Primary Candidate for Culver

Saturday, former Des Moines school board member Jonathan Narcisse entered the race for governor. He plans on running against Democratic Governor Chet Culver in the June primary. He added that if he doesn't win the primary, he will run as an Independent in November. Here's something I have noticed from the coverage. In the stories about Narcisse's candidacy, count the times you see the world "controversial" when the stories talk about Narcisse.

With Culver's popularity falling in the 30-something percent in some polls, some Democrats have talked (mostly not for public attribution, I might add--well, other than Culver foe/former state rep./candidate for governor Ed Fallon) about whether someone else should run for their party. Iowa City council member (former mayor) Regenia Bailey told KCRG-TV in Cedar Rapids she doesn't plan on a primary challenge against Culver. I must confess this is the first I had heard of any possiblity of Bailey running this year. And it sounds like we don't need to talk about it any longer based on what she told KCRG. Anyone else or can we quit talking about this?

The filing deadline, by the way, is March 19th.

Culver in Iraq, Narcisse for Governor

(Picture provided by Governor Chet Culver's office. Culver is pictured with Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley and U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates)

Governor Chet Culver is in Iraq. His new Democratic challenger in the governor's race said he shouldn't be (but more on that later). Culver held a conference call with reporters Friday afternoon to say he went to Iraq through the Department of Defense (he added the DOD paid the bill for the trip and that he has wanted to visit there for three years). Culver said he wanted to visit with Iowans serving there. When I covered the annual condition of the guard address earlier this month, the guard told me it had its fewest number of Iowans, about 100, serving in Iraq since the war started. Here's the release from the governor's office:

GOVERNOR CULVER VISITS IOWA SOLDIERS IN IRAQ

IRAQ – Governor Chet Culver today is in Iraq, where he is meeting with Iowa reservists who are serving on behalf of the United States mission. The Governor is joined on the trip by Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, and is meeting with soldiers and reviewing the progress that has been made on the ground.

“As Commander-in-Chief of the Iowa National Guard, it is an honor to see the work that Iowa soldiers are doing on the ground in Iraq,” said Governor Culver. “Iowans should know the troops our state has deployed are incredibly dedicated and acting out of a spirit of service. I have been impressed and inspired with their work ethic, their focus and the love of country that motivates so many to serve. To all of our Iowa veterans on behalf of a grateful state, I say a heart-felt thanks for your legacy of service in the name of freedom in America and abroad.”

During a call with reporters this afternoon, the Governor once again called on the legislature to pass four bills that help Iowa soldiers and their families. The Governor highlighted the “Trailing Spouse Bill” (HF 2110), which expands unemployment benefits for spouses who are forced to leave their jobs when their spouse receives a military reassignment or deployment, the Exemption of Veteran’s Benefits from Income Tax (HF 2138), Modification of Visitation Rights for Veterans (HF 2417) and Addition of Veterans Representation on Commissions (SF 2175).

Prior to their departure, yesterday both Governors met with US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, received a briefing from Defense officials, and visited with injured soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.

The Governor will return to Iowa in the coming days, however for security reasons, that information cannot be shared at this time. More information will be available upon the Governor’s return to Iowa soon.

Governor Culver was invited to join the trip by the US Department of Defense, who covered the expense of the trip.

Now back to Jonathan Narcisse, who announced he will challenge Culver in the Democratic primary. Narcisse is a former Des Moines school board member, who accrued ethics complaints and the ire of his fellow board members during his one-term tenure. During his remarks Saturday morning, Narcisse called Culver a "nice guy". But he also said Culver has shown " failed leadership".

Narcisse also said Iowa has an obesity crisis. And he said he would be a better leader to address that than Governor Culver. Narcisse said, "Iowa's obesity crisis is not about Governor Culver. But sometimes, you have to take leadership by example." Narcisse estimates he has lost at least 60 pounds but said he gave his scale to his mother last July.

Narcisse went on to criticize Culver's trip to Iraq. He said, "Instead of being in Iraq, he ought to be in Iowa meeting with state legislators. I'm not going to let you out of session until we have real solutions for the crisis (sic) that face Iowa."

Narcisse said he doesn't know how many signatures he has to fill the necessary petition to run for governor by the filing deadline of March 19th. He also declined to say how much money he has raised, but he said he expects to raise $4 to 5 million for the race. And if he doesn't win the Democratic primary, Narcisse said he will run as an Independent in November. He added Culver has "zero chance" of beating Republican Terry Branstad.

Pawlenty Returns to Iowa

It's T-Paw, II. Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, and likely 2012 presidential candidate (can I call him that yet?), is returning to Iowa in April. He will headline an event with the Iowans for Tax Relief. Four candidates for governor are also scheduled to appear. All 3 Repubs and Democratic former Des Moines school board member Jonathan Narcisse confirmed to be there. ITR said Governor Chet Culver's campaign never responded. Pawlenty is looking more and more like he is interested in Iowa (and running for president, of course).

Pawlenty last came to the metro for Republicans' Leadership for Iowa event November 7th at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Although, his visit did get overshadowed a bit. The Republican candidates for governor also spoke that night and much of the attention focused on how former Governor Terry Branstad did in his debut (would it be re-debut?) before some Polk County Republicans. You might remember, I reported that weekend the reviews weren't all that impressive from him from the majority of people who talked to me about it.

Speaking of Governor Chet Culver... I first reported Wednesday that Culver's deputy campaign manager, Jesse Harris, was leaving the campaign to go work for Secretary of State Michael Mauro. It looks like I only had 1/2 of the departures though. Tom Beaumont of the Des Moines Register reports Grace Van Cleave, Culver's finance director, is also taking off. Culver's previous campaign manager, Andrew Roos, had already left the campaign.

This all happens as Culver deals with a recession, continuing downward poll numbers, talk that Democrats may not want him to run again and other talk that he could face a primary opponent (Narcisse? Someone else?)

Culver Deputy Campaign Manager Quits

Looks like another change in Governor Chet Culver's political campaign. Former campaign manager Andrew Roos quit last year after about three months on the job. Deputy manager Jesse Harris took over as interim. Now he is also leaving. He will go to work for Secretary of State Michael Mauro. Harris will replace Frank Chiodo, who was a deputy of administration for Mauro. Chiodo left to lobby with his dad, Ned.

Vander Plaats Hopes Huckabee Helps Raise $10,000

Iowa Republican Gubernatorial candidate Bob Vander Plaats sent out a message today that he hopes 2008 Iowa Caucus winner Mike Huckabee helps him raise $10,000 with stops on his behalf today. Here's the message. The goal is to raise the 10 grand by the time Huckabee finishes speaking tonight at the final stop in Cedar Rapids (Huck and Team VP will be in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids).

No Chuck Norris on this trip apparently. Norris is a fan of both men. He is apparently not a fan of this man or his windshield.

Obama 2012 Re-Election Features Iowa Connections

Politico broke the story today about quiet efforts to begin planning for President Barack Obama's re-election plans for 2012. Probably not a big story that he is running again. Don't they almost always run for a second term? But the story notes Iowa connections to Obama's plans. What happens in Iowa doesn't stay in Iowa:)

Patrick Dillon (currently the White House's deputy political director), who ran Chet Culver's successful 2006 Iowa gubernatorial campaign, is on board. So is his wife, Jen O'Malley Dillon (currently Democratic National Committee Executive Director). She worked on both of John Edwards' presidential campaigns in Iowa before leaving to work for Obama.

Culver Says Little About 3 More IDED Firings

Iowa Governor Chet Culver didn't have a lot to say about three more dismissals at the Iowa Department of Economic Development. He said it was a personnel matter. He mentioned the "quick and decisive" action on this.

The Des Moines Register published a story Saturday that identified three workers with the IDED and showed emails from the three detailing their involvement with the film tax credit. Two days later, all three were fired from IDED. A reporter questioned Culver on the quick and decisive action when it took five months to fire the three workers. You can see his response at the beginning of the video below.

I also asked him whether this was IDED Director Bret Mills' decision to fire the workers. Culver said, "Yes. The directors hire and fire. They run their agencies. It's what they do."

Culver Not Headed for D.C.

This past Sunday on Channel 13's "Insiders", Republican analyst Doug Gross said his sources said Democrats in Washington, D.C. were trying to get Iowa Governor Chet Culver a job there, so he could step aside and not have to face a tough re-election this November. Today was the first day we had a chance to talk with Culver about the claim. When asked whether he was asked to step aside, Culver said, "Absolutely not."

Some may question the validity of Gross' claims. He used to work for Terry Branstad when he was governor and he is now a supporter of Branstad's efforts to reclaim his old job.

Here's video of Culver taking questions about a primary opponent, why his poll numbers are so low and whether Democrats want him out of office. If you don't want to watch it all, fast forward about 2 minutes into it.

Vander Plaats Polls

Today, Republican Bob Vander Plaats' campaign combined a few, different polls to try to show he is the candidate moving up in the polls. Is this o.k. with you to try to show that Terry Branstad isn't the only candidate who could beat Governor Chet Culver or is this mixing apples and oranges for a misleading fruit salad? Read the release and decide for yourself.

RASMUSSEN POLL: VANDER PLAATS LEAD OVER CULVER
GROWS, BRANSTAD LEAD SHRINKS

DES MOINES – Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Vander Plaats leads Gov. Chet Culver by six points in the latest Rasmussen Poll, which is an increase of 3 percent from an Iowa Poll published earlier this month.

Vander Plaats leads Culver 46 percent to 40 percent among a survey of 500 likely voters contacted by the Washington, D.C., polling firm on Thursday. He led Culver 43-40 percent in the Iowa Poll. Meanwhile, Terry Branstad’s lead over Culver in the Rasmussen Poll is 53 percent to 37 percent, down from the 53-33 percent margin in the Iowa Poll.

Only 41 percent of Iowans approve of Culver’s job performance while 57 percent disapprove, according to the Rasmussen Poll.

Vander Plaats, a Sioux City businessman, said the latest poll continues to dispel claims by Branstad’s campaign that the former governor is the only candidate who can defeat Culver.

“The Republican primary is going to come down to the wire and I believe we’re going to prevail because voters want the clearest possible contrast between our nominee and Chet Culver. They want an energetic leader for the future – and that’s what our campaign represents,” Vander Plaats said. “What the Rasmussen Poll says to anyone who has been told that they have to nominate Terry Branstad if we’re going to beat Chet Culver is that that’s just not true. We can move the Republican Party forward in June and defeat Chet Culver in November – and that’s just what I’m going to do.”

Iowa Lawmaker Wendt Has Cancer

A fourth member of the Iowa legislature is now battling cancer. Today, Sioux City Representative Roger Wendt announced he will leave the house. Rep. Wendt told the Des Moines Register he has lung cancer.

Rep. Wendt, who is 76, almost always flashes his humble, friendly smile when you walk past him at the statehouse. I don't know that I've ever heard anyone say anything bad about him. House Democrats released this statement on behalf of Rep. Wendt:

"It’s been a great honor serving the people of Sioux City in the Iowa House of Representatives. As chair of the House Education Committee, I’m deeply proud of my record improving education for Iowa children and equalizing school funding for districts like Sioux City, which helps both property taxpayers and our schools.

Due to a serious medical condition and the recommendation of my doctor, I will not be returning to the Iowa House for the remainder of the 2010 session nor will I seek re-election as State Representative later this year."

West Des Moines Republican Senator Pat Ward, Ocheyedan Republican Senator David Johnson and Newton Representative Paul Bell are all also battling cancer.

Coincidentally, Tuesday morning Governor Chet Culver signs HB 2075, which forces insurance companies to cover some cancer clinical trials.

Roberts Won't Seek Re-Election; Running for Governor

Carroll Republican Rod Roberts had to make a decision. The filing deadline is March 19th. Roberts had to decide whether to file to run again for his statehouse seat or whether to file for governor. He can't do both. He told me today he is running for governor. He will not seek re-election in the house for the seat he has held since 2000.

I reminded him of a prediction he made to me about six months ago. At that time, there were 7 or 8 Republicans seriously looking at running for governor. He told me he expected 3 of them to actually run. I wonder if he would be as good at predicting the Powerball numbers:)

Roberts said campaigning has a way of "winnowing the field". He expects the winnowing to be finished now and he will be running for the next 4 months against Bob Vander Plaats and Terry Branstad. No one else will enter the field for his party, he expects.

Roberts acknowledges the other two men have raised a LOT more money and are better known. After all, Branstad has been governor 4 terms before. Vander Plaats has run for governor 3 times. Roberts plans on not just going after typical Republican primary voters to make up for his lack of recognition (he also added that he will just have to outwork the other 2). He plans on getting Democrats and Independents who are unhappy with the money Governor Chet Culver has spent since he took over and who are also unhappy with the overall direction of the state. Roberts told me this will be the year for the outsider. And he said he will be the outsider. Vander Plaats, by the way, has told me HE would be the outsider.

Tiger Woods Apologizes

Watch Tiger Woods' news conference video here.

Did you watch Tiger Woods' apology this morning? As a reporter, it's always frustrating when journalists don't get a chance at follow up questions. But that's how Woods' handlers constructed this news conference this morning. No questions and hand-picked people in the room.

Woods is not accused of breaking any laws. He's just been a sleaze to his wife and family. He defended his wife and said there has never been any domestic violence in his marriage. I assume he means no physical violence. It seems rather obvious his actions have caused plenty of emotional distress to those closest to him.

Having said all of this and after watching his words this morning, what do you think? How much should the public have a right to know about what has happened? Woods is a celebrity by his professional stature, endorsements, public appearance, etc. But he isn't an elected official. He is not John Edwards in that sense. Edwards was also a lousy husband and we now know a liar. He was also close to becoming President of the United States, or perhaps, Vice-President or U.S. Attorney General. Is his situation different because he was an elected official? What do you think? Who's worse?

Rants Drops Out

Sioux City Republican Chris Rants went all in. He said he wouldn't run again for his legislative seat. He would only run for governor. And he had no plans to stop short of the primary. Today, his run took its last step. He dropped out, leaving three others in the race for his party's nomination.

Here's part of what Rants sent out to supporters:

The Last Rants & Raves
Today I am ending my campaign for the office of Governor. I’ve enjoyed meeting and learning from so many Iowans I’ve encountered on my 54,346 mile journey around our state. It has been a rewarding experience for me, and I hope that I’ve given my fellow Republicans some ideas to consider as they shape an agenda for the 2010 election.

Last fall it became evident that my campaign was a long shot. I continued out of a belief that campaigns should be about issues and ideas, and it was worth the effort to shape the public debate around issues that concern my supporters and me. It is now clear that those opportunities for such a debate are not materializing, and I cannot in good conscience accept or solicit support for an effort I know will be ultimately unsuccessful.

Here's the rest of his message.

Rants' departure from the race will surprise some and not surprise others. To outsiders, a former speaker of the house should be one of the front runners for a gubernatorial primary. This never proved to be the case for Rants.

Rants' standing with fellow lawmakers changed over the past few years. He held leadership titles of majority leader, house speaker and minority leader. But as his party continued to lose seats in the house, his colleagues voted to put someone else into leadership. As a candidate for governor, he was never able to transition his fundraising prowess as speaker into his new campaign. His campaign reports in January showed he had just a few thousand dollars left. His campaign operation was in many ways a one-man band. He often drove himself, by himself, to campaign events. He sent out his own news releases. But he was easily accessible to reporters with no filter keeping us out. He was most always up-to-date on the important issues and didn't need time to form the perfect thought or soundbite. Most every interview was "Rants Raw"...no filter, just feelings. In television, editors like the good 10 to 15 second thought filled with emotion and Rants would deliver it. That shoot-from-the-lip quality seemed to make him beloved by his supporters but put off by his detractors in and outside the Iowa Statehouse.

Those who thought there's no way he would quit before the primary are likely surprised by his announcement. Since the race had whittled down to four candidates, some thought there was no reason for him to quit. But others sensed what Rants had told me several times along the campaign. He thought the campaign could be about the guy who could just keep putting out ideas. He constantly highlighted his ideas on his campaign website. He thought that would be enough to win. But he acknowledged everything changed last summer when it looked like former Governor Terry Branstad would get in the race. The money, he said, just dried up. And he never found a way to get it flowing again.

I'll be curious how involved Rants will be in the remaining weeks of his final legislative session. Will he be the same outspoken, hard-charger or will he be more subdued, more reflective of his career in elected office that may soon run out of time?

Fair Share Public Hearings

Des Moines Dem Bruce Hunter said there are more "pro" bill people than "con" speakers. So he is letting some pro people to go back to back, instead of rotating, so it's not all pro people at the end.

I'm sure I have butchered some spellings of people's names along the way. My apologies!

It's been a quiet, very respectful crowd. No drama.

Iowa GOP Chairman Matt Strawn in the chamber. Greenfield Repub Clel Baudler laughing it up with a state trooper who is helping with security (Baudler is a former trooper) Looks like he's holding some kind of food. How 'bout some food this way, representative?

Lynzey Tharp...attorney in Des Moines... contrary to Jim Hawkins' assertion...I'm not a victim. said both both parents were union members. It is not a mandate. It is not a forced unionization.

Quite a few more empty seats in the legislature's section now. Dinner is calling.

Fair Share Public Hearing

Union member...said he grew up in Southern Illinois (as a fellow Southern Illinoisian, I wish I would have caught his name!) said when he signed up in human resources for his job, the person said he could join union and pay more or get the same union services without joining union and pay less. said he chose joining union so he could have a say.

Mike Ralson, Association of Business and Industry. said he was scrapping his remarks, because he didn't think he would sway anyone after they had already heard previous speakers' words. But he urged lawmakers to vote against bill.

Jeff Payne, corrections officer and union member, said payments wouldn't go to campaigns. Used reasonable reimbursement instead of fair share.

Joe Grandenetti...Des Moines teacher and Clive businessowner...pointed out how debated has changed from fair share to reasonable reimbursement. said it's semantics. used analogy that he wants to golf on the course of his choice, not being forced to join union. said he ran for office four times and lost by only 13 votes in race for Polk County supervisor. First guy to get pretty fired up. Ran out of time, too.

Fair Share Public Hearing

Union representative...said he heard from someone why should he join union if he can get services for free from the union? Said he works 60 to 70 hours a week. (He should be well-suited for journalism:) Said he misses time with family because he has to represent to non-union workers.

Robin Anderson...Mason City Chamber of Commerce...said she is exhausted because of everyone explaining to her about politics. She said she doubted any legislators would say their vote is for sale (I can't imagine she is surprised by this?) When you consider legislation, is this going to contribute to job growth?

Susie Baker...Cedar Falls...union member from Univ of Iowa...every grievance filed helps union member and non-union member.

Jim Hawkins...wants lawmakers to learn about the hearts of people. I don't know how the unions came to have the power in this case, encouraging legislators to follow their power. I want unions. I want unions to compete. Don't want them to extort money. Just compared right to work with Trigger, Roy Rogers' stuffed horse. Both are gutted, he said.

Fair Share Public Hearing

Ben Humphrey...Des Moines attorney...said his firm represents workers (although doesn't every firm represent workers to some degree? Maybe I'm taking this too literally) It's only fair if a person pays for legal representation for you to keep your job, you should pay reasonable reimbursement for that.

Professional Developers of Iowa (sorry missed his name...man, this goes fast. I wish they put the speakers' names on the giant board in here)...called this Fair Share Light. The moment one worker loses his/her job because won't join union, Iowa ceases to be right to work state. First speaker to go over his time limit. DSM Dem Bruce Hunter now in the speaker's chair. Told him his time was up.

Brandon Stanley...from Graceland in Lamoni...said he is a college student. Wants to come back to state with fair wages, so he can pay back his student loans.

David Moss...Greater DSM Partnership...Iowa will go off the list for companies looking to expand because this bill will take it off the right to work list. Went over the time. Just got caught off.

Shawn Johnson just tweeted that she has her own bobblehead. She said you can get it at the Des Moines Bucs hockey game this Saturday night. Which lawmaker would you like to see in bobblehead form?

Fair Share Public Hearing

Man said he was from Atlantic Coca Cola bottling company...said this bill is anti-jobs proposal. Sorry, I missed his name.

Sue Dinsdale, union activist, said this bill won't force people into unions.

Donna Houston, music teacher from Marion County...called it forced unionization. Bill excludes school employees but still erodes right to work. Forcing people into unions "erodes of all of our freedoms." Her voice sounds like Jane Krakowski, the actress from 30 Rock.

Dave Price, reporter from West Des Moines...do they serve food at these things? My PB & J sandwiches are wearing off!

Fair Share Public Hearing

I'm going to live blog some of the comments, so please forget some shortcuts and the possibility of mis-spelling some speaker's names. West Des Moines' Repub. Peter Cownie is leading the speakers from the house speaker's chair. He has asked speakers go one pro-fair share bill and then one con, back and forth. So here we go...

Tom Jochum, on behalf of Plumbers & Steamfitters, thanked Repub. Lance Horbach of Tama for not using "histrionics" in his opposition to the bill. Singled out Des Moines Dem Bruce Hunter and Altoona Dem. Geri Huser for their work on this bill.

Spencer businessman Toby Shine said he would hate to have his employees pay to have a job.

Fred Bowie, businessman, he pointed out also a Democrat...said competition agressively marketing their right to work status. He opposes bill.

Brad Clark, gay rights activist, said too many misconceptions about this bill. He isn't union member. Said this is about fairness and justice.

Fair Share Public Hearing

At 5:14, the Iowa House gaveled in for the public hearing on the so-called "Fair Share" bill in the house chamber. What do we have in store for us? Drama? Civility? A good exchange of ideas? Perhaps, a bit of all three.

The night begins with a little joint announcement (warning?) from Altoona Democratic Rep. Geri Huser and Tama Republican Rep. Lance Horbach. They both said how they are glad to hold this hearing. They said all lawmakers in here were glad of that. Huser announced there would be no cheering, booing, hissing or outbursts of any kind. Do any of those things, she said, and your party would be removed from the chamber.

Lawmakers are going around the room right now introducing themselves one at a time to the chamber. 100 people make up the house, of course, so this will take a while.... About 11 minutes later or so, the introductions are finished. No major problems:)