Sometimes a local candidate catches my attention. And, when I can view the situation without bias (which I can't in NYC), I have been a good judge of those candidates who are winners and those who are losers. One of the winners I picked in 2006 was Elesha Gayman, who ran for State Rep in Iowa's 84th House district. There were several reasons she caught my attention. First, the district includes Davenport, IA, where my father was born. So I have a family interest in the district. Second, Elesha was clearly a progressive grassroots favorite, endorsed by the local Democracy for America groups. Third, it was clear to me that Elesha was an intelligent, progressive candidate who would do a great job representing her district. She was a longshot, up against a well-funded, long-time Republican incumbent. But I had the feeling Elesha had a chance.

So I donated to her campaign and I blogged for her. And she won. She is now an incumbent representing the 84th State House district in Iowa.

And she is doing a great job focusing on alternative energy, healthcare, minimum wage, agriculture, etc. You can get a rundown of her positions on these issues on her website. And you can read about Elesha's biography here. Recently, the Republican machine has targeted Elesha Gayman. She represents Iowa voters, but she sure doesn't represent the interests of the Greedy Oil Party in Iowa, so they are targeting her and some of her colleagues. So, I include her and the other targeted progressive Democrats on my Iowa Act Blue Page. Help out either by donating or volunteering. Elesha really deserves our support and she really is pissing off right wing extremists.

If you can't donate, but live in Iowa, please take some time to volunteer to support a fellow grassroots progressive.