14 Aug 2013

Republican Liberty Caucus Kick Starts Precinct Committeeman Drive

By Laurie Bluedorn
In the last election, the Illinois Republican Party suffered its worst defeat in modern history ? spawning Democrat super-majorities in both houses of the General Assembly. After Pat Brady resigned as party chairman, party leadership replaced him with Jack Dorgan ? a Springfield lobbyist who is linked to the Illinois Democrat Party leadership and to Bill Cellini, a notorious client currently in prison for federal corruption. 

This is the same Jack Dorgan who was involved in denying any opportunity to grassroots delegates attending the June 2012 Illinois Republican State Convention.
Embed video link http://youtu.be/WwqESIkuBlo

You have no doubt heard the expression, "All politics is local." That may be true in many respects, but it's certainly true in one way which Republicans have paid little attention to. Democrats fill all of their precinct committeeman positions with active party members who get out the vote. Republicans have filled only half of their precinct committeeman positions -- and it's the precinct committeemen who elect members of the Republican State Central Committee. Do you see where I'm going? If we want to win elections and restore honor and honesty to the party at the state level, the goal is within our reach if we can just fill the open precinct committeeman positions with real grassroots liberty-minded people ? and that is one of the goals of the RLC-IL.

It is now self-evident that Illinois Republicans need a change in leadership. In order to bring this about, we must elect Republican candidates from the precinct to the statehouse who demonstrate commitment to basic principles of republicanism ? individual liberty, personal responsibility, free enterprise, limited government, fiscal responsibility, and full accountability of elected officials and government agencies. In order to advance this effort to take back the Republican Party for the people ? from the grassroots up ? we have formed the Republican Liberty Caucus of Illinois. Our members work within the Republican Party to promote strong policy, to vet candidates, and to hold Republicans answerable to the principles of liberty.

Allen Skillicorn
Chairman, Republican Liberty Caucus of Illinois
allen@allenskillicorn.com
14 Aug 2013

Braley for Iowa Announces 250 Founding "Farmers for Braley"

By Jeff Link
Farmers stand behind Braley for support of Iowa agriculture, Farm Bill DES MOINES, IA - Braley for Iowa announced today that more than 250 Iowa farmers and agriculture producers have signed on as founding members of "Farmers for Braley", a group of public supporters of Rep. Bruce Braley's 2014 US Senate campaign. In addition to endorsing Braley, Farmers for Braley will also serve as key elements of Braley's grassroots organization, communicating with Iowans about Braley's efforts to promote and expand Iowa agriculture.
"I'm proud to have the support of so many Iowa farmers and agriculture producers," Braley said. "I grew up surrounded by Iowa agriculture: detassling corn, walking beans, and working at a grain elevator. I know firsthand how important farms and agriculture are to Iowa's economy and culture. That's why I've worked so hard in Congress to promote Iowa agriculture and protect Iowa's farming future. I think I can be even more effective serving in the US Senate."
"Bruce Braley fights for the Iowa farmer," said Robert Bell, a member of Farmers for Braley from Warren County. "His nonstop work to bring people together in Congress to pass a long-term extension of a Farm Bill into law demonstrates how committed he is to the future of Iowa agriculture. Bruce knows how important agriculture is to Iowa's economy and works nonstop to promote it."
"When it comes to Iowa agriculture, Bruce gets it," said Mary Krier, a Farmer for Braley from Keokuk County. "Bruce is working to protect family farms and help young people interested in farming get off the ground. Iowa need a voice like his in the US Senate to keep working for Iowa farmers and Iowa agriculture."
When Braley was growing up in Brooklyn, Iowa, his father worked at a grain elevator, and Braley spent summers on farms detassling corn, walking soybeans, bailing hay, and working at a grain elevator. As an attorney in Waterloo, Braley worked on behalf of farmers.
In Congress, Braley has worked for years to pass a long-term extension of the Farm Bill. Last month, for example, Braley called on Congress to cancel its annual August recess until it sent a comprehensive, five-year extension of the Farm Bill to the President's desk.
A full list of the founding Farmers for Braley can be downloaded at the following link: http://brucebraley.com/farmers-list
Bruce Braley was born in Grinnell and grew up in nearby Brooklyn, Iowa. His father, a Marine, fought on Iwo Jima in World War II; his mother was a teacher. Braley worked his way through college and law school building roads and bridges with the Poweshiek County Roads Department, waiting tables, and tending bar. He worked as an attorney for 23 years before being elected to Congress. Braley has become known for his work on behalf of veterans, his advocacy for the middle class, and his bipartisan effectiveness. Braley lives in Waterloo with his wife, Carolyn. They have three children: Lisa, David, and Paul.
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13 Aug 2013

Your Ticket to Meet Ted Cruz

By A. J. Spiker

Senator Ted Cruz from Texas is one of the most sought after Republican leaders and speakers in the country.

Would you like to meet him?

Just last week the Republican Party of Iowa was ecstatic to announce we had confirmed Senator Ted Cruz will serve as our keynote speaker at our annual Reagan Day Dinner on Friday, October 25th.

While tickets have just been announced, we're celebrating the Iowa State Fair this week and offering an exclusive deal to our Republican supporters who register early.

Use special promo code "Cruz" when you buy a dinner ticket or table and you'll receive a full 25% discount off the price!

Reserve your ticket today with this substantial discount.

That's right, take a full 1/4 off the price, just by registering today and using the promo code "Cruz"

I look forward to seeing you at our annual Reagan Dinner on October 25th.

Take advantage of the substantial discount we're offering in celebration of the Iowa State Fair and reserve your ticket today!

---
Defending Liberty,

A.J. Spiker
Iowa GOP Chairman
13 Aug 2013

36th Annual Harkin Steak Fry to Feature Vice President Joe Biden, San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro

By Randy Stalsberg
Iowa political classic takes place Sunday, September 15th

(INDIANOLA, IOWA) - U.S. Senator Tom Harkin today announced that Vice President Joe Biden and San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro will be the featured guests at his 36th Annual Steak Fry.  The event will be held Sunday, September 15th from 1:00 - 4:00pm at the Warren County Fairgrounds. 

"This year's featured guests are the true embodiment of the American Dream.  They both achieved it through hard work and perseverance and they both understand why we must make the economy work for the middle class," said Senator Harkin.  "Ruth and I look forward to hosting both of these dynamic guests and hearing their thoughts on the political landscape at this year's event." 

Joe Biden is the 47th Vice President of the United States.  At age 29, he became one of the youngest people ever elected to the United States Senate.  He went on to serve as a Senator from Delaware for 36 years, establishing himself as a leader on some of our nation's most important domestic and international challenges. 

As Vice President, he worked to implement the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, helping to rebuild our economy and lay the foundation for a sustainable economic future.  As part of his continued efforts to raise the living standards of middle class Americans across the country, Vice President Biden has also focused on the issues of college affordability and American manufacturing growth, key priorities of the Administration.

Julián Castro has served three terms as Mayor of San Antonio, Texas - the youngest mayor of a Top 50 American city.  He became a household name after being selected by President Barack Obama to deliver the Keynote Address at the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C.  His identical twin brother Joaquin is a Congressman from Texas.

Throughout his tenure, Mayor Castro has focused on attracting well-paying jobs in 21st century industries, positioning San Antonio to be a leader in the New Energy Economy and raising educational attainment across the spectrum. In 2011, the Milken Institute ranked San Antonio the nation's top-performing local economy.  Mayor Castro created SA2020, a community-wide visioning effort turned nonprofit that has galvanized thousands of San Antonians around a dynamic and powerful vision for San Antonio ? to create a brainpower community that is the liveliest city in the nation.

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First held on a farm in Madison County, the Harkin Steak Fry has become a signature political event in Iowa.  Past special guests have included Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, Senator Al Franken and all of the major Democratic presidential candidates in 2003 and 2007.  

General admission tickets for the Steak Fry cost $30 and include refreshments and a steak dinner. To purchase tickets, get directions or learn more about the 36th Annual Harkin Steak Fry, visit www.TomHarkin.com or call 515-277-9966.
12 Aug 2013

Iowa State Rep. Clel Baudler Named One of Country's 'Worst State Legislators of 2013' by Nation's Largest Marijuana Policy Organization

By Rick Martin

Marijuana Policy Project's list of eight most outrageous anti-marijuana legislators of the year cites Rep. Baudler's opposition to medical marijuana bills and claim that it would be the 'top one or two or three stupidest bills' to pass the legislature in more than 50 years

** List countdown video at  http://youtu.be/cb1iR7peoXE - Video image attached **

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Iowa State Rep. Clel Baudler (R-Greenfield) is ranked seventh in a list of the country's "Worst State Legislators of 2013" released Friday by the nation's largest marijuana policy organization, the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP).

The list of "Worst Legislators" is below, along with a brief explanation of why each is included. A video countdown of the list is available at  http://youtu.be/cb1iR7peoXE

The seven state representatives and one state senator were selected based on their legislative efforts to maintain or expand marijuana prohibition policies, as well as statements they made, during the 2013 legislative sessions. The list includes Rep. Baudler because he helped defeat a bill that would have allowed people with serious illnesses to use medical marijuana if their doctors recommend it, claiming it would be the "top one or two or three stupidest bills" to pass the legislature in more than 50 years.

"Unfortunately, there are still many elected officials in this country who cannot let go of their antiquated beliefs about marijuana," said MPP director of communications Mason Tvert. "These are just the most outrageous examples.

According to a February Des Moines Register poll, 58% of Iowa adults support such a law, and similar laws are in place in 20 states and Washington, D.C. A Pew Research Center poll conducted in March found three out of four Americans believe marijuana has legitimate medical benefits.

"Most people are seeing through the reefer madness," Tvert said. "Despite some legislators' efforts to hold back progress, most Americans now agree that marijuana prohibition has failed and that it is time to adopt a more sensible, evidence-based policy."

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The Marijuana Policy Project, the nation's largest marijuana policy organization, has been responsible for changing most state-level marijuana laws since 2000. For more information, visit  http://www..

The Marijuana Policy Project's Worst Legislators of 2013

1. Colorado Sen. John Morse (D) - Tried to sneak a bill through in the final hours of the session that could have resulted in the repeal of a voter-approved initiative to regulate marijuana like alcohol. Source: Associated Press, 5/6/13

2. Idaho Rep. Luke Malek (R) - Helped pass a resolution opposing the legalization of marijuana "for any purpose" because he thinks medical marijuana is a "farcical predatory scheme." Source: Associated Press, 3/27/13

3. Arizona Rep. John Kavanagh (R) - Proposed repealing a voter-approved medical marijuana law, falsely claiming that "no medical authority" would agree that marijuana has legitimate medical benefits. Source: Arizona Daily Sun, 1/25/13

4. North Carolina Rep. Paul "Skip" Stam (R) - Killed a medical marijuana bill because he felt "harassed" by the large volume of calls and emails he and his colleagues were receiving about it. Source: WRAL-TV, 2/20/13

5. Florida Rep. Darryl Rouson (D) - Sponsored a successful bill to ban the sale of pipes and bongs, which he referred to as "utensils of death." Source: Broward-Palm Beach New Times, 3/7/13

6. Montana Rep. David Howard (R) - Helped defeat bills that would have improved access to medical marijuana, calling it "the most dangerous drug there is" and a "poison" that "makes [users] delusional." Source: Helena Independent Record, 2/15/13

7. Iowa Rep. Clel Baudler (R) - Helped kill a medical marijuana bill, saying it would be the "top one or two or three stupidest bills" to pass the legislature in more than 50 years. Source: Des Moines Register, 1/31/13

8. New Hampshire Rep. John Cebrowski (R) - Voted against a widely supported medical marijuana bill because he "[did] not want to be part of the cultural and social disintegration of [New Hampshire]." Source: New Hampshire Union Leader, 3/20/13

09 Aug 2013

Michael Pratt named Braley for Iowa deputy campaign manager

By Jeff Link
DES MOINES, IA -  Iowa native Michael Pratt has joined Braley for Iowa as a deputy campaign manager. Pratt, a native Iowan, most recently served as finance director for Ed Markey's successful Senate campaign.

"I'm proud to welcome Michael Pratt to our team. His years of experience and dedication to progressive candidates and causes will build on our momentum in this race," said Braley. "With the addition of Michael to our experienced campaign team, we will continue to build a grassroots organization across the state and present my vision for a stronger middle class and new economic opportunities in every corner of the state."

Pratt is a native of Des Moines, Iowa and alumni of Dowling High School and the University of Iowa School of Law. He began his career as a researcher and legislative aide to Senator Tom Harkin and joined the finance team for Harkin's successful 2002 re-election campaign.

Among the top Democratic fundraisers in the nation, he served as finance director for Elizabeth Warren's successful U.S. Senate campaign, raising a record $42 million. Following the success of the Warren campaign, he took on the same role for Ed Markey's successful U.S. Senate bid.

Bruce Braley was born in Grinnell and grew up in nearby Brooklyn, Iowa. His father, a Marine, fought on Iwo Jima in World War II; his mother was a teacher. Braley worked his way through college and law school building roads and bridges with the Poweshiek County Roads Department, waiting tables, and tending bar. He worked as an attorney for 23 years before being elected to Congress. Braley has become known for his work on behalf of veterans, his advocacy for the middle class, and his bipartisan effectiveness. Braley lives in Waterloo with his wife, Carolyn. They have three children: Lisa, David, and Paul.
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09 Aug 2013

Introducing IowaHorserace.com

By Mike Glover
Friends -  Just wanted you to see this new Web site in which I am participating. With intensity in Iowa politics beginning to rise and interest in this year's campaign growing as well as the beginning of the next presidential campaign on the minds of many, it's a good time to bring the resources and immediacy of the Web to play. It is viewed as the next logical step in political journalism, one that keeps pace with the times and technology that have come to bear on the industry. More coming. Plan on a weekly update, with thoughts on things as they unfold. 

01 Aug 2013

Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union Local 110 Endorses Braley for Senate

By Jeff Link
DES MOINES, IA - The Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union Local 110 has announced their endorsement of Bruce Braley in his 2014 campaign for US Senate. The union represents over 640 members in Iowa, including workers at the Quaker Oats facility in Cedar Rapids and Cole's Quality Foods in North Liberty.

Al Hartl, President of Local 110, said, "Bruce Braley is one of the strongest voices there are for strengthening middle class families, and that's because of where he came from. Bruce was born in Iowa, grew up working hard, and hasn't forgotten where he's come from. That's why he works so hard for Iowa and is such an effective Iowa problem solver. We're proud to endorse Bruce Braley because he'll be an even stronger voice for Iowans in the Senate."

Bruce Braley said, "I'm honored to have the endorsement of Local 110. We're building a campaign from the grassroots up, and their support will be instrumental in helping to spread our message of strengthening the middle class, creating economic opportunities, and solving problems for Iowans."

In the 25 weeks since announcing his candidacy for Senate in February, Braley has united Iowans around his message of bipartisan problem solving.

Braley has received the endorsements of Sen. Tom Harkin, former Gov. Chet Culver, Rep. Dave Loebsack, former Rep. Leonard Boswell, Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, Iowa Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald, 71 Democratic Iowa legislators, and 18 Iowa labor organizations. Earlier this month, Braley reported he had raised $2.3 million so far for his Senate campaign and has over $2 million cash on hand as of June 30th. More than 2,800 Iowans from all 99 counties have contributed to Braley's campaign.

Bruce Braley was born in Grinnell and grew up in nearby Brooklyn, Iowa. His father, a Marine, fought on Iwo Jima in World War II; his mother was a teacher. Braley worked his way through college and law school building roads and bridges with the Poweshiek County Roads Department, waiting tables, and tending bar. He worked as an attorney for 23 years before being elected to Congress. Braley has become known for his work on behalf of veterans, his advocacy for the middle class, and his bipartisan effectiveness. Braley lives in Waterloo with his wife, Carolyn. They have three children: Lisa, David, and Paul.
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29 Jul 2013

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Allow Online Voter Registration

By Andrew Mason

Illinois Becomes 18th State to Move Democratic Process into 21st Century and Allow Online Voter Registration, One of Quinn's 2013 Priorities

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation revising the Illinois Election Code to give residents the ability to register to vote online. First proposed by Governor Quinn during his 2013 State of the State address, Illinois is now the 18th state to allow online voter registration. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to increase participation in our democracy and ensure that every voice is heard in Illinois.

"Democracy works best when as many voters as possible raise their voices at the ballot box," Governor Quinn said. "Online voter registration will encourage more people to fulfill their civic duty by making that first step of registering to vote easier and more accessible. This new law will boost registration rates, cut costs and move Illinois' democratic process into the 21st century."

The 17 states that currently offer online voter registration have realized its benefits which include higher voter registration rates - particularly among young people - and lower processing costs.

"Online voter registration is the biggest advancement in expanding the electorate since Motor Voter passed 20 years ago," Cook County Clerk David Orr said. "I've long supported online voter registration because it's a convenient, secure way for voters to get registered and start participating."

"Online voter registration brings Illinois' election process into the 21st century," House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago) said. "Making it easier for people to exercise one of our most fundamental and significant rights - the right to vote - is good for democracy."

"This law will increase participation in our democracy," State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) said. "But it will do more than that. It will also save the state money. Processing a paper registration costs 83 cents. Processing an online application costs 3 cents."

Online voter registration is part of House Bill 2418 - the "Omnibus Elections Bill" - which includes other provisions, such as:

·         Changing the hours for early voting on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. -  Noon, to Noon -  3:00 p.m., to enable broader participation;

·         Requiring the State Board of Elections to post precinct-by-precinct totals for all of the state's precincts, and,

·         Codifying that votes cast for a candidate who drops out before Election Day but remains on the ballot will not be counted.

States that offer online voter registration include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia. Four more states - Delaware, New Mexico, New York and Ohio - have modified versions. Online voter registration is expected to be in place in Illinois by the 2014 General Election.

Earlier this month, Governor Quinn signed a law to allow 17-year olds who will turn 18 by the time of the general election to participate in that cycle's primary election. According to FairVote, 20 other states permit 17-year-olds to vote in the primary election.

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26 Jul 2013

Loebsack to Tour Genesis Emergency Center

By Rick Martin

WHO Congressman Dave Loebsack

 

WHAT Dave will tour the Genesis Emergency Center and meet with staff

 

WHERE Genesis West Emergency Center, 1401 West Central Park Ave., Davenport

 

WHEN Friday, July 26  11:30am

 

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