Price of Politics, Etc.

Iowa Efficienty Report

2009-12-08T18:10:00.003-06:00

Governor Chet Culver stood Tuesday before a crowd of people who probably don't normally approve of all of his money plans. He spoke at the luncheon of the Iowa Taxpayers Association at the group's meeting in West Des Moines. But Culver tried to assure the crowd he is working to do what the members would want: save the state money. Culver released a 111 page report from a state consultant that outlined 90 ways to save big bucks.

The Iowa Efficiency Report, Culver said, would save about $341 million next year and nearly $1.7 billion over five years. That first year savings would just about erase the projected budget shortfall for next year (Culver uses about $400 million as the shortfall. Others, like the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau , put the number closer to $1 billion But what is a few hundred million dollars among friends?).

Republicans will appreciate seeing some of their ideas from the past few years put into the cost-saving idea pile...like consolidating the state's email systems, cutting the number of state employees (through early retirement, in this case) and reducing the state vehicle fleet. There are plenty of others in here, too, though.

Here's the report. Happy reading. It will keep you company if you're an Iowan trying to get through this blizzard:) I'm going to now leave work to try to make it to our home in West Des Moines. Won't be fun...

Baucus Girlfriend with Des Moines Ties

2009-12-05T21:46:00.003-06:00

(photo courtesy: billingsgazette.com)

Montana Senator Max Baucus apparently dated his staffer and then recommended her for a post for U.S. attorney in his state. Baucus doesn't sound like he is denying the recommendation. The staffer/girlfriend has numerous Des Moines ties. Melodee Hanes graduated from Drake University in Des Moines. She later served as Assistant Polk Couny Attorney and as an adjunct law professor at Drake, according to her resume.

Republicans want an ethics investigation. I asked Iowa Senator Tom Harkin what he thought of the news of his fellow Democrat. He said he didn't really have a comment about the story. He told me he first learned of the story this morning by reading the newspaper. And he added, "Issues like this...best just to wait until all the facts come out and stuff like that."

Harkin also predicted a health bill will pass out of the senate before Christmas with a bill to the president in January. And he continues to say a public option will be part of the final bill.

Trompeter's Boyfriend's Car Involved in Shooting

2009-12-05T17:37:00.003-06:00

There's a bizarre story coming out the Twin Cities. Friends were having a going away party for former Des Moines anchor Jeanette Trompeter last night (after getting laid off from her job, she took a job in California). Jeanette and her boyfriend were getting ready to go to the gathering. Her boyfriend had his car running at their house in the driveway when he ran inside to grab some wine. A thief swiped the car and then got shot by police. Jeanette and her boyfriend are o.k. Here's the story.

She posted this message to friends on Facebook:

Hi friends. Thank you for the concerns. I'm fine. David's fine. Yes, it's all true. A very strange experience indeed. One minute the police are here helping us, taking reports, etc. A few minutes later their lives are in danger. Gives me new appreciation for the risks they potentially face on every call.
ETC...

We saw the new movie, "Blindside" last night. Good. Really good. A little predictable, I suppose, as many movies based on sports often are. It was a bit weird to see Sandra Bullock as a blonde with a southern accent. But she seemed believable.

Republicans Pick New Executive Director

2009-12-05T15:49:00.003-06:00

The Republican Party of Iowa has a new executive director. He used to work for Ames native Gentry Collins (Political Director for the Republican National Committee in Washington, D.C.) Here's the release from the party:

Chairman Strawn Welcomes Executive Director Jim Anderson

Des Moines, IA – Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Matt Strawn today announced Jim Anderson was confirmed by the Republican State Central Committee as the party’s new executive director. Anderson comes to the Iowa GOP from the Republican National Committee in Washington, DC, where he served as the RNC’s Deputy Political Director.

“Iowa Republicans are poised for sweeping gains in 2010 from Terrace Hill to local offices. We are fortunate to have someone of Jim’s talents joining our effort to bring competent and principled government to the people of Iowa,” said Strawn.

“I appreciate the trust placed in me by Chairman Strawn and Iowa Republicans. Iowans are rightly frustrated by Governor Culver’s failed leadership, and I’m ready to work with our candidates and grassroots activists to advance the Republican agenda with victories next November,” said Anderson.

Prior to serving as Deputy Political Director at the RNC, Anderson worked in Iowa in 2008 as part of the RNC’s Victory campaign and previously served as an appointee of President George W. Bush in the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Treasury. Anderson is a native of Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania and a graduate of James Madison University.

ETC...

I'm a big fan of NBC's "The Office". But has this season lost a little of its creative originality since Jim and Pam got married? Someone forwarded this article whose author thinks so. What do you think?

Incumbents and Tiger Woods

2009-12-03T10:33:00.006-06:00

Chet Culver, Chuck Grassley, Leonard Boswell...what are you thinking? Any worries about next year now? Yes, the general election is 11 months away. But it sure was interesting to see what happened to incumbents this week. A 23 year old challenger upset a man more than three times his age, who has served two decades on the Des Moines City Council. In West Des Moines, a 20 year veteran member got bounced. Two incumbents also went down in Windsor Heights. And another one fell in Ames.

If you combine those results with some polls that show support for office-holders tumbling, it makes you wonder whether this "throw the bums out" mentality is just misguided angst about the economy (which could evaporate if the economy rebounds next year) or if it will remake the overall look of government. Hmmm....

There's a lot of speculation about which of the five remaining Republican candidates will leave the race for governor next. Christian Fong became the first to exit, if you don't count Senator Minority Leader Paul McKinley (although some question how "in" the race he ever really was). It sure doesn't sound like the next man out will be former House Speaker Chris (don't call me Christopher any more) Rants, at least not this week. Today, Terry Branstad's campaign sent out a release touting legislators (Rants' current co-workers) who are supporting the former four-time governor. Here's the release from Branstad, followed by one Rants sent out today.

Governor Terry Branstad Announces Legislative Leadership Team
(URBANDALE) – In a sign of growing momentum as he explores a bid for governor, Gov. Terry Branstad today announced the support of Republican legislators from across the state as part of his initial legislative leadership team.

“These individuals are on the front lines of legislative debate,” said Branstad. “They recognize the need for conservative solutions in dealing with the state’s record budget shortfall. They sounded the alarm, but unfortunately, Gov. Culver was unwilling to listen. I share with them their positive vision for our state’s future and look forward to working with them to advance Iowa’s comeback.”

Branstad says this team will work on expanding the governor’s support across the entire state.

“One of the first goals of this team will be to expand and broaden the base of our campaign’s support within the House and Senate Republican caucuses over the coming months,” Branstad said.

The list of Gov. Branstad’s legislative leadership team are as follows:

Sen. Randy Feenstra, R-Hull
Sen. David Johnson, R-Ocheyeden
Sen. Larry Noble, R-Ankeny
Sen. Pat Ward, R-West Des Moines
Rep. Steve Lukan, R-New Vienna
Rep. Ralph Watts, R-Adel
Rep. Jeff Kaufmann, R-Wilton
Rep. Rich Arnold, R-Russell
Rep. Lance Horbach, R-Tama
Rep. Annette Sweeney, R-Alden
Rep. Henry Rayhons, R-Garner
Rep. Dave Tjepkes, R-Gowrie
Rep. Erik Helland, R-Grimes
Rep. Linda Miller, R-Bettendorf

Last month, the Branstad 2010 Committee announced that former State Rep. Carmine Boal, R-Ankeny, would serve as the statewide organization chair.

Rants: “Some of us know Terry Branstad all too well”

“Terry Branstad is saying those who believe he isn’t conservative enough ‘don’t know him.’ The trouble is that some of us know Terry Branstad all too well,” said Rep. Chris Rants, candidate for Governor from Sioux City.

“It was Terry Branstad on the other end of the phone when he called lobbying me to raise the cigarette tax when I was Speaker. It was Terry Branstad wielding the veto pen when he gutted our education reform legislation because Republicans wouldn’t go along with all the spending he wanted. It is Terry Branstad’s signature on the largest tax increase in Iowa history,” added Rants.

“Opposing the Branstad tax and spend record doesn’t make someone a member of the ‘confrontational right,’ it just makes them a fiscal conservative.”

On Wednesday Terry Branstad told the Dubuque Telegraph Herald that those criticizing his record as governor, "Now I have people saying I'm not conservative enough. Now I have people calling me a moderate, or a liberal," he said. "These people don't know me."

The article with Branstad's comments can be found here - http://www.thonline.com/article.cfm?id=265298

ETC...
Is there any woman out there who won't come out this week to say she had a fling with Tiger Woods? Why will his wife stay with him after all of this? It's probably just the media's fault. Maybe they beat him in the face with that golf club, too.

Purple Matters

2009-12-02T09:47:00.002-06:00

Thanks for checking in on "Purple Matters" our internet radio show on Tuesdays at 8pm central on www.desmoineslocallive.com.

Former U.S. Attorney Matt Whitaker talked about his old life and new life. Now that he has left his post, he talks about the behind-the-scenes decisions about that raid on a Swift meatpacking plant in Marshalltown. He said, despite media reports, officials gave very serious attention beforehand to make sure children wouldn't be separated from their families. He said they even planned out how to care for animals that might be caught up in the process before they made it through to slaughter.

Whitaker also talked about running for office. He said it became clear to him a while back, though, that Terry Branstad would run and would be a force. He also expressed concern about "the bench" for Republicans in Iowa, not that there aren't people on the bench, but rather that the people on the bench don't get a chance to get in the game.

AFSCME Council 61 President Danny Homan also joined us. He thinks it's ridiculous that critics say state workers make too much money. And he doesn't see how Governor Culver or state lawmakers can come back next year and ask state employees to give up more.

Here's the link for their part of the show:

http://bit.ly/8SW7mu

Christian Fong dropped out of the race for governor. He said it was all about the money. He won't rule out joining Terry Branstad's ticket or any other candidate, for that matter. Fong also wouldn't rule out running for office again. In fact, far from it. He also talks about what will be the best thing about leaving the race.

Here's the link to his appearance on the show:

http://bit.ly/5CPpr4

Thanks for listening. Please vote on our War Tax Poll at the top right of the web page. And please keep your comments coming as we keep working to improve our show! See you next Tuesday at 8pm for "Purple Matters" on www.desmoineslocallive.com!

Zaun to Announce for Congress Thursday

2009-12-01T14:10:00.002-06:00

Add another name to the race for Congress. Republican State Senator Brad Zaun will announce Thursday that he wants to take on 3rd District Democratic Congressman Leonard Boswell. Zaun told me last month he was thinking about running. Now, he's ready to say he's doing more than just thinking. He will announce at 10am at Sellers Hardware in Des Moines. Zaun worked there when he was growing up (his mother owns it now). He later operated Zaun's Hardware in Urbandale as he started transitioning into politics.

The primary race is getting a bit crowded now. Former National Guard pilot Dave Funk announced first. Then former Iowa State wrestler and coach Jim Gibbons got in. Republicans now have a three-way battle for the nomination.

Anyone else want in?

Fong Suspends Campaign

2009-12-01T10:20:00.003-06:00

And then there were five. Republican gubernatorial candidate Christian Fong is now "former" candidate, or so it appears. Fong's campaign sent out a release that he is suspending his campaign. I haven't talked to him yet, so I don't know much more than what's in this news release.

There has been growing belief among Republican insiders that former Governor Terry Branstad's entrance into the race has suck the attention and money away from the other candidates and that we would soon see a few candidates drop out. Rod Roberts, Jerry Behn, Chris Rants, Bob Vander Plaats and Branstad remain. Who will be next to exit?

Here's the release from Fong's camp:

(Cedar Rapids, IA) Christian Fong, Republican gubernatorial candidate announced that effective today he will suspend his campaign for Governor.

“Today, I announce the suspension of my campaign. From this time forward, we will not be actively campaigning for the Republican nomination for Governor. While today marks a change of direction for our campaign and for myself personally, today is not an end to my passion to see the Iowa Dream restored,” said Fong.

“Over the coming months, I intend to be actively involved in the process even if it’s not as a formal candidate for Governor. Iowa is faced with historic challenges and opportunities. The decision voters make in 2010 will greatly shape the future of our state. I personally want to ensure we continue to have a lively discussion about reforming our income tax code, reversing population and job losses in Iowa and addressing the “Brain Drain.” Electing a Republican nominee who is committed to addressing these issues with substantive plans will lead to success, both next November against Governor Culver, and through the next four years.”

“To my supporters and those that have generously supported my campaign financially, I give my sincere thanks. Your support and passion for our state deepened my conviction that this campaign reflected not only our core Iowa values, but our bright future as well. Our vision was clear, but the financial hurdles too great. Yet it is the responsibility of each generation to build on the blessings of liberty in Iowa, and so I will continue to stand with you for the future of our great state,” concluded Fong.

Christian Fong graduated from Underwood High School in Southwest Iowa at the age of 16 and then attended Creighton University, graduating at age 19. After college, he and his wife, Jenelle, located in Cedar Rapids and Christian started work at AEGON. Fong put his career on hold to attend Dartmouth, earning his MBA. He and his family returned to Cedar Rapids, where they reside today and attend River of Life Ministries church. When the floods of 2008 hit Cedar Rapids, Fong founded and still serves today as the CEO of Corridor Recovery, a non-profit flood relief organization that coordinated recovery efforts. The Fongs have three children.

AFSCME Members Vote Yes

2009-11-30T11:54:00.003-06:00

AFSCME members decided to give up some pay and benefits, so co-workers could save their jobs. Council 61 President Danny Homan announced the vote today. Members voted 59-41% on a agreement which takes away five days of pay and the state contribution toward their retirement through the end of June (about $75 per month). In exchange, 479 people won't get laid off as a result of Governor Chet Culver's 10% across-the-board budget cuts for state agencies.

Members finished voting last Wednesday, but Homan said he had independent counters re-tally the numbers to make sure they were accurate. That's why he waited to announce the results today, he said. He didn't say if they found any irregularities. But he said about 2/3 of the membership voted. Today he also wouldn't say how many members there are or how many voted. However, at his last news conference earlier this month, he said there were about 9,000 members (there are about 22,000 eligible state employees for AFSCME membership). So by my math, that's about 6,000 or so who voted.

Homan made several suggestions to save money next year:

Let eligible employees retire early with incentives like helping with insurance costs until they're eligible for Medicare or offer cash payments.
Raise taxes/end certain tax credits.
Lower the rate of supervisors per state employees.

Governor Chet Culver's office just announced this morning at about 10:15 he will have a news conference to respond to the vote. By the way, his office also just announced he will be attending the Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony at the State Capitol at 5pm. It also kicks off the state employees' annual Toys for Tots drive. I presume state workers, their families and Santa already knew about the event before this announcement.

Here's the full press conference with Homan from today:

Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays

2009-11-29T17:50:00.003-06:00

It 's a p.c. world. No, not personal computers. I mean a world of political correctness. But a new poll shows more Americans prefer using the greeting "Merry Christmas" over "Happy Holidays" compared to last year. The new Rasmussen report showed Merry Christmas was the preferred greeting by 72-22%. It was 68-25% last year. Which one do you prefer?

And, in case you wondered, more Republicans and Independents prefer Merry Christmas, while fewer Democrats like that choice (but the majority of Dems still like it over Happy Holidays).

What do more people prefer Merry Christmas this year? Beats me. What do you think?

Thank You

2009-11-28T21:45:00.005-06:00

In the middle of this Great Recession, I feel special need to pause to say "thanks" for all of my blessings in life and all the other things that deserve my appreciation.

So I'm thankful for:

My mother-in-law's turkey, followed by pork loin, sweet potatoes, apple walnut stuffing, apple pie...man, I ate a lot.

Getting to spend time with my two little nephews, Mac and Ian (along with Emily's mom, dad, brother, and sister-in-law for the holidays and getting to see the Prices for Christmas).

My job.

Bosses that let me help try to keep politicians accountable to the people they represent.

Public servants who don't try to hide information from the public.

Elected officials who are confident enough in their abilities to communicate to the media the reasons behind their decisions and staffs that let them talk to the media.

The most talented photographers who help me share our stories on tv with you.

The fact I married my best friend.

How Iowans make this feel like home, even though I grew up in another state.

All of you friends who watch my stories, read my observations and share your thoughts to make my job the best I could ever ask. Thanks to all of you.

Finally to my Aunt Pris. Growing up, she always made pies at holidays. Emily's family came to town this year, so I didn't make it back for Aunt Pris' pies back in Illinois. But she shared the recipe of one of my all-time favorite pies!

Here it is...

She told me "Kentucky Derby Pie" is copyrighted. So she just calls this "Derby Pie". Enjoy and happy Thanksgiving!

1 unbaked 9 in. pie crust
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. flour
2 eggs slightly beaten
1/2 c. butter (melted and slightly cooled)
1 c. broken pecans
1 pkg (6oz.) chocolate chips (I use semi-sweet)
1 tsp. vanilla
2 Tbsp. bourbon
Whipped cream (I use Cool Whip)

Mix together sugar & flour. Add eggs, butter, pecans, choc. chips (don't melt), vanilla and bourbon. Pour into pie crust and bake for 1 hour @325 degrees. Serve with whipped cream if desired.

another recipe call for 1/2 - 1 c. flaked coconut. I've done it both ways.

Iowa Senator Part of President's State Dinner

2009-11-25T10:10:00.003-06:00

Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Blair Underwood, Brian Williams, Katie Couric, Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Swati Dandekar. Yes, Iowa's Swati Dandekar, the Democratic senator from Marion.

She was part of President Obama's first state dinner last night in Washington, D.C. Visiting Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was the guest of honor for the evening. Senator Dandekar moved to the U.S. with her husband, Arvid, in 1973.

Iowa state Democrats sent out this release about her visit.

Purple Matters

2009-11-24T22:39:00.003-06:00

Here's the lineup for "Purple Matters" Tuesday night on http://www.desmoineslocallive.com/

Jonathan Narcisse started off coming after almost everyone. Narcisse, the controversial former Des Moines school board member, is traveling the state with Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Rants. It's a conversation, debate, whatever he prefers to call it. On our show, Narcisse ripped on the Republican candidates and the Democratic Governor Chet Culver. Narcisse is a registered Democrat, but he said he doesn't want to "be put in a box". He also danced around when I asked his real motive for doing this.

What do you think? Does he want to be governor? Should he be?

Here's the link:

Watch live streaming video from desmoineslocallive at livestream.com

Are the peace lovers on the left getting a little miffed at President Obama these days? They say the Prez spent a lot of time promising Iowans he would change foreign policy. But they're not happy he's thinking about sending more troops to Afghanistan. Kathleen McQuillan of the American Friends Service Committee talked about why she and others are getting so impatient with the Prez.

Plus, when is it o.k. for politicians to go shirtless? Or, perhaps, better stated, when is it o.k. for the media to show shirtless pols? And was Newsweek wrong in trying to "sex up" Sarah Palin with its cover picture? Iowa State University Professor Michael Bugela, journalism and media ethics expert, said, it depends. Do you want to see political skin?

Here's the link:

Watch live streaming video from desmoineslocallive at livestream.com

Jefferson Jackson Dinner

2009-11-22T16:18:00.004-06:00

I'm a little late with my post from the Iowa Democratic Party's annual Jefferson Jackson dinner. But Joe Biden just finished shaking hands. I'm kidding. Sort of. Biden spoke for 40 minutes and shook hands for about an hour before leaving the floor. Looked like he was glad to be back in Iowa.

Hy-Vee Hall had a much different look to it than the last JJ Dinner I covered. I didn't report on it in 2008. I anchored the news that night. In 2007, the floor was surrounded by thousands of screaming supporters from the half-dozen presidential candidates. This time the surrounding seats were gone, just seats set up on the floor. Dividers were set up around them to make the occasion feel a bit more intimate.

Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan declared victory on the health care debate. We have a story in our 5pm newscast tonight that shows how victory is far from certain as 4 senators have threatened to vote against the health care bill the way it is now. All 4 senators are Democrats.

Congressman Bruce Braley really worked the stage. Many times, you will see a speaker at the podium with his back to the crowd for his whole speech. Braley took the microphone and walked all over the stage making sure he addressed the crowd from all sides.

Congressman Leonard Boswell also moved about the stage, instead of posting himself at the podium.

Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge tried to fire up the room by joking (I assume she was joking) that she would write a book, presumably like Sarah Palin. At one point, when the room failed to respond loudly to one of her jokes, she remarked, "Come on, guys".

Governor Chet Culver stood at the podium for his remarks. He laid out what he said were his accomplishments of his administration (raising minimum wage and teacher pay, flood recovery efforts). Most of his comments were followed by polite applause. He did toward the ask the crowd to stand as he finished. Following his request, the crowd responded with its loudest ovation of his address.

Senator Tom Harkin had to appear by tape from Washington, D.C. because of the health care vote Saturday night. Harkin predicted President Obama would sign the health care reform before Congress' Christmas break.

Vice-President Joe Biden wrapped up the speakers. He began with what appeared to be a little jab at his boss. I didn't write down the exact quote. But Radio Iowa's bionic-fingered O. Kay Henderson transcribed it on her blog. First, some background...You might remember back for JJ in 2007 when all the Democratic presidential candidates brought out thousands of supporters, some campaigns accused Barack Obama's campaign of bussing in thousands of supporters from Obama's hometown of Chicago. Obama's campaign denied it at the time.

Now back to Saturday night and the Biden quote, according to Radio Iowa, "Hello Iowa! I assume the reason there’s no balcony this year is because Chicago’s in Washington. Come on. Come on. Chicago is in Washington. Thank God for America.”

Hmmm...Wonder what the Prez thought of that one?

Boswell's Race Downgraded

2009-11-21T11:40:00.007-06:00

In yet another sign that some of the national observers think 2010 could be a tough one for incumbents, and specifically Democrats, Congressional Quarterly has knocked down Des Moines area Congressman Leonard Boswell a notch in his re-election efforts next year. Boswell is still favored, by the way. But a trio of Republicans is now planning on running for the right to take on the Boz: aviation consultant Dave Funk, State Senator Brad Zaun and former Iowa State coach/wrestler Jim Gibbons.

ETC...

Is your office gossip central? A new study says a little gossip may not be as bad as the bosses think. Not that I'm one to gossip about it, of course.

1 on 1 with Terry Branstad

2009-11-20T11:04:00.003-06:00

Thursday, former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad starting making the media rounds as he tries to find his fifth way back into Terrace Hill. We've all been waiting for some time with him. My conversation with him coincided with the day of his first statewide of the state as a candidate, or almost official candidate. O.K., maybe it wasn't much of a coincidence. We met at his campaign headquarters in Urbandale. It looked familiar for several reasons. Tim Albrecht was there. He is Branstad's communications guy. He was also former presidential candidate Mitt Romney's guy, too. Romney also used the same Urbandale location for his efforts. He finished second in Iowa. Branstad won't be happy with a second place finish. Obviously.

A nice woman greeted us as we walked in. The office is pretty sparse, so far. There were signs up on the walls. But other than Jeff Boeyink, Branstad's campaign manager, and Tom Beaumont, the political reporter for the Des Moines Register, I think the office was empty.

We met in a back office with Branstad while Albrecht watched and kept track of the time. Branstad had a busy morning of meetings and interviews. It was two days after Branstad turned 63. He mentioned he got Sarah Palin's new book, "Going Rogue", and loaned it to his uncle. So I couldn't get the gov's literary reviews of her work. He also showed me a prized collection of autographed baseballs. Branstad told me when he was younger, he visited St. Louis to watch former Cardinal great, Stan Musial, play ball for my beloved Cardinals. Musial's autograph is one of the highlights of his collection. Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig, I would say is one of the lowlights. Those were my thoughts, though, not his:) Branstad said he was a Cubs, Cards and Twins fan, but mostly a Cubs' fan. So much for his judgement:)

He also proudly pointed to a baseball he threw out during an Iowa-Iowa State baseball game (ISU got rid of its baseball program after the 2001 season.) He seemed to take great pride in mentioning he threw a strike that day.

O.K., now the interview. Thanks to my photographer, (and the pride of Wellsburg) Travis Jungling, for putting together the full interview. Carroll's pride and joy, Dave Olson, our other photographer, ran the second camera.

Here are the highlights:

He admits that his coming out speech fell flat.
He comes out against same-sex marriage.
He doubts the legality of the plan of rival, Bob Vander Plaats.
He doesn't have much good to say about Governor Chet Culver.
He praises fellow Republican Christian Fong, for trying to one-up one of Branstad's ideas.

Here's our conversation. Your thoughts, as always, are welcome. And encouraged!

10pm story, including response from Gov. Chet Culver:

Raw Interview:

Frustration

2009-11-18T13:01:00.004-06:00

To continue our earlier conversation about frustration right now...here's another item. The University of Iowa just released its "Hawkeye Poll". It shows nearly half the country worries health care reform will do more harm than good and more than half the country now disapproves of the job President Barack Obama is doing. A lot has apparently changed during his first year in office.

Here's the poll.

People keep sending me great song ideas to capture their frustration about jobs, economy, politics, life, whatever it is.

Here are a few more ideas:

Johnny Paycheck --"Take This Job and Shove It"
Loverboy -- "Working for the Weekend"
Johnny Cash -- "Five Feet High and Rising"
Willie Nelson --"Whiskey River Take My Mind"
Marvin Gaye--"Inner City Blues (Makes Me Wanna Holler)."

Keep singing, friends, and keep the songs coming!

Purple Matters

2009-11-18T11:17:00.004-06:00

We had a fascinating, albeit sad, conversation on "Purple Matters" last night. Kathleen Nebel shared her story, which is almost too astonishing to believe. She said her ex-husband has been abusing her in one way or another for more than 25 years. She estimates they have been to court 800 times. 800 times! Her story was especially captivating in light of the horrible incident last week, where Randy Moore is suspected of kidnapping and killing his estranged wife. Here's her story:

So much of everyone's focus is on money right now. And rightfully so, as we remain in the middle of this Great Recession. As state leaders keep looking for ways to cut expenses to make the numbers work, Iowans for Tax Relief came up with an idea. President Ed Failor, Jr. joined us to share it. He wants to merge all three state university systems into one. The University of Northern Iowa, Iowa State and the University of Iowa would still exist in their three separate locations but they would have one president, for example. Failor said other states like Minnesota and Wisconsin have just one system and save tens of millions of dollars doing that. Here's his idea:

And we're still looking for songs that capture your frustration with life, politics, the economy, whatever it is that has you a bit ticked off. Last night on the show viewers suggested "What's Going On?" by Marvin Gaye and "Tragedy" by the Bee Gees. Keep coming up with your songs. We've had some good ones. Here's the others on the list so far.

Thanks for watching.

Frustrated Songs

2009-11-17T09:44:00.003-06:00

Monday, I did a tv story on Iowans' frustrations with incumbents in light of the economy, etc. I'm looking for songs that capture people's mood right now. Here's what we've come up with in the newsroom so far this morning. Can you send me your ideas?

"We're Not Gonna Take It" by Twisted Sister

"I Can't Get No Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones

"Changes" by David Bowie

"Changes" by Three Doors Down

"I Won't Back Down" by Tom Petty

What else do YOU have???

Incumbents in Trouble

2009-11-16T22:17:00.006-06:00

Government spending is up. Unemployment is up. Bankruptcies are up. Foreclosures are up. Frustrations are up. You get the picture. Many Iowans may not like what they see. That has some experts predicting a tough 2010 for incumbents. The Des Moines Register's Iowa Poll shows Democratic Governor Chet Culver has lost a third of his support so far this year. Even Republican U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley has lost 18% percent of his vote. I say "even", because even many Democratic insiders have told me for my entire time living in Iowa how Grassley is virtually unbeatable every election. Until this year, that is. Although, it seems only the most optimistic Democrats think Grassley could lose next year to a Democrat, like Des Moines attorney Roxanne Conlin.

I interviewed one of those frustrated Iowans today. His name is Richard Bockewicz. He lives in Urbandale. He's one of those purple people, not a Democrat or a Republican. He votes for the person or the issue, not the party. He'd vote for the politician who could help him get his life going in the right direction again. Bockewicz is working two part-time jobs to try to provide for himself and his fiance until he can find full-time work. He is tired of empty promises and he wants governmental leaders to start listening to the people again.

The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza took notice of the Register Poll. He writes that Culver appears to be "in a free fall".

Culver Drops in Polls

2009-11-15T13:59:00.007-06:00

Iowa Governor Chet Culver has been falling and he can't get up. At least not yet. Culver's popularity, according to the Des Moines Register Iowa Poll ,has dropped 20 points during the year and 10 points just since September. It's doubtful the budget mess or filmgate has helped his popularity efforts.

Two Republican candidates beat Culver head-to-head, one by quite a bit. Bob Vander Plaats topped Culver by 8 points. But Terry Branstad tripled that margin...24 points. Branstad is the only candidate in the poll who tops 50% popularity. TB hit 57%.

ETC...

Speaking of popularity...My wife and I hung out with about three dozen University of Missouri-Columbia journalism students this weekend. They checked out her station and then checked out mine. I'm sure they like mine better:) They were really sharp, inquisitive and bright and made me proud.

One student said something to me like, "Wait...I just figured this out. YOU'RE Dave Price." I replied, "yep". She continued, "Dave Price is the name of the best camera we have at KOMU (the NBC station in Columbia where many of the student work part-time)." Apparently, the news director named each camera after certain employees who used to work at the station over the years. Quite an honor, I thought. I was feeling pretty good about myself...well, that is, until a friend sent me this...

It's the preview on DirectTV about what airs on WHO-TV 13 on Saturday at 10pm. Apparently, some guy named "Dave Bryce" is on. Maybe I will have to tune in. (By the way, our meteorologist also has two t's in Brett.)

Same-Sex Marriage Again

2009-11-11T17:09:00.003-06:00

Iowa Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Bob Vander Plaats is again making same-sex marriage a campaign issue. Earlier today, former Lt. Governor Joy Corning told the Des Moines Register she is lending her voice to a "robocall" effort to promote marriage equality in the state.

Corning was lt. governor under former governor-turned-(almost official) candidate Terry Branstad. Vander Plaats, who voted for Branstad and Corning, sent out this statement late this afternoon:

VANDER PLAATS: CORNING POSITION ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGE,

PROMOTION OF ISSUE IS OUT OF IOWA, U.S. MAINSTREAM

DES MOINES – Former Lt. Gov. Joy Corning’s announcement that she has recorded a statewide call urging Republicans to support same-sex marriage reflects how out of touch she is with mainstream Iowans’ stance on the issue, Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Vander Plaats said this afternoon.

Corning, who was selected by then-Gov. Terry Branstad to serve two terms as his lieutenant governor, said she had recorded the call on behalf of the pro-gay marriage group One Iowa because she believes “it would be nice if we had at least one gubernatorial candidate that was espoused to mainstream traditional centrist values instead of concentrating on those far right social values.”

“This is the sort of thing that happens when you appoint a lieutenant governor who is completely out of step with Iowans’ values,” Vander Plaats said. “As we celebrate Veterans Day, the beauty of America is that our men and women in the military fought to protect our rights, including the right to free speech. The former lieutenant governor is entitled to her opinion, but I’m certain that she is the one who is outside of the mainstream not only in Iowa but across the United States. The belief that the institution of marriage as one man and one woman is simple, settled and overwhelmingly supported. That is why voters in 31 states that have voted on the issue have voted every single time to affirm marriage as one man and one woman. It is the foundation of our society.”

The Sioux City Republican said the timing of Corning’s call is “too obvious to overlook.”

“Terry Branstad enters the governor’s race on Saturday night without stating where he truly stands on the issue and on Tuesday night his lieutenant governor does an automated call urging Iowans to support same-sex marriages. All of that takes place not too long after his former chief of staff wrote an opinion piece saying the Republican Party needs to nominate a candidate with ‘centrist’ views on social issues,” Vander Plaats said. “Urging Iowans to support same-sex marriage is not only out of touch with Republican values but it is overwhelmingly out of touch with Main Street Iowa.”

He added, “If you listened closely to his speech on Saturday night, Terry Branstad did not say he supports one-man, one-woman marriage. He said he would break the legislative logjam that is preventing a referendum by Iowans. That’s not the same thing. If he wants to break the road block, he should join me by committing to sign an executive order banning additional same-sex marriages on day one in office until Iowans have a right to vote on the issue.”

Trompeter back to California

2009-11-11T14:27:00.003-06:00

As you regular readers know, it's not ALL politics here. Just wanted to pass along that our old friend, Jeanette Trompeter, is headed back to California. Jeanette is going back to where it all started, her former station in San Luis Obispo. She will be the evening anchor there. Jeanette won back-to-back Emmy's in Minneapolis, despite being laid off from WCCO-TV in a cost-cutting move. Jeanette was a star anchor in Des Moines at KCCI-TV, before she headed north.

Jeanette blogged about her move.

AFSCME decision

2009-11-10T11:11:00.003-06:00

What should they do? About 9,000 AFSCME members need to make a huge decision in the next week or so... do they take off five days without pay before the end of June and give up the state match on their retirement? Or do they watch about 500 of their co-workers lose their jobs?
Tough choice, huh?

What should they do? What would you do? Please send this question to your friends and co-workers. I want to go through as many responses as I can tonight on my internet radio show "Purple Matters" at 8pm on www.desmoineslocallive.com. And please say in your response whether you are an AFSCME member, whether you are a state worker or whether you know someone who would be affected by the decision. Thanks a lot.

Branstad's Debut

2009-11-08T22:38:00.003-06:00

The reviews haven't been exactly stellar for former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad's appearance at the "Leadership for Iowa" event at the Iowa State Fairgrounds Saturday night.

Radio Iowa's Kay Henderson calls it a "rocky performance" in her story this weekend.

The Des Moines Register's Kathie Obradovich said he "needs more practice".

I talked with probably about a dozen people at the event, maybe a few more...none seemed blown away by Branstad's speech. For the record, Branstad was the only candidate to stay within his allotted ten minutes.

Sunday, all six candidates for governor received the invite to attend the Hamilton County GOP's 3rd Annual Chili Supper and Fundraiser Auction. Candidate Chris Rants points out which four candidates showed up (you can figure for yourself with process of elimination Branstad and State Senator Jerry Behn were the no-shows). Here's Rants' tweet tonight:

Just left Hamilton Co GOP chili feed - me, Rod, Bob & Christian making our pitch for Gov nomination..

No mention of how the chili was...