Wendy Barth (IA) may jump in House race
July 31, 2008 in Congressional Campaigns, State Party News
John Deeth reports at the Iowa Independent that Wendy Barth, Iowa Green candidate for Governor in 2006, may jump into the Iowa 2nd Congressional District race currently held by Democrat Dave Loebsack.
“My record as a peace activist speaks for itself,” Barth told Iowa Independent. “Bring the troops home, redirect the military budget to social programs that can provide real security, and encourage Israel to establish more respectful relations with their neighbors so they won’t feel like they need so many weapons from us.”
2 others have already entered the race against first term Democrat Loebsack, including Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Independent Brian White.
Zeleni said on July 31, 2008
Great to see an Iowa candidate. I think the 3rd district would be a great race for the Greens as well. The current congressman Leonard Boswell is a war-monger and attacked his primary opponent for supporting Nader in 2000. He claimed his opponent was the reason for the Iraq War because he supported Nader in Iowa, which went to the Dems. He didn’t mention that he himself voted for the war, which is a hell of a lot more direct. A Green candidate in the 3rd might pick up some supporters from the “progressive” Democrat.
Ronald Hardy said on July 31, 2008
Right on, Zeleni. Ed Fallon challenged Boswell in the primary but he should have gone Green instead. Boswell’s tactics against Fallon were pathetic.
The 3rd District is ripe because it covers Des Moines and Boswell is a hard right Democrat, which is probably why he has held that seat so long really.
The thing about Iowa is that the redistricting is done by a “non-partisan” process, rather than the Dems and Reps carving out safe seats in the State Legislature. That has made the 1st through 3rd districts relatively competitive since 2002. Greens could have a significant impact in any of these races.