DM Register endorses Repiglican in 3rd US Congressional dist.

[BJ]

After endorsing Senator John Kerry on Sunday, and longtime GOP professional politician and big pharmaceutical water-boy, Chuck Grassley, The Des Moines Register tips its hand by favoring the Repiglican challenger in for central Iowa's Third U.S. Congressional District seat.

3rd District: Thompson
The challenger has matured. He could represent central Iowa for many years to come.
When this page endorsed Democratic Congressman Leonard Boswell in 2002, we noted Republican challenger Stan Thompson might make a fine congressman someday. That day has come. Voters in the 3rd District should give this youthful Des Moines lawyer the chance to unleash some of his energy in Washington.
(-snip-)
In an interview with the Register two years ago during his campaign against Boswell, we had concerns that all of Thompson's answers sounded like they came from a script written in national GOP headquarters.

A more thoughtful Thompson has emerged. In a recent interview he said he didn't support the privatization of Social Security and supported the reimportation of drugs from Canada, evidence he is not simply toeing the party line on all issues
(-snip-)
He has the history and vigor to make it in Washington. He could breathe new life into working for issues important to this state for many years to come.

Gee, these Register double-domes are easily duped. I guess it didn't occur to these brainics that Thompson, a corporate lawyer, would LIE straight to their faces!

So far this liberal newspaper (a Gannett paper)has endorsed every GOP incumbent in Iowa's US Congressional delegation.

Oh I'm sure the Register won't endorse reactionary nut-case Steve King from the state's Fifth Congressional District. That way the Register's editorial staff can sanctimoniously distance themselves from the GOP's Bible-thumping faction while still kissing the corporationist Repiglican whip.

From what I've gathered of prissy, little Stan, it's a fair bet that he is as radical a snake handler as the always embarrassing King. However, his corporate lawyer veneer camouflages his real intend quite nicely.

I taked to Congressman Boswell just last Tuesday at the Des Moines Izaak Walton League. And I'll tell you right now that at age 70 the congressman hasn't lost a step nor is he out of touch.

[9119495]

1. This sickens me.

Boswell is a great man. Thompson is an opportunistic bum. How dare the Register. Like we need another Republican representing a democratic state.

[DU9598]

2. Real disappointment

This could get scary for Boswell. Anyone seen polls on this race? I had not considered this a toss up since Boswell beat Thompson so dramatically last time.

This Thompson guy is really a religous nut too. He just pretends to be moderate and a corporate attorney.

[MARALE]

3. Saw a poll on this

Had Boswell up by at least 10 points, I don't think we have to worry about this. I think many people will vote straight dem ticket because they hate this administration so much. At least I hope so. Same pol showed Nagle or Nussle race close as well.

[VoteJohnson]

4. Yeah but they're going for Paul Johnson in the 4th!

Paul nabbed both the Ames Tribune (http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?BRD=2035&dept_id=238098&newsid=13195971&PAG=461&rfi=9 and Des Moines Register (http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041027/OPINION03/410270305/1035/OPINION in the last 10 days.

Yesterday, he spoke to nearly 5,000 students at Iowa State University and Simpson College - with Leonardo DiCaprio & Jon Bon Jovi (at ISU) and John Edwards (at Simpson).

Also, Paul is pulling national coverage in the blogosphere with some great posts by Jerome @ mydd.com (http://www.mydd.com/story/2004/10/27/195440/99), and Kevin @ the American street (http://www.reachm.com/amstreet/archives/2004/10/27/swing-state-iowa).

Notable quotes:
mydd:
Paul Johnson has run a terrific campaign in Iowa's 4th CD, his stance on wind energy is progressive to the max. And you gotta check out his ads, "Finance" is one of the best grassroots ads of the year... "fancy voiceover guys" what a line. You gotta remember, Iowa voters see the slickest of the slick in ads. This guy smells authentic.

Johnson just got the Des Moine's register endorsement (and we remember what that did for John Edwards), and the Ames Tribune turned away from Latham, and endorsed Johnson. The 4th is a even match-up between Democrats and Republicans, you never know... VoteJohnson.org


american street:
ne is a sleeper that’s gathering SERIOUS momentum. It now ranks as my highest endorsement in any House race in the country.

Paul Johnson would be a pickup for the Dems in a race that he’s run beautifully against a 10-year incumbent. The district is about a 39-39 split in party registration and the Des Moines Register endorsement on his site is one of the strongest and most eloquent I’ve seen for anyone...

I’d encourage you to read his bio, the Des Moines Register endorsement and the Ames Tribune endorsement (in the latter, I love the ‘man on the moon’ reference).

This is the type of committed progressive candidate with a serious successful record that’s rare to find and a joy to back: a true conservationist, a commitment to alternative energy that is bold, visionary and practical, who strikes the right tone in conversation that immediately appeals to people.

Those who complain of a party that’s too centrist aren’t likely to find a better guy to back: a sensible progressive, not an extremist. I urge you to help him get elected.



What's that spell? Nearly 39,000 visits to the campaign site (http://www.votejohnson.org) yesterday and a lot of support! This race has gone from david v. goliath to a tight race which isn't yet over.

[HuskiesHowls]

5. Its too bad about Grassley....

I rather imagine that one thing they're looking at with Grassley is his seniority in the senate. Its too bad, because I just don't think he's been doing much for the state in the last few years....following the party line on too many votes.
Personally....I'm voting for Art Small, even though he may not have much of a chance...I want Grassley to know he isn't a shoo-in.