Could Vilsack cost Kerry in Iowa

[DU9598]

The Governor is in the process of undermining his campaign promises to his two biggest supporters, the Labor vote and Trial Lawyers. The Governor is now determined to cut taxes for big businesses while taking away benefits from injured laborers through a roll back of workers' compensation.

In meetings in recent days Labor has threatened to withdraw support from Vilsack. Trial Lawyers have not yet taken such a stand. But, what is quite clear, is that the Governor of Iowa is splitting the state Democratic party right before this very important election. Vilsack is turning his back not only on these interest groups, but also on the party leaders in the state house and senate who oppose the roll back in workers' compensation at a time of giving money to big corporations like Wells Fargo and John Deere. There is significant fear that if Labor and Trial Lawyers break from Vilsack it will significantly undermine "get out the vote" efforts in statewide races that are important - including the Kerry Edwards campaign.

If Democrats stand for corporate welfare handouts, corporate tax cuts, and reduction of workers' compensation benefits, why should labor support our party?

I would urge DU'ers to email the governor to tell him to stand with Labor and the Trial Lawyers - at least through the November election.

I have posted a link to the Vilsack "sellout press conference."

<http://www.dmregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040824/NEWS10/408240384/1001>

Vilsack spent the early morning hours in intensive discussions with Republican leaders over a plan to revive the Iowa Values Fund, the state's centerpiece economic development program.

The plans call for $80 million to $100 million in funding for the program, as well as $70 million in business tax breaks.

The final piece of the puzzle was revisions in the state's worker compensation laws, which had been the subject of negotiations in the last week.

[THUNDER HANDS]

1. um....why?

is he doing this?

[DemVIctory]

2. I am from Iowa (live in FL now)

Damn how I wish McCormick would have beaten him in the primaries years ago. Barely lost. What scared me most about Vilsack was his seeming lack of faith in the 4th amendment. (illegal search and seizure) What a disappointment the first Dem governor in my 34 year memory has been. DINO

[DU9598]

3. Vilsack

It is apparent that Vilsack has no backbone for a fight. He initially entered an order for the executive branch of government protecting gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered individuals from discrimination. The Republicants sued him (represented by none other than Mark McCormick) and he folded.

Now, he wants a silly give away to big business to build some new big office buildings here so he doesnt fight for labor - he simply folds and gives the big business controlled legislature what he wants. It is sickening to see this lightweight undermine our party - especially since we are so close to taking back both houses of the state legislature.