of the imagination and should not be considered as such.

[CornField]

16. Patty Judge's email from today

I will not be supporting Blouin for the ticket -- I simply cannot resolve his position on women's rights and think he would sell out the women of Iowa to win the seat. Right now I'm leaning toward Judge, but I'm not firmly in her camp yet.

As an FYI, here is an email from Judge which was sent out this morning. When and if I receive messages from the other candidates, I'll post those as well.

-----

Monday, September 26, 2005

Dear Friends,

My decision to enter the race for Governor was not an easy one. My husband, John, and I thought long and hard about it. I know that the race will be extremely expensive and that a lot of unkind and untrue things will be said about me before it is over. Despite those facts, I decided to run because Iowa needs a strong leader with the vision to move the state forward and the character to make a decision and stick with it. I have the experience, vision, and character to lead. I am the only candidate for Governor who brings to this race knowledge of health care, private business ownership, agriculture, legislative leadership, and state government administration. I have received such encouragement from so many Iowans already, and I want to work with you, and all Iowans, to make our state’s future as bright as possible.


During my years as Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture, our efforts expanding agriculture-based initiatives have created thousands of new jobs for Iowans. As Governor, I will build on the progress we have made, both in our cities and in the small towns that so desperately need our help.

Agricultural leadership and a strong economy are compatible with environmental protection. I have always been committed to ensuring that agriculture is environmentally-friendly and neighbor-friendly.

As a state senator, I worked hard on legislation to regulate the construction and expansion of hog confinements. I insisted on setting standards for monitoring hog confinements and encouraged comprehensive nutrient management plans, to make certain our water is protected. The progress has not been easy, but today the livestock industry is safer and more neighbor-friendly than it was when my work began.

In the past six years, as your Secretary of Agriculture, I have implemented programs to improve water quality, as well as enhancing and protecting our natural resources. We have built wetlands in six Iowa counties, and have over thirty more underway. We have constructed grass waterways and buffer strips, and we are implementing land management practices that reduce the amount of fertilizer applied to farm fields. We are making progress, and as Governor, I will use that experience to continue down that same path of improving our state’s rivers, lakes, and streams.

This race is about the ability to get things done, to make the right decision, and to demand results. I am determined, I am experienced, and I do not back down. I want to be your Governor to provide opportunity for all Iowans and to continue the leadership Tom Vilsack has brought to this state. We can have a prosperous future. Iowa’s best days are still ahead. I have what it takes to lead, and I would be honored to have your support. Please join my campaign by making a contribution of $250, $125, $50, $35, or whatever you can afford by going to https://www.pattyjudge.com/contribute/. Your contribution will make a difference for my campaign, as we communicate our message of hard work, responsibility, and opportunity to voters throughout Iowa.

I thank you in advance for your generosity, and I look forward to standing with you as we make our hopes for Iowa reality.

Sincerely,

<signed>

[pstans]

22. I would guess that the majority of House Reps would endorse Fallon

[rurallib]

23. Wouldn't bet on that.

One of our local reps is currently backing Blouin. He loves Ed Fallon as a person but jus cannot support him for governor.

[IA_Seth]

24. I probably wouldn't bet on that either...

I don't know if any of my local reps have come out and implicitly endorsed one candidate over another at this point (I could be wrong), but the impression I have is that Fallon will have to rely on his grassroots support more so than established party backing. Again, that is just the way it seems to me and may not be fact.

It is my feeling that Culver and Blouin are pretty much splitting the support, with Blouin having more support in this area at this time.

Anyone else have a sense of how the locals are feeling at this point? Has there been any polls done recently?

[Debi]

25. My Senators came out for Blouin during his announcement

Danielson and Dotzler - don't know where my State Representatives are.

[pstans]

26. Let me rephrase what I said

Instead of the majority of House Reps endorsing Fallon, they would support Fallon. I understand about the Party Politics part. Fallon's position on campaign finance makes scares the insiders in both parties.

[Hardrada]

27. In Jackson County Blouin would be supported

because he is Catholic and "pro-life." This is to be expected since voting here is heavily by religion and little else. The GOP candidates have tended to be Protestant and on the local level they lose. The odd thing is how Nussle always gets votes over here and he is, of course, a Lutheran. (My old denomination).