Culver shines up tarnished image for race - WCF Courier

[Debi]

(great fluff piece by todd Dorman)

Walking into Hoover High School's cafeteria Thursday morning, I fully expected to be underwhelmed.

Iowa Secretary of State Chet Culver was announcing his candidacy for governor at the same north side school where he once taught history and coached football. And long before any lunch ladies arrived to stir up the sloppy Joes, I assumed Culver would serve up a platter of platitudes.

It had all the makings of stale schlock. A big green and yellow banner --- the official colors of both Hoover and Culver's campaign --- promised he would "Lead Iowa Forward," as opposed to all the other candidates who are vowing to lead Iowa sideways. Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run," played as Culver backers searched for chairs before the music stopped.

<snip>

Culver not only entered the race for governor, he also jumped into the race for ideas. He actually gave us a glimpse of what he'd try to do if he gets elected. He sounded like a contender.

"As governor, I would make the creation of renewable energy and alternative fuel industries the primary focus of our economic development efforts," Culver said. "With our skilled work force, why can't we build alternative fuel vehicles right here in Newton, Amana and Waterloo?’’

Culver proposed creating a $100 million "Iowa Power Fund" that would invest in making Iowa a world leader in alternative fuel technology. He didn't say how he'd pay for it, although he pointed to growing state tax revenues as a possible source.

<snip>


http://www.wcfcourier.com/articles/2005/11/07/columnists/dorman/faf26e0c68b63738862570b2003fe515.txt

[Wapsie B]

1. Tarnished image? How so?

Sounds slanted to me. I actually stood in line with him at the DM airport a week ago. Nice guy, very well spoken, and TALL.

[Debi]

3. He's a former football player and coach, I don't think he'll ever lose

That 'jock' look.

I think that Culver started the race as Iowa's Hope (he got a bunch of early endorsements and raised a bunch of money) and then others got in to the race and started the whisper campaigns that always start with an early front-runner. So, now, Culver just has to work to step-up the support he receives.

[DU9598]

2. Impressive

Culver is starting to look more and more like a front runner in this race. He has the money, he has experience in statewide races, and now he appears to be winning on ideas and message.

I am still undecided, but the yellow and green bandwagon is looking tempting. The energy policy ideas are very good policy and politics.

[Debi]

4. Watch where he stands on the issues as well

You know I'm a Culver supporter, so you have to forgive some of my mush.

He believes that women are intelligent enough to make their own health care decisions. He also believes that stem-cell research is valuable to humanity (not only for the opportunities to create cures but as a financial opportunity for our state).

Now that the municipal elections are over I think we'll be seeing a real push for equal rights in cities that don't have all encompassing rules (Like Waterloo who is encountering problems for GLBT individuals). Culver, with his HAVA experience, is a champion for equal rights. I wonder where the other candidates will land on that issue?!!

How are you doing? :hi: