Notes from Spencer's Campaign Stop

Finally, the post about the event Selden Spencer held in Marshalltown over the weekend. Sorry for the delay, I had a variety of computer issues come up and then the work week started, and here we are on Thursday. Well, anyway...

Selden Spencer came to Marshalltown on Saturday morning for a couple campaign stops, including speaking at a UAW meeting. I attended an event held at a local coffee shop. There were close to 30 people in attendance. Spencer began his speech by talking about his history of activism. I was messing with my computer, so didn't get down many details, but he Spencer stressed that a small number of people can make a difference.

Then Spencer got into the issues, saying that "people know that things are not quite right." He pointed to Katrina, the Iraq War (He mentioned he is reading the Art of War and one of the points in the book is war should be quick and decisive.), and the national debt. He then laid out the major concerns that he has been hearing from residents in the 4th District.

1. Debt - We are approaching $9 trillion in debt that will be passed down to our children and grandchildren. With the Republican congress, there is no checks and balances. We must get rid of the Credit Card Mentality of the Republicans and that he will be a pay as you go Democrat.
2. Energy - Spencer said he truly believes that renewable energy will be what drives the economy of the 4th District and maybe the country. He discussed the possibilities of creating jobs in rural Iowa with a variety of renewable energy, not just ethanol.
3. Health Care - He talked a lot of about Medicare Part D saying that it was "written for and by the Drug companies." Spencer said 50% of wage earners don't have health insurance and that Americans should be able to have the same health care that Congress does. Spencer said he would take a Doctor’s mentality to Washington, where the patients concerns are most important. The 4^th district will be his patient.
   

Spencer then talked about the fundraising letter from Tom Latham that bashed Chet Guinn. Spencer said that Latham and Republicans are using fear, fear, and more fear. Latham ended the letter by saying the race is simple, you can vote for terrorism or for Latham. Spencer said it really comes down to voting for incompetence or voting for Spencer. He mentioned his Harkin Steak Fry rant and said that we can overcome fear with hope.

He talked about his plans for TV and radio ads and we raised some money at the event to get a radio going here in Marshalltown. He also discussed his fundraising, saying that only about 5% of his money has come form PAC's.

He ended by talking about his brother, who was there. His brother is from Detroit and the Tigers are in the World Series. Spencer said in 2003, the Tigers had the worst record in baseball. They then cleaned house and got rid of every player and now they are in the World Series. We need to do that in this election and send new people to Congress.

Spencer was very up beat and so was the crowd, which included some people who usually don't come to these events. Spencer entered the race as a newcomer and a longshot. I think most people agree the race will be closer than originally thought and Spencer might just pull this thing out.