Here are endorsements for our Iowa readers:

Let me introduce you to a candidate running for Conrgess in Iowa. Becky Greenwald is running against Tom Latham (R) in the IA-04 district.

Let me quote from her website:

"In Tom Latham, we have a congressman who has continually opposed women’s reproductive rights and has given a green light and a blank check to George Bush’s war in Iraq.

Together, we will make a difference for those struggling to get by on the minimum wage.

We will make a difference for those who cannot afford access to quality healthcare.

We will make a difference for those brave men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and facing life with an injury and the scars of war.

We will make a difference when we repeal the unfunded mandate known as No Child Left Behind.

We will make a difference when we invest in homegrown energy alternatives which lessen our dependence on foreign oil, clean up our environment, and put Iowans to work at high-paying jobs which can’t be outsourced and can be unionized."

Here is footage of other of an Iraq Veteran confronting Rep. Tom Latham on the war:
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These come from Iowa State Rep. Elesha Gayman's newsletter:

"JUMPSTART IOWA" PROGRAMS OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Governor Chet Culver announced that Iowans affected by this year's devastating storms, tornadoes, and floods can now apply for the Jumpstart Iowa Small Business Assistance Program and/or the Jumpstart Housing Program. The Governor encouraged all Iowans who may be eligible for assistance through Jump-start Iowa to apply.

Financial assistance is available to Iowans for housing and business recovery. Iowans who are interested in the programs are encouraged to call 1-866-849-0323, or visit www.jumpstart.iowa.gov. for more information. In addition to filling out and submitting the applications online, Iowans can also visit their local Councils of Government (COG), or city government if they live in Des Moines, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City or Waterloo. For the complete list of COG and city offices, please visit the Jumpstart Iowa Web site. The City of Cedar Rapids has asked that affected residents living within city limits call 211.
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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.
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Iowa is doing good things. They beat the US Congress in approving a minimum wage increase. Freshman Congressman Dave Loebsack was one of the first of the new Congressmen to visit our troops in Iraq. And now they are progressing on an Energy Independence bill which aims to have Iowa independent of foreign oil by 2025. From Iowa State Representative Elesha Gayman's newsletter:

ENERGY INDEPENDENCE ACT

The House Commerce Committee passed House File 498, which sets a goal for Iowa to become energy independent by 2025. The bill creates an Iowa Energy Independence Office with an advisory council of persons with expertise in energy related fields to assist the office in carrying out its duties, including the following:

• Develop a comprehensive plan to achieve state independence from foreign energy sources by 2025.

• Coordinate all state funded energy related programs.

• Assist all Iowans to increase energy efficiency and use of alternative and renewable energy.

House File 438 also establishes an Iowa Power Fund administered by the Department of Economic Development in coordination with the director of the Iowa Energy Independence Office. The Iowa Power Fund will invest in alternative and renewable energy development and production, energy efficiency research and technological innovation, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.