Report from the Johnson County Democrats BBQ

I had a great time at the Johnson County Democrats BBQ. The event was very well attended and it is lucky the Hawks pulled out the victory or the speakers would have faced a tough crowd. The first speaker at the event was Mike Mauro, who squeezed in some remarks during a commercial break. Mauro stressed three things: making voting easy, making voting accessable, and insuring safety and integrity in our elections. I will be shocked if Mauro is defeated in November.

Once the game was over the program began. After the introductions of the local candidates the Nussle Hussle dancers debuted with a special guest appearence from Gov. Vilsack. They put on a pretty good show.

Then it was time for the speakers. First up was Dave Loebsack. This was my first time meeting Loebsack and I was very impressed. He spoke about trade agreements, the mess that is Medicare Part D, and the need for Universal Health Care. He left giving 1 campaign promise. When elected, he will never leave behind those that need our help.

Loebsack then introduced CT Senator Chris Dodd. Dodd came out saying that this Connecticut Yankee has recieved a warm welcome in Iowa. Dodd's theme was community. He said Americans need to come together as one community and we can achieve amazing things when we work together. Dodd said that under Bush the theme has been "your on your own" and the greatest achievements by our country was achieved by working together as a community.

Dodd gave a good speech and he has a solid history of progressive stances on the issues. However, I think it will be hard for a Connecticut Yankee or a Northeat Liberal to be elected in 2008. I do hope he enters the race because we need more people out there pushing progressive issues.

Tom Vilsack was up next. Vilsack was very passionate and fired up. Maybe the Hawkeye game got him pumped up. Vilsack talked about how Johnson County Democrats have led the push for universal health care, education, and equal rights for gays. Vilsack added that it is this election that these issues are finally coming up.

Johnson County is a very progressive community. It is progressive ideas like universal health care, education, and equal rights that will lead this county forward. That is why we need Progressive candidates that are willing to fight for the underdog and not a DLC candidate who is afraid to take a stand because they might step outside the so-called center or upset the corporate interests.

The final speaker was Chet Culver. This was the first time hearing Culver since the primary. I have heard that Culver still needed some work on his stump, but after hearing him, I was impressed. His speech was very good and it was very clear that he has a plan. If I had a quarter for everytime he said that he has a plan, I could start my own Values Fund. Speaking of Culver's plan, I think his plan for education and renewable energy are great and those are my top 2 issues. Culver said that this election comes down to values. At this point, I was really hoping he would mention Nussle's lack of family values, but he didn't. Instead, Culver said that he was born in Iowa and has served in Iowa and leads with Iowa values. Nussle has served in Washington DC and would bring the Washington values of deficit, deceit, and cronyism to Iowa.

I was happy that I decided to make the trip for this event. I got the chance to hear some good speeches and I also met 2 bloggers and 2 regular posters on Democratic Underground.

For some more coverage and pictures check out John Deeth's blog.