Frontier Program
From: Rod Sullivan

Johnson County is strongly Democratic.

A few years ago, party leaders decided the Johnson County Democratic Party
was strong enough to go beyond its' borders to help take back the Iowa
Legislature.

With this in mind, an effort (nicknamed "Frontier Democrats") has been
underway for some time to help out in neighboring Legislative Districts.

Now, we need your help. We need groups of friends, coworkers, neighbors,
etc. to pick a Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon, or Sunday afternoon,
and volunteer to travel a bit. We guarantee to take up only 4 hours
(maximum) of your time, unless you choose to do more.

We have work we can do in West Branch, Tipton, West Liberty, Riverside,
Washington, Muscatine, Wellman, Williamsburg, Marengo, Monticello, Anamosa,
Van Horne, Vinton, and everywhere in between. None of these places are far
from Johnson County; all figure heavily into who will control the Iowa
Legislature.

Please contact Rod Sullivan at rodsullivan@mchsi.com if you are interested
in helping out.

- posted by John @ 4:49 PM

 
Meeting notes
From: Rod Sullivan

Notes from 8/28 Precinct Training

Dave Redlawsk (Johnson County Democratic Party First Vice Chair) welcomed
folks.

Brian Flaherty (Johnson County Democratic Party Second Vice Chair)
introduced self and others.

Steve Chasse (Iowa Democratic Party Regional Coordinator) talked about need
to win this election.

Sarah Swisher ( Johnson County Democratic Party Chair) echoed the first
three speakers.

James Moody & Jeffery Fields (Johnson County Affirmative Action Committee
Co-chairs) noted that this event fell on the anniversary of the "I Have A
Dream" speech. They announced two upcoming outreach events: 9/18 at The
Rack, and 10/2 at a place to be named later in the Pheasant Ridge area.

Megan Heneke (IDP Johnson County staff) discussed the Early Vote program,
including reasons to vote early and rules for handling absentee requests.

There was then a discussion on a wide variety of topics-voter registration,
satellite polling places, absentee rules, etc.

Bill Gerhard and Tom Carsner, Precinct Leaders in Iowa City 22 & 24,
respectively, discussed some of their strategies for getting out the vote in
their precincts.

Mary Mascher emphasized the importance of the female vote.

Attendees took precinct lists, absentee requests, registration forms,
brochures, and other materials, and left with the assignment of coming back
with 5 absentee requests and/or 5 new registrations.
- posted by John @ 4:49 PM

 
Franker event 8/29
From: "Elizabeth Kerr"

Please join us for ³An Afternoon of Activists²
August 29

Dick Myers will host a reception in support of

Dave Franker, 2nd District Democratic Congressional Nominee

2pm to 4pm
Devotay Restaurant
117 N. Linn Street
Iowa City

You will have the chance to see both Dick and Dave speak.
There will be complimentary appetizers and a cash bar
The suggested contribution is $25, but anyone is welcome.

This is being held in conjunction with the Democratic Congressional Campaign
Committee¹s Party for a New Majority to take back the U.S. House of
Representatives.

Please call the Franker for Congress campaign office at 337-9396 with any
questions.
- posted by John @ 10:42 PM

 
Art Small mailing party 8/28
From: jennifer@artsmallforsenate.com

So much fun, we're doing it again -- a gigantic mailing party for Art Small
this Saturday, August 28, starting at noon in the campaign HQ on the second
floor of Old Capitol Mall.

Please stop by to stuff some envelopes and yak with friends.
We'll provide some snacks and mailing fun!
- posted by John @ 7:31 PM

 
Leach rejects call for Rumsfeld resignation
From: Dave Franker

Today's Gazette (Thursday) is a must read - page 7B, "Leach Rejects Call for
Rumsfeld Resignation." Please share it with your Leach-supporting friends
for their consideration.

Some Leach quotes in the article, "There is probably no one in America that
is more discouraged with the direction of American foreign policy" than
Rumsfeld.

Another, referring to the prisoner abuse scandal, "I don't believe the
character of Don Rumsfeld is one that can conceivably countenance this kind
of action."

Leach refused again to join me in calling for Rumsfeld's resignation, which
I first issued on May 6, despite Leach's comment that Abu Ghraib is "the
most damaging scandal in modern American history."

If that's not enough to merit telling your former boss (Leach was hired by
Rumsfeld when he was an Illinois Congressman) it's time to resign, what is?

I expressed again what the Congressman's 35 year close friendship with
Rumsfeld causes him to fail to see, "Rumsfeld's resignation is necessary to
safeguard our troops. If we disregard the Geneva Conventions on prisoners,
it could hurt our own troops in the future." It's quite simply a matter of
accountability at the Pentagon.

Dave Franker
- posted by John @ 4:38 PM

 
front desk help, M & W
From: Rod Sullivan

We are getting a much better response when it comes to volunteers to work
the front desk, but we can still use more help.

We are having particular difficulty filling Mondays and Wednesdays from
12-2, 2-4, and 4-6. If you can help out any of these times, even for one
shift, please come in and sign up.

Thanks, and Go Dems!
- posted by John @ 9:21 PM

 
Dvorsky birthday party, 9/10
Dvorsky for Senate
18th Annual Dvorsky Birthday Party

Food-fun-music-special guests

Friday, September 10th, 2004 from 5-7 PM
North Ridge Pavillion Coralville, IA

$25 per person, $50 per family, $10 for students

Contributions are appreciated even if you cannot attend. Send them to:

Committee to Elect Dvorsky
412 6th St.
Coralville, IA 52241

- posted by John @ 7:34 PM

 
Pulkrabek fundraiser, 8/28
From: Lonny Pulkrabek

Lonny Pulkrabek, Democratic candidate for Johnson County Sheriff, will hold
a fundraiser on August 28th, 2004 at Randall Park in Solon from 6pm to 8pm. There will be live music and hot dogs and hamburgers and hot off the grill, along with various sides.

Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy some great food and music. Suggested
donation is $10.00.

What: Pulkrabek for Sheriff fundraiser
Where: Randall Park in Solon
When: Saturday, August 28
Time: 6-8pm

For more information please call 354-6633.
- posted by John @ 7:33 PM

 
Dems Jazz Cats fundraiser, 8/29
Please join your fellow Democrats at a Johnson County Democratic Party fundraiser on Sunday, August 29, from 6-10 pm at the Mill.

The event is called "Dem Jazz Cats", and Union musicians will play! Should be fun and more like a jam session.

Musicians include: Al Bohanan, Rick Chambers, Nick George, Ron Hillis, Patrick Hughes, Dan Knight, Dick Kriz, Ross Porch. Suggested donation of $20.

Call Carol Porch at 351-3498 for more information.
- posted by John @ 7:33 PM

 
Franker for Congress News
Franker and Leach now running head-to-head
Closest Congressional race in Midwest according to Political Oddsmaker

As of this publication, Campaigns and Elections Magazine (www.campaignline.com) lists Dave Franker as an underdog, but not by much.

In a recent turn of events, the closing 9-10 odds give Franker the best chance in the Midwest for a Democratic pick-up in the U.S. House of Representatives, according to the reported numbers. In other words, Leach is favored to win by only 52.6%.

The nationally-acclaimed analyst on the scene, Ron Faucheux (known popularly as "The Political Oddsmaker"), has a 98% accuracy record.

"I think these odds are a clear indication of just how vulnerable Jim Leach is in this district. A district that includes a candidate of Dave Franker’s caliber ought to go Democratic this fall," said David Loebsack, Professor of Political Science at Cornell College, upon hearing the news.

As Faucheux's numbers show, none of the Democrats running Congressional races in Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Illinois or Indiana can boast of odds as optimistic as those for Franker.

Favored to win by 53.3%, John Hostettler (R) of Indiana is the second most vulnerable Midwestern Republican candidate. No other race even comes close.

This is Iowa's chance to gain a major victory for the Democratic Party, say key activists in the Second District.

YOU can make the difference!

We're only 2.6% away from balancing the score! Contribute today and help send a DEMOCRAT to Washington D.C. this November.

To make a $25, $50, or $100 online donation right now, simply visit:
www.frankerforcongress.com/Public/ContributeNow
Or, send your check to:
Franker for Congress
Box 587
North Liberty, IA 52317-0587
(Please make checks payable to "Franker for Congress".)



Volunteer your special skills and expertise!

We are looking for:
Creative leaders who can organize fundraisers, house parties, and other venues.
Eloquent writers who can send letters to the editor about why Dave Franker is the responsible choice for Iowa.
Good cooks who can provide snacks and beverages for various events.
People with excellent communication skills who can make calls or knock on doors.
Outgoing "weekenders" who can walk in parades and distribute flyers at events.
Linn County volunteers, contact Jennifer Buck at:
(319) 373-3985 or (319) 329-2814
Jennifer@FrankerForCongress.com
Volunteers from other counties, contact Maureen Meyer at:
(319) 337-9396
Maureen@FrankerForCongress.com

August Events

Tue, 8-24-04
Volunteer Meeting
8:00 - 9:00 pm
Blue Strawberry
118 1st St. SE
Cedar Rapids

Wed, 8-25-04
Coffee with Franker
7:00 - 8:30 am
Coffee Emporium
220 3rd Ave SE
Cedar Rapids

Thu, 8-26-04
Heritage AAA
Franker/Leach and
Small/Grassley
Debate on
Senior Issues
10:30 am - 11:45 am
Ballantyne Auditorium
Kirkwood Comm. College
Cedar Rapids

Thu, 8-26-04
Fort Madison Teachers Luncheon
12:00 - 1:00 pm
Location TBA

Fri, 8-27-04
Workers for Better Iowa David Franker appears with Former US Senator MAX CLELAND
and John Kerry's
"Band of Brothers"
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Paramount Theatre
Cedar Rapids

Sun, 8-29-04
Johnson Co. Dems Jazz Night at the Mill
6:00 - 9:00 pm
The Mill restaurant in Iowa City




September Highlights

Wed, 9-1-04
Old Threshers' Reunion Harvest Parade
3:30 - 5:30 pm
Downtown Mt. Pleasant

Wed, 9-15-04
CSPS Event Hosted by Libby Slappey
5:30 - 7:15 pm
Legion Arts
CSPS building
1103 3rd St. SE
Cedar Rapids

Fri, 9-19-04
Harkin Annual Steak Fry
(with Sheryl Crow and Tom Arnold)
12:00 - 4:00 pm
Balloon fields at Indianola, IA

Fri, 9-24-04
"Peace, Politics, Education and Environment"
Franker is keynote speaker at High School Peace Exchange event
1:15 pm
Maharishi University, Fairfield
- posted by John @ 7:33 PM

 
JCDem Affirmative Action Report
From: Jeffrey Fields

Hello Folks,
James and I just wanted to update you as to the Affirmative Action Team's events:

Wednesday September 1st - 6pm to 8pm - J. Fields Office Hours @ JCDem Headquarters on the 2nd floor of the Old Capitol Mall - I am planning to keep weekly office hours until Election Day, but the day of the week will change after September 8th.

Wednesday September 8th - 6pm to 6:45pm - Affirmative Action Team Meeting
@ JCDem Headquarters on the 2nd floor of the Old Capitol Mall (Yes, this is just before the Central Committee Meeting, but we will need to check in)

Saturday September 18th - Get Out the Vote Rally in and outside of the
Rack Restaurant in the Pepperwood Plaza brought to you in part by the JCDem Affirmative Action Team. Put this date on your calendar. We will have guest speakers, a voter regsitration table, and a whole lot of Dem Spirit. More information to follow.

Saturday October 2nd - Tentative date for Get Out the Vote Rally on West side of Iowa City. Yes, we know it's homecoming and a home football game, but we are trying to get these rallies in before things really heat up!!!

Finally, the Affirmative Action Committee has lofty goals for this election cycle. We need all the help we can get to staff these rallies and to knock on doors during the weeks before the ralllies. Give us an hour or two in September and October, and we can make a difference in voter turn out for people of difference!!!
- posted by John @ 7:31 PM

 
Cleland in CR for Kerry, 8/27
Max Cleland and Kerry¹s Band of Brothers To Headline August 27 Workers
for a Better Iowa Event

August 17, 2004, CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA. The Workers for a Better Iowa announced today that former U.S. Senator and decorated Vietnam Veteran Max Cleland will be the keynote speaker at a major political rally, to be held in conjunction with the Iowa Democratic Party, on August 27, 2004, at the Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  The rally will begin at 6:30 pm. The date is the Friday before the Republican National Convention, and the rally will highlight why Iowans should support Democratic candidates this election.  The program will also include appearances by members of Democratic Presidential candidate John Kerry¹s Band of Brothers, his former Vietnam swift boat crewmates.

Max Cleland was severely injured by an exploding grenade in 1968 in Vietnam, losing three limbs, and spending 18 months in rehabilitation hospitals.  He was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service and the Silver Star for Gallantry in Action. In 1970, at age 28, Cleland was elected to the Georgia State Senate, where he wrote the law making public facilities accessible to the handicapped. In 1977, he was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to be the Administrator of the U.S. Veterans Administration, the first Vietnam Veteran and the youngest person ever, to hold this post.  In 1982 he was elected Secretary of State in his native Georgia, serving in this post until 1996.  In 1996 he was elected to the United States Senate.  He was defeated in his re-election bid for this office after what many termed a smear
campaign by his opponent which questioned Cleland¹s patriotism.  Cleland introduced John Kerry prior to his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention last month.

Also to be in attendance at the August 27 event will be members of John Kerry¹s Band of Brothers, including his former swift boat crewmate, Gene Thorson of Ames, Iowa. Thorson was an Engineman on PCF-94 with Senator Kerry.  Thorson is a member of the Operative Plasterer¹s and Cement Masons Local 21 in Des Moines.  Thorson will be joined by Jim Wasser, who was a Radarman on PCF-44, and was Chief Petty Officer and second in command on this boat.  Wasser is an electrician, and has been a member of IBEW Local 176 in Kankakee, Illinois for 34 years.  Wasser is also in his third 4-year term on the Kankakee County School Board.  These former crewmates of Senator
Kerry will talk about labor and education issues and emphasize why they support Democrats in this year¹s election.
- posted by John @ 7:11 PM

 
Owen for Iowans News
From: Mike Owen,Democrat for State Representative
District 79 / Cedar, Johnson, Muscatine Counties

Gov. Vilsack Speaks Up for Our Commitment: Education

Our campaign's commitment to education received a boost Tuesday as Governor Vilsack appeared at a news conference at Kirkwood Community College to support education and the "pro-education" Iowa House campaigns of Mike Owen (D-West Branch) and Mark Shearer (D-Washington).

It couldn't have come from a more appropriate source - the man who protected education from drastic cuts by squashing reckless fiscal policies promoted by the Republican leadership of the Legislature. A vote for our campaign is a vote for change - for education, for good jobs, and for access to affordable health care.

We must assure adequate funding not only for our K-12 schools, but for our community colleges and universities, to rein in skyrocketing tuitions and keep educational opportunity within reach of our working families.

Lt. Gov. Sally Pederson to headline Labor Day Picnic in Downey

Here's a great chance to meet Iowa Lieutenant Governor Sally Pederson! The lieutenant governor will speak at the Owen for Iowans Labor Day Barn Picnic on Monday, Sept. 6, 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the historic 1883 Secrest Octagonal Barn just west of Downey. Hot dogs, apple pie and some sound voting advice from one of our state's shining stars. Suggested donation $10/person, $25/family. Come on out to see this fascinating example of farm architecture from Iowa's past, and talk to your friends and neighbors about Iowa's future.

Sponsorships are available for this event. Call Mike at 643-5714.

More Upcoming Events

Saturday, Aug. 28, Wilton: Founder's Days Parade
Join us on the streets of Wilton as we march in the Founder's Days parade, which begins at 2 p.m. Lineup begins at 1 p.m. at the high school parking lot; be at the lineup area by 1:45 p.m. if you'd like to join us. Free candy!

Monday, Sept. 6, Rochester: Snapper City Daze Parade

One of the area's favorite annual parades through the streets of Rochester beginning at 10 a.m. on LaborDay. We always have room for marchers with big smiles!

Sunday, Sept. 12, Lowden: Parade for 125th Anniversary of Lowden Fire Dept
The Lowden firefighters have been working the parade circuit as hard as any campaign for the 2004 election to promote their 125th anniversary celebration Sept. 11 and 12. Join the folks of Lowden on this weekend, and walk with us in the parade on Sunday at 2 p.m.

Just About Yard-Sign Time

You've seen a few of our road signs popping up around the district - but we have more to put up, and lots of yard signs, too. Please help us get prime locations for yard signs and road signs. We are now inside 10 weeks to Election Day, and the time for putting up those signs is approaching quickly.

If you need more information, call us:

Mike Owen
Democratic candidate for State Representative, District 79
Cedar, Muscatine, Johnson counties
(319) 643-5714
owen4iowans@Lcom.net

Owen for Iowans
563 Oliphant St.
West Branch, IA 52358
- posted by John @ 7:11 PM