6 It Is...Almost

There IS a sixth person who's "seriously considering" running for Brooks' spot on the DSM council. She's Jane Riessen. She's 28 and works as a lawyer for the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities.
(Thanks to WHOtv.com intern Jarrett Schneider for the tip. Jarrett, make sure your Drake journalism profs reads this)
So, sorry Brian Meyer. You're not the youngest anymore. There's a new kid in the race.

And Then There Were 6?

More and more names are crowding the list of peeps who want Archie Brooks' job. I count at least 5. I have a lead on a 6th, but I'm still working to get a hold of her.

Here's my list so far...

Som Baccam--She used to serve on the DSM schoool board. She worked behind-the-scenes to try to get Brooks kicked off the council. (41 years old)

Jo Anne Corigliano--She lost to Brooks in 1999. She works at Home Depot and helped start the South Side Revitalization Partnership. (62 years old)

Joe Henry--Helped Frank Cownie become mayor. He's a real estate agent. (49 years old)

Brian Meyer--He's the youngest of the bunch at 33. He's an asst. A.G. and is a DSM planning and zoning commish.

Becky Morelock--She's been a neighborhood activist for years. (59 years old)

Funnel Me Another Dog

Ah, Fair time. For all of you out-of-staters, you're really missing something if you don't try the Iowa State Fair at least once. I met a father and daughter Friday from San Fran who paid 300 bucks a piece on EBAY to make sure they got to see James Taylor while they were at the fair. (BTW, Taylor gave the shortest show I've ever attended. Plus, he took nearly a 30 minute break in the middle. To his credit, he did two encores and the second one had at least 3 or 4 shows. But since we couldn't even really see the stage from our seats, we were expecting a little more.) I'm told the Gov and Lt Gov took in the show. I didn't see them. Did see Patty Judge. That's not easy in a crowd.

A few of the presidentials and other politicos did the rounds at the Fair. Seemed to be a little confusion with the Pataki peeps. His camp told me to meet them at the Crystal Studios. When we got there, I found out they had gone to the Pork Producers' tent. No big deal, except we had just come from there. So we had to carry all our crap back through the masses a quarter mile or so back to the tent to get him. We arrived, sweat-soaked in the hot sun, and just caught the end of his remarks. Catch you next time, Gov. Safe bet he'll be back, I guess.

But at least we got the chance to talk with him. We wanted another prez possible, our Gov Tom Vilsack. But his avail was offered to members of the foreign press. The foreign press. I remember when the Iowa press could talk to him.

Other randoms...

Newt Gingrich mentioned Joe Lieberman would have likely won in Connecticut if the foiled terror plot happened closer to the Democratic Primary.

Senator Tom Harkin praised the British government for stopping the terrorists. He criticized the U.S. efforts. He wondered how security would be here if U.S. hadn't spent $300 billion plus on the Iraq war.

Congressman Tom Latham defended the efforts. He pointed out the $33 bil the U.S. spent to upgrade airport security and said it's a great success for the U.S. to help stop the terrorists.



Even more randoms...Latham told me he can't do without a corn dog at the fair. Although his wife won't let him get mustard on it (Too hard to get out of his shirts?)
Harkin said one time a year he has to have a funnel cake with just powdered sugar. None of that other stuff.

For the record, we did the funnel cake thing, too. Although, ours was glazed and powdered. We tried those tator ribbon fries, as well (I think that was their name--sort of life thick potato chips) All good. Good thing this only comes once a year.

Saddle up

(Courtesy: Fotosearch.com)

"Are they for clean water or are they not?" That's what the Gov asked out loud as he fumed to me about the Legislature's Rules Review Committee. The committee doesn't think DNR should have so much power in deciding where and whether those big livestock operations should set up shop. He clearly wasn't happy. Apparently, neither was House Speaker Chris Rants (or whoever crafted his press release response).

"It's like an old western movie. Except instead of riding out into the sunset to the cheers of the townspeople, the governor is blazing out of town in a black hat shooting out the store windows."

Giddeeup cowboys...I can't wait to the shootout at the OK corral November 7th.

Fillin' the Seat

There seemed to be a little confusion about how to replace Archie "My job's not fun anymore" Brooks. Chris Coleman of the Des Moines City Council began the meeting this a.m. asking if members were going to vote on how to replace Brooks. But the city attorney said the agenda wasn't written up in a way to actually allow members to do anything official on the matter today. So basically, they met to set up a meeting for Monday.

Looks like they won't put a temp in Brooks' chair. Fourth Warders won't have someone to complain to until voters pick someone in a special election. That's looking like it will be December 12th (primary election) with the special election January 9th).

The Goat

Steve Bartman=Archie Brooks?

Looks like dems have their CIETC scapegoat, or so they hope. Des Moines Councilman finally did what so many people, including very prominent dems, wanted him to do....quit. Chet Culver and Sally Pederson had both said Brooks should get out of office. Brooks finally did. Do you think the fact that the A.G. and the Polk County Attorney had told Brooks they were working to forcibly remove him from office had anything to do with Brooks leaving? Will Brooks' resignation be enough to shake the "stank" off this scandal for dems? Repubs hope not.

(Courtesy: Cedar Rapids Gazette)

Gene Phillips seems to be leaning toward taking on another CIETC figure, Polk County Supervisor John Mauro. Phillips told me he'll decide in the next week or so. You'll remember Phillips beat Mauro once before (he beat Brooks one time, too). Phillips said he'd be at a big disadvantage though time-wise and money-wise since he would be getting into this race so late. It will be interesting to see if Phillips can raise much money. Since repubs couldn't put up an anti-Mauro candidate of their own, will they put some bucks behind Phillips?

Changing Life Changing?

Visit Florida. That's what I'm doing right now. That's the slogan here. Pretty simple. Must work. Of course, all the beaches, the dolphins, year-round warm weather...I guess those make tourism pretty easy. Iowa doesn't have those things.

Life Changing. That is Iowa's slogan right now. Perhaps, Iowa's slogan is a little more important than Florida's. Would it really matter if Florida's was "Sure, you might die in a hurricane, but it's better here in January than where you live"? Thousand, millions, I guess, would still visit here.
Clearly Iowa has to find a way to get more people to want to visit the state. It needs to find a way to get more people who grow up in the state to stay in the state. Then, we can quit using that stupid "brain drain" phrase.

Will "Life Changing" do that? What do you think? Can you come up with a better one?
If you do have one, then, come on, send it in (Thanks, Publishers' Clearinghouse).
I'll pick the top 5 (We'll put "Life Changing" in, since that's what we have now). Then we'll all vote on the best one. Start typing.

No Secretary Dopf

Doesn't look like a two-way race for the republican nod for Sec. of State anymore.
Here's a quote...

"I’ve received support from a number of Iowans who would like me to run this fall. I appreciate that support very much, but I believe Iowans need to unite behind Paul Pate," Dopf said. "Paul Pate knows what it takes to run the Secretary of State’s Office efficiently and effectively because that is what he did during his four years there."

State dems had already sent out a release earlier today. Did they know something?

This is a quote from IDP Exec. Director Mike Milligan:

"Paul Pate has continually made missteps when it comes to the truth and integrity," said Milligan. "His legacy as Iowa's Secretary of State is marred by mistruths, shameless self-promotion and broken promises."

The Doctor Is (Not) In

Before I ever got the chance to use the line..."Mauro's ready to go toe-to-toe with Allison for Secretary of State"...the republicans stub their toe (yeah, I know).

Allison says he's dropping out for "personal reasons." Now repubs have to find a new candidate.


Bob Dopf--Allison beat him in the primary. He's interested. His website still works.
www.voteiowa06.com.






Paul Pate--He had the job already. He said he'll think it over this weekend.





For those of you who don't believe Fallon is NOT a candidate for governor this fall, you might want to check out the email I just received from his peeps. It's his elex day schedule...well, it's his sked for the June elex. Hop into your flux capacitor and go seem him (again).


MEDIA ADVISORY For more information, contact:

June 5, 2006


ED FALLON’S ELECTION DAY SCHEDULE

7-7:30 am: Waveland Café, 4708 University Ave, Des Moines
7:45-8:15 am: Dahl’s, 3425 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines
8:30-9 am: Zanzibar’s, 2723 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines
9-9:45 am: Pat’s Corner Café, 2716 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines
10 am: Vote, John R. Grubb Community YMCA, 1611 11th St, Des Moines
10:15-10:45 am: Java Joe’s, 214 4th St, Des Moines
11:30 am - 12 pm: Central Senior Center, 1914 Carpenter Ave, Des Moines
12:15-1 pm: Nollen Plaza
1:15-2:00 pm: Gray’s Lake Park
2-3 pm: Bike with the Candidate, meet at Gray’s Lake Park
4:00-4:45 pm: Farmer’s Market, 3200 Delaware Ave, Des Moines
5:15-6 pm: Farmer’s Market, Corner of NW 62nd and Merle Hay, Johnston
6:15-7 pm: Evelyn Davis Park, 16th and Forest, Des Moines

Hold on, Lance! Someone Else is Coming.

Don't count out the dems just yet. I just got an email that Ed Fallon's also taking a seat at RAGBRAI. I understand he's riding into Waukee tonight.

Welcome...

An introduction to Dave Price's video blog...

Wait for Me, Lance!

Another politician's hopping on the RAGBRAI bandwagon. Jeff Lamberti, the 3rd district congressional republican candidate, is doing a leg on Thursday to Marengo. He'll likely do a little shoulder-rubbing with Cycling King Lance Armstrong Wednesday night in Newton, too.
Gub and Lt Gub candidates Nussle and Vander P are also RAGBRAI-ing. No seats for the dems yet.

Ready to Ride?

Pretty cool Newton gets to host the most famous cyclist of all time. That town deserves something good. The town's planning a big to-do Wednesday night in the downtown square. Lance Armstrong will speak to the throng. He's doing RAGBRAI, in case you haven't heard. The First Lady will be there, too. The Gov? Nope. He'll be riding in California.

The republican wannabees are riding in on the RAGBRAI parade, too. Jim and Karen Nussle will carry water for cyclists Sunday in Sergeant Bluff (there's probably some kind of "carrying water" smart aleck comment, but I'm striking out right now) The VanderPlaats' will ride from Coralville to Muscatine to wrap it all up.

I'm surpised the prez wannabees aren't riding. Maybe they're saving their strength for the state fair. Fried twinkie, anyone?

Watch Out, Vaudt!

Looks like the dems have found a target to deflect some of that CIETC criticism. They're ganging up on the State Auditor David Vaudt.

Dubuque Senator Mike Connolly got it going Wednesday during hearings of the Legislative Oversight Committee. He started by saying to Vaudt who was testifying before Oversight, "I'm not trying to badger you."

He then lobbied question after question, and, often times, opinionated comment after comment, at Vaudt. He, like some of the other dems, is trying to stick Vaudt with a little blame for what happened. Why did Vaudt allow his employee, Deb Bargman, to moonlight at CIETC? Shouldn't he have asked her who her outside clients (she was allowed to do consulting work on the side, according to Vaudt's testimony) were when he hired her?

Thursday, the state party got in on the action. Here's the release:

Milligan: Dave Vaudt, Stop Dragging Your Feet. Democrats and Republicans Call for Vaudt to Finally Take Action on Employee Linked to CIETC.

DES MOINES – Today, Iowa Democratic Party Executive Director Mike Milligan echoed calls from both Democratic and Republican legislators for Auditor Dave Vaudt to finally take action on a high-level employee, Deb Dessert, who failed to alert the Auditor of her husband’s excessive salaries as an employee of the Central Iowa Employment and Training Consortium (CIETC).
"Dave Vaudt can’t drag his feet any longer. It is time for him to take action on any employees linked to the CIETC scandal. Deb Dessert works for the state’s top watchdog group, and she failed to alert anyone about her husband’s excessive salary. Auditor Vaudt should take the advice of the legislators and fire Dessert," said Iowa Democratic Party Executive Director Mike Milligan.

Wednesday, democratic State Senator Thomas Courtney (Burlington) and republican State Rep. Clel Baudler (Greenfield) both called for Vaudt to can Dessert. Vaudt hasn't ruled out action against her, but he says he's still investigating.

Governor Proclaims, "It's hot."

For those of you complaining Governor Vilsack isn't concerned about Iowa as he travels the country running for president, read this. His office just sent this out...

Governor Vilsack reminds Iowans to take precautions during hot summer months

DES MOINES – With triple digit heat indexes predicted for today and high temperatures predicted for Thursday, Governor Vilsack reminded Iowans today to continue taking measures to avoid serious health problems associated with summer heat.

"Iowans need to brace for another day of dangerous heat indexes
that are covering most of our state today," said Vilsack. "Local officials are working in communities to supply resources, but neighbors can also help by checking on the elderly or those with chronic health conditions, especially if they lack air conditioning."

Heat exhaustion occurs when sweating, the body's cooling system, fails to eliminate heat fast enough. The signs of heat exhaustion are faintness, rapid pulse, and flushing or reddening of the skin, which is often accompanied by stomachache or headache. When heat exhaustion symptoms occur, Iowans should stop all activity and drink liquids such as water or re-hydrating fluids (Gatorade, Powerade, or Pedialyte for children). They should not drink alcohol, coffee, or caffeinated soft drinks. Those affected should also take a cool shower. Health complications from heat include exhaustion, stroke and dehydration. Heat stroke, a more serious and
potentially deadly condition, is commonly associated with confusion on the part of the affected person, who may also stop sweating. Iowans in this situation should seek medical help immediately. While waiting for help, the person needs to be cooled, or if possible, taken to a cooler environment. Dehydration occurs as a contributing factor and comes when fluid and sodium lost by sweating are not replaced quickly enough. A person should continually drink fluids and not wait until thirsty because thirst is a sign of dehydration. It is important to maintain fluids by drinking two to four glasses of cool water or fluids an hour. State health officials encourage Iowans to do the following to avoid health problems associated with heat:

•Take breaks and drink plenty of fluids when participating in outdoor activities like construction, yard work or recreation.
•Limit outdoor activities in the heat of the day.
•Do outside work before noon or in the evening.
•Parents should ensure children are well hydrated.
•Never leave children, elderly or pets in a parked car, even for a few moments. Leaving a window partially open may not be enough to protect those inside from rapidly rising temperatures.

Of course, the Gov won't be in Iowa much. So here's his personal forecast...

St. Louis.....................Washington, D.C.

It's Lamberti

"I've been looking forward to the trip and standing by the next congressman of the 3rd District, Senator Jeff Lamberti." The Veep's intro looks good on paper. Trouble is, looks can be deceiving.


Dick Cheney kept saying, LAM-berti, not Lam-BER-ti.
Oh, well, Lam-BER-ti still took in 150 grand thanks to the veep.

Time for History

Here we are...waiting.

The a.m. started off with a news conference with the Gov. He had an event at 8:30 this a.m. in the Riverbend neighborhood in Des Moines (Ed Fallon's district?)

He said again how the legislators don't have the legal power to override his veto during special session. He said they're not doing this the right way. I asked him why he was doing the event now...just an hour or so away from when lawmakers were set to begin the override process.


He said he needed to show the implications of their action, if they override him. When are they supposed to see this? We don't have a 9am newscast. By the time they watch, this event should be long finished at the Statehouse. Or so we hope.



Boths sides caucused. Repubs were quick (No surprise. Not much drama in what they're about to do.) Dems first met with the Gov. (Last minute plea?) Now they're caucusing. Too bad they don't let us in those things. I'd like to be a fly on the wall. I heard Culver's talking to them, too. I wonder how long this will take.

Help's a Phone Call Away

Help at the Hill...How many guys does it take to run the Gov's office? Does he need help with all his major new policies for the last few months of his lame duck governance while he travels the country? The Gov just brought back Matt Paul for the third time. He left once to go work for Howard Dean. Oops. He left again to go work for Mike Blouin. Oops. Now he's back with Vilsack.

Sorry, Gov
The Gov did offer up a way to avoid the humiliation of the first legislative override since, well, since before I was born (it's been 43 years, I'm told). He wants leaders to go for his less restrictive eminent domain bill. Repubs say, "no way." (no surprise). But even dems told me privately that this override is a done deal, despite late afternoon calls from the gov's office. It looks like the dems just want this vote to be done with, so they can get back to trying to take back the senate, and, possibly, the house in November.

R-R-R-I-N-G
Speaking of campaigning, Virginia's ex-gov Mark Warner did a quick presser with Gov hopeful Chet Culver. While he was talking, a cell phone rang. It was Mike Glover from the Associated Press. His phone always seems to ring during news conferences. Warner told the room not to worry about silencing their phones. Every time he hears that ring, he says, he thinks "cha-ching!" You'll remember in Warner's pre-gub days he made a zillion bucks when he helped found Nextel.

And it's only 2006

I spent part of the day in Nevada. The city, not the state. Mike Huckabee talked about his giant-weight loss to a group of hospital peeps at the Story Co. Medical Center.

I figured it would be no problem to get an interview with him afterwards. He is, after all, spreading his words about how he shrunk his waist to any Iowans who can listen. Or so I thought.



We started the interview. And stopped. And started. And stopped. Turns out some radio station had him booked for a live phone interview. One of his handlers kept breaking in our interview to let him know he needed to get on the radio. Oh, well. Somehow, I think, he'll be back. Hope that radio interview went well.




It's good to be the Gov... First, Governor Vilsack got to watch his beloved Steelers win the Super Bowl in Detroit. Now, he landed tix to the Home Run Hitting Contest before the Major League All-Star Game in Pittsburgh (his hometown). I wonder if he'll be back in time for the real show at the Statehouse on Friday.

He's running

Gov V just got some props for his run (no, not his presidential run). A national story did point out how he walks the walk when he talks the talk.

Here's the deal.... Kentucky's Gov Ernie Fletcher is trying to get his chubbier citizens to get up and move around a little. So you'd think he'd be willing to lead by example and walk home from work every night. Did I mention he lives 500 feet from his office?

It turns out, a limo takes him home every night. 500 feet! How much is gas again?

Here's the story that's picked up in the Kentucky Post...

"Across the country, several governors who live near state Capitols routinely walk to work. In Iowa, Gov. Tom Vilsack sometimes jogs the three miles from the Capitol to his home at the end of the work day. Like Fletcher, Gov. Chris Gregoire in Washington state, Gov. Rick Perry in Texas and Gov. Haley Barbour in Mississippi routinely ride to work from their homes next door."

O.K., it's not a great quote, but any national press is good press. Right, Gov?