Is McCarthy Going to Leave the State Legislature?

Iowa Independent had a story last week about Civic Skinny reporting that House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy might not run for reelection in 2010.

A leader in the Iowa legislature tells Des Moines’ resident gossip columnist, Civic Skinny, that House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy has been making none-too-subtle moves indicating he isn’t interested in running for re-election in 2010.

McCarthy, who was first elected in 2003, has discussed new careers with Gov. Chet Culver and others in the private sector, sources tell Skinny. The Des Moines Democrat serves as the second in command to House Speaker Pat Murphy, D-Dubuque. His district is considered one of the safest Democratic districts in Iowa, encompassing a large swath of Des Moines’ southeast side. So while McCarthy’s departure won’t mean a net loss for the Democrats, it could have impact on the workings of the House caucus.

Civic Skinny says McCarthy has talked with Gov. Culver about a job in his administration. When I first heard about this, I thought McCarthy might be eyeing a run for Congress in Iowa's 3rd district that is currently held by Leonard Boswell. This is all pure speculation, but maybe McCarthy knows Boswell is going to retire. McCarthy would be the logical choice of party insiders to be the nominee.

Rail is a High Priority in Obama's Budget

A story heard on the campaign last fall was how Joe Biden took Amtrak home to Delaware from Washington DC each night. That commitment to passenger rail has made it into the budget proposals.

From the Washington Post...

High-speed rail has emerged as the cornerstone of Obama's ambitious attempt to remake the nation's transportation agenda, which for half a century has focused primarily on building highways and roads. Nearly half of the $48 billion in stimulus money for transportation projects will go toward rail, buses and other non-highway projects, including $1.3 billion for Amtrak and its successful rapid rail service, Acela. The Transportation Department also would receive $2 billion more under Obama's proposed 2010 budget, most of it for rail and aviation improvements.

Projects to build a nationwide passenger rail network are being discussed in North Carolina, Virginia, Minnesota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Nevada, California, and even in Iowa.

I have to give props to Congressman Braley and Boswell for working to get passenger rail in Iowa. Braley has worked to get Amtrack to Davenport and Dubuque, while Boswell wants Amtrack to continue through the state through Iowa City, Des Moines, and to Omaha.

Boswell Asks for Amtrak Des Moines Study

Rep. Leonard Boswell is pushing for a feasibility study of Amtrak service from Chicago through Iowa to Omaha.

Iowa's Third District Congressman Leonard Boswell has asked that AMTRAK study the feasibility of extending a proposed Chicago to the Quad Cities passenger train not only to Iowa City and Des Moines, but also on west to Council Bluffs and Omaha. This is the first time that AMTRAK has been asked by a government official to consider extending service beyond Des Moines. AMTRAK, at the request of the Iowa Department of Transportation, is looking at the feasibility of a Des Moines to the Quad Cities and Chicago train. [...]

If passenger train services returns in Iowa between the Quad Cities and Council Bluffs-Omaha, it would use the former Rock Island line. Cities along the route from the Mississippi River to the Missouri River include Davenport, Iowa City, Grinnell, Newton, Des Moines, and Atlantic.

I am definitely on board with this idea.

US Attorney Whitaker to be Looking for a New Job

The AP reported earlier this week that US Attorney Matt Whitaker said he expects to be replaced by the Obama administration in the coming months.

Whitaker, who overlooked the immigration raids in Marshalltown in December 2006, also responded to criticism of the raids.

U.S. Attorney Matthew Whitaker says he doesn't think he'll keep his job with the new presidential administration, but says he and his office acted correctly during the 2006 immigration raids at the Swift & Co. meatpacking plant. [..]

Whitaker says he expects to be replaced within four to six months.

It is common for US Attorney's to be replaced when a new president takes over. So the obvious question is what will Whitaker do after he is replaced?

Whitaker always could go into private practice, but I don't think he will. Whitaker will be a candidate for something in 2010. First, Whitaker ran for statewide office in 2002 challenging Michael Fitzgerald for State Treasurer. Second, the immigration raids garnered Whitaker cred with the Republican base.

Not many people are talking about Whitaker as a possible Republican candidates in 2010 though. We hear names thrown around like King, Latham, Larson, and Rants as possible candidates. However, Whitaker is in a strong position to challenge Leonard Boswell in Iowa's 3rd District or even run for Governor.

Des Moines Register's 2008 Endorsements

Over the past week, the Des Moines Register has released their endorsements for the upcoming election.

I was eager to see who they'd endorse in the 4th District and their "endorsement" of Leonard Boswell is about as mild of an endorsement as you can give.

1st District... Bruce Braley

When it comes to endorsements, it doesn't get much easier than penning one for Democratic Rep. Bruce Braley. In less than two years, the attorney from Waterloo has made Iowa proud. He deserves to be sent to Washington again.

Indeed, this ambitious and energetic congressman sets the standard for what Iowans should expect from their representatives.

During a recent meeting with Register editors and writers, it was clear how seriously Braley takes his job.

He brought along with him a copy of the economic-bailout legislation, riddled with his notes and highlighted sections He also had a page of scribbled pros and cons he weighed as he sorted through whether to vote for the legislation.

2nd District... Dave Loebsack

Loebsack has proven to be a smart, thoughtful and engaged congressman. A former political-science professor from Mount Vernon, he sees the bigger picture when it comes to politics and the world. He tries to work across the aisle and fully understand the complexities of foreign policy.

Loebsack has earned re-election.

3rd District... Leonard Boswell

After 12 years of light accomplishment and wrongheaded votes, Democratic Rep. Leonard Boswell doesn’t deserve to return to Congress.

But his Republican challenger, Kim Schmett of Clive, also fails to make a compelling case that he deserves a congressional seat.

Iowans deserve better.

However, the Register’s editorial board subscribes to the philosophy that if voters must decide, so must we. So the Register gives a weak nod to Boswell, with a list of expectations:

The Register then says that Boswell should announce early in his term that he does not plan to run for reelection in 2010.

4th District... Becky Greenwald

This is the one district that I wasn't sure which way the endorsement was going to go.

Iowa's 4th District has a chance to make history. This state has never sent a woman to Congress, but should do so this election.

Becky Greenwald, a Democrat from Perry, has not made that point the main emphasis of her campaign. She calls herself a candidate who "happens to be female." But she also happens to be a woman with potential to be a leader in Washington.

Iowa should give her that chance.

Greenwald faces 14-year incumbent Tom Latham, a Republican from Ames, who has done some good things in Congress but hasn't developed the kind of in-depth expertise on issues or demonstrated the national leadership Iowans should expect from their investment in his seniority.

5th District... Rob Hubler

When the Register editorial board met recently with Rep. Steve King, the Kiron Republican talked about renewable energy, securing transportation dollars for Highway 20, and the growing budget problems with entitlement programs.

This was the savvy, well-informed King the board endorsed in 2002 and 2004. We had hoped he would blossom as a member of Congress. Unfortunately, any blossoming has been overshadowed by his divisive, fear-mongering commentary.

Fifth District voters should not send him back to Washington. Fortunately, they have a promising alternative: Electing Democrat Rob Hubler, a retired minister from Council Bluffs who has brought himself up to speed and staked out reasonable positions on issues Iowans care about, including the Iraq war, energy and health care.

There isn't enough space in this editorial to list all the times King has embarrassed Iowa.

US Senate...Tom Harkin

Iowans should without hesitation cast their ballots to return Democrat Tom Harkin for his fifth term in the U.S. Senate. With that investment in seniority, however, comes heightened expectations for him to lead in shaping landmark legislation that will benefit Iowans and the nation for decades to come.

Harkin, 68, of Cumming already ranks in the top fifth of senators in seniority. He chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee, a powerful role that he's used to nurture Iowa's biofuels industry. And he ranks third in seniority on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, putting him in position to mold a new president's proposals to reform health care and education policy.

Here are the Register's endorsements from 2006.

Boswell's Back in Congress

On Monday, Congressman Boswell returned to Congress after a brief stint in the hospital.

Here's a video message that he recorded recently...

Boswell and Blue Dogs Revolt, Democrats Cave on FISA to Allow Telecom Immunity

A compromise has been reached in Congress on the FISA bill. The so-called compromise bascially allows immunity to Telecom Companies for illegally spying on Americans.

The agreement would also pave the way for companies such as AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. to shed the nearly 40 lawsuits they face for allegedly participating in a prior version of the NSA program, which have cast a shadow over their reputation on Wall Street and Main Street. To win immunity, they would have to pass review from a U.S. District Court.

It faces hurdles to becoming law, namely whether it will have enough support from other lawmakers in both parties in the House. Telecommunications companies, which have lobbied lawmakers aggressively in recent weeks, support the compromise as does the White House.

Critical to sealing the deal was a compromise that would grant conditional immunity to telecommunications companies for assistance they provided from September 2001 through January 2007. If the companies can show a federal district court judge "substantial evidence" they received a written request from the attorney general or head of an intelligence agency stating the president authorized the surveillance and determined it to be lawful, the cases against them will be dismissed.

Yesterday the New York Times had an editorial saying this agreement is unnecessary and a threat to the Bill of Rights.

This week, the White House and Democratic and Republican leaders on Capitol Hill hope to announce a “compromise” on a domestic spying bill. If they do, it will be presented as an indispensable tool for protecting the nation’s security that still safeguards our civil liberties. The White House will paint opponents as weak-kneed liberals who do not understand and cannot stand up to the threat of terrorism.

The bill is not a compromise. The final details are being worked out, but all indications are that many of its provisions are both unnecessary and a threat to the Bill of Rights. The White House and the Congressional Republicans who support the bill have two real aims. They want to undermine the power of the courts to review the legality of domestic spying programs. And they want to give a legal shield to the telecommunications companies that broke the law by helping Mr. Bush carry out his warrantless wiretapping operation.

Democratic leadership in the House has caved on this bill because a handful of Blue Dog Democrats, including Iowa's Leonard Boswell.

A potential revolt by a group of Democrats pressed party leaders into compromising on a rewrite of electronic surveillance rules that could come to a House vote by week’s end, a top Democrat said Wednesday.

The House will vote on this tomorrow. If you live in Iowa's 3rd district, call Leonard Boswell and tell Telecom companies should not get immunity for breaking the law and ask him to vote against this bill.

Rep. Leonard L. Boswell, D-Iowa -- Phone: (202) 225-3806

IA-03: Turnout High in Des Moines

Dave Price at WHO is reporting that turnout is much higher than expected in Polk Co. and in Des Moines, where 70% of the excepted vote will come from.

Looks like the 3rd District is stirred up a bit about this Leonard Boswell-Ed Fallon race. Polk Co Auditor Jamie Fitzgerald says turnout may approach 2006's level. Big deal, you might say? Well, it kind of is. In 2006 you'll remember we had the 3-way Democratic primary between Fallon, Chet Culver and Mike Blouin.

Fallon won that primary in Polk Co. against 2 well funded candidates that had the support from party insiders.

Price says that where turnout is high at will tell which candidate is helped out. However, I don't think people turnout in high numbers to support an incumbent with a big lead in the polls. People turnout in high numbers to vote for change and to vote against something, something like a congress with a crappy approval rating.

Fallon Stood Up Against Iraq Invasion, Boswell Did Not

If you want to boil the Democratic primary race in the 3rd District down to one issue, it would be the Iraq War.

Ed Fallon has opposed the Iraq invasion from the start and has strongly opposed the war at every chance. When serving in the Iowa House, Rep. Fallon co-sponsored HR 17, along with 20 other Democrats, which called the President to not make a preemptive, unilateral attack against Iraq. Fallon had the judgement to know that invading Iraq would destablize the Middle East, hamper our efforts of bringing Osama bin Laden to justice, and would cost trillions of dollars and cause further federal budget deficits. Fallon has since signed on to the Responsible Plan to End the War in Iraq.

Leonard Boswell, on the other hand, voted in favor of the war in Iraq and was a strong supporter of the Bush administration's failed policy up until he learned that Fallon was going to run against him. Boswell began to support an end to the war in Iraq in December, after it was becoming clear that Fallon was preparing to challenge him.

In an interview with the Des Moines Register, Boswell still uses Bush's untruthful arguments for going to war in Iraq.


On Tuesday, Democrats in Iowa's 3rd District have a choice. They can vote for someone to represent them who has the judgement to make the tough decisions and wants to bring new energy to Congress or they can vote for someone who clings to the past and only changes when they are forced to do so.

Leonard Boswell is Hardly a Loyal Democrat When it Comes to the Issues that Matter Most

Leonard Boswell is airing TV ads in the Des Moines market where he highlights his opposition to Bush on funding cuts to the college loan program and says he is a loyal Democrat.

That is commendable, but where was Boswell on the issues that matter most to Iowans?

Boswell voted against the majority of Democrats and supported Bush's failed Iraq policy.

Boswell voted against the majority of Democrats to approve torture in the Military Commissions Act.

Boswell voted against the majority of Democrats to repeal the estate tax.

Boswell voted against the majority of Democrats to make it harder for people (and easier for corporations) to declare bankruptcy.

Boswell voted against the majority of Democrats and supported No Child Left Behind.

Boswell voted against the majority of Democrats and pushed to give Telecom companies immunity for illegal wiretapping Americans.

Boswell continues to support NAFTA-like free trade agreements.

Boswell voted against the majority of Democrats to give oil and gas companies $14 billion in tax breaks.

Sorry Rep. Boswell, but voting against the majority of Democrats in Congress on the issues that matter most to Iowans does not make you a loyal Democrat.

Support Ed Fallon in the 3rd District primary.

IA-03: Empty Chair Debate to be held Wednesday

Candidate Forum for the Third Congressional District Democratic Primary

State Historical Society of Iowa
600 East Locust Street
Des Moines 50319-0290
Wednesday, May 28, 2008, at 7:00 p.m.

The two candidates for Iowa's Third District Congressional office, Representative Leonard Boswell and candidate Ed Fallon, have both been invited to appear together on stage for a “Question and Answer” forum.

About the Master of Ceremonies: Vern Naffier
Vern Naffier is the Chairman of PCCI and Adjunct Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Grandview College.

About the Moderator: Mary Brubaker
Mary Brubaker has been one of Des Moinesʼ most recognizable television and radio personalities over the past 40 years. She was KCCIʼs first female reporter and has hosted and produced various programs on KCCI television and WOI radio over the span of her career. She is an Alumna of Drake University and a community activist.

About Leonard Boswell
Leonard Boswell is running for his seventh term as Iowaʼs 3rd district U.S. Congressional representative and is a former member of the Iowa Legislature.

About Ed Fallon
Ed Fallon has served seven terms as a State Representative in the Iowa Legislature and ran for Governor in 2006.

Principal Sponsors:
The Progressive Coalition of Central Iowa (PCCI) and Central Iowa Operation Democracy (CIOD).

Co-Sponsors:
Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), Iowa Chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR), Iowa Chapter of Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA), and Clarion Alliance.

Fallon Gains Support in Jasper County

This morning the Ed Fallon campaign announced support from some Jasper County leaders. Former State Rep. and County Supervisor Glen Jesse, Jasper County Democratic Chair Joe Brock, and Jasper County Democratic Vice Chair Dan Kelly all announced their support for Fallon in 3rd District Democratic Primary.

Here's the full press release from the Fallon Campaign...

Today, several members of the Jasper County Democratic Central Committee announced their endorsement of Ed Fallon for Congress. Jasper County leaders include former State Rep. and County Supervisor Glen Jesse and his wife Cheryl Jesse, Mitchellville; Joe Brock, Central Committee chair, Monroe; and vice chair, Dan Kelly, Newton. They'll also host a cookout and meet-and-greet for Fallon on Friday, May 30th at 5:30 pm at the West Shelter House, Maytag Park in Newton. The public is invited.

Brock said, "The reason I'm behind Fallon is because he's run a positive campaign based on issues and facts. He also accepted 11 debate invitations and believes voters deserve to see candidates face to face and hear how they differ on the issues."

After Congressman Boswell declined 10 debate invitations, the Jasper County Democratic Central Committee sent a letter to Congressman Boswell asking him to accept a debate invitation. He did not.

Brock said, "We are facing some serious problems around the country, and Fallon has demonstrated the courage and leadership needed to begin tackling many of them. He's shown it by refusing to take special interest or paid lobbyists' contributions. He understands we need to end the power of big money in Washington. Ed also exhibited it when he authored a House Resolution in February, 2003, sponsored by 21 Democrats, which called on the President to not initiate the military strike against Iraq. Since then, Fallon has been committed to ending the war in Iraq and bringing our troops home."

Former State Rep. Glen Jesse said, "I support Ed Fallon because of his genuine concern for the rights and well being of others. These are the traits I feel he shares with one of my political heroes, the late U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone. We commend Fallon for his commitment to the Democratic process and endorse him for the Third Congressional District."

Boswell Sends Campaign Mailings With Taxpayer Money

This video from the Fallon campaign takes a look at 2 different campaign mailings Leonard Boswell sent out. One was paid for by taxpayer money and the other paid for by lobbyists and PAC's that fund his campaign.

Fallon Raises $72,000 in 6 Weeks

Ed Fallon has raised over $72,000 the past 6 weeks and has over $28,000 cash on hand for the final 2 weeks of the primary on June 3rd. Fallon has raised over $244,000 for the primary without taking any money from lobbyists or PAC's.

Fallon's opponent, Leonard Boswell has received 74% of his contributions in 2007 from PAC's and lobbyists.

Iowa Super Delegate Declares Support for Obama

Barack Obama gained the support from one of Iowa's super delegates. Richard Machacek announced today that he has decided to support Barack Obama. Machacek, from Buchanan County, is a member of the State Central Committee and Democratic National Committee.

"I think it needs to be over, and in good conscience, I can't fly in the face of my precinct, county and district," Machacek told The Des Moines Register in a telephone interview. "The raw numbers coming out of the district conventions really sat me down hard."

Obama leads the Iowa super delegate count with 5, while Clinton has 3, and 3 remain undeclared.

Obama Supporters
Richard Machacek
U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack
Gov. Chet Culver
Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald
deputy state party Chairwoman Sarah Swisher

Clinton Supporters
U.S. Rep. Leonard Boswell,
Iowa Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal
DNC member Sandy Opstvedt

Undeclared Super delegates
U.S Senator Tom Harkin
U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley
state party Chairman Scott Brennan

Leonard Boswell Believed Him

Earlier this week, Leonard Boswell sent a mailer out once again criticizing Ed Fallon for backing Ralph Nader in 2000. Boswell attempts to link Fallon's support of Nader to the death of 4,000 Americans in Iraq, the poor economy, and government corruption.

The mailer read...

Ed Fallon believed him.
Fallon helped elect George Bush
by endorsing and actively
campaigning for Ralph Nader.

Now, Fallon claims he's a real Democrat we can trust.

With nearly 4,000 of our soldiers killed in Iraq, rampant corruption throughout our government, health care costs out of control and an economy in shambles, Ed Fallon's support for Ralph Nader is unforgivable.

Enough phony politics.

Say NO to ED FALLON.

With nearly 4,000 of our soldiers killed in Iraq, rampant corruption throughout our government, health care costs out of control and an economy in shambles, Ed Fallon's support for Ralph Nader is unforgivable.

In reality, Boswell's support of Bush's policies have much more to do with the death of 4,000 Americans in Iraq, the poor economy, and government corruption. Boswell has voted against the vast majority of Democrats and supported Bush numerous times.

Boswell has...

• voted for the Iraq War
• voted to approve torture in the Military Commissions Act
  
• voted to repeal the estate tax
  
• voted to make it harder for people (and easier for corporations) to declare bankruptcy
  
• voted for No Child Left Behind
  
• continued to support NAFTA-like free trade agreements
  
• voted to give oil and gas companies $14 billion in tax breaks
  
• 74% of his donations come from PAC's

Leonard Boswell believed George W. Bush. Boswell supported Bush on too many issues by voting for the Bush agenda, against the good judgement of the vast majority of Democrats.

Now Leonard Boswell says that he is a real Democrat we can trust. Enough with the phony politics driven by big money. Say NO to Leonard Boswell.

Why is Leonard Boswell Afraid to Debate Ed Fallon?

The Fallon campaign sent out this press release yesterday...

Fallon has received invitations to eight debates and has accepted them all. “Unfortunately,” Fallon said, “Boswell has declined debate invitations from WHO Radio, the League of Women Voters, and Women for a Stronger America. Some of these groups have issued multiple invitations since February and have yet to receive any response from the Boswell campaign.”

Is it because Boswell can't defend his vote for the Iraq War?

Is it because Boswell can't defend his vote in favor of repealing the estate tax?

Is it because Boswell can't defend his vote to the bankruptcy bill?

Is it because Boswell can't defend his vote to approve torture in the Military Commissions Act?

Is it because Boswell can't defend his vote for No Child Left Behind?

Is it because Boswell can't defend his continued support for NAFTA-like trade agreements?

Is it because Boswell can't defend the fact that 74% of his donations come from PAC's?

Is it because Boswell can't defend his vote to provide $14 billion in tax breaks and incentives for oil and gas companies?

Hey Leonard Boswell, Which Side are You On?

Does Leonard Boswell stand up for the interest of common Iowans or does he favor the special interests that fund his campaign?

Just take a look at his voting record and where Boswell gets his money from.

From Progressive Kick...

Standing with workers, not Big Business, when international trade agreements are negotiated	FOR Trade Agreements	56.25% Grade: F	$2,751,048 from Big Business Interests
Subsidies to Giant Oil Companies	FOR Oil Company subsidies	181st/234 Democrats in standing up to oil companies	$101,542 Energy (Oil, Gas, Coal, etc)/Natural Resource Companies
Preventing Bank Foreclosures	AGAINST Homeowners	No action taken by Boswell	$121,784 in Big Bank money alone
Standing with credit card holders & bank customers against Big Banks/Credit Card Companies	FOR Banks & Credit Card Companies	45.16% Grade: F	$646,471 in Finance (inc. Banks)/Insurance/Real Estate money
Standing with consumers against Utilities	FOR Utilities	57.14% Grade: F	$101,542 in contributions from Energy companies, including suppliers to Utilities
War in Iraq	Often FOR	155th/234 Democrats in standing up to Bush	$41,000 from Military Industry Contractors
Standing against Human Rights Abuses like Guantanamo	AGAINST Constitutional Rights	62.5% Grade: D-	N/A
Wiretapping Americans without a warrant	FOR Government Spying	Voted for “Patriot Act” allowing government spying on Americans 10/24/01	$117,499 from Communications/Electronics Companies
Stopping spread of Nuclear Weapons	FOR permitting spread of Nuclear Weapons	39.13% Grade: F	$41,000 from Military Industry Contractors

IA-03: Campaigns of the Rich and Powerful

Ed Fallon responds in this online video to claims that Fallon has violated campaign finance laws by Bush Dog Democrat Leonard Boswell. Fallon is challenging Boswell in a primary in Iowa's 3rd district.

A misguided reporter from the popular Youtube show "Campaigns of the Rich and Powerful" steps into Team Fallon HQ to investigate the massive wealth of a grassroots campaign. Cuban cigars, Benjamin Franklins, caviar, and diamonds are paving the way for more progressive future... or not.

Fact: 100% of our funds come from people like you. That's right.

Fact: 0% of Team Fallon's funds ever are from paid lobbyists, or Political Action Committees with corporate ties and intentions. Nor have they ever been able to write a check to Ed Fallon in his 14 years as a State Rep or in his run for Governor in 2006. Instead Ed always self-imposed a cap on contributions, so that money can never be louder than voters.

Fact: 74% of Boswell's campaign money from 2007 came from lobbyists and PACs.

Fact: Of the 322 PAC contributions Boswell received last year, the largest percentage came from corporate PACs.

Boswell's Change of Heart

A week ago, I wrote about an upcoming vote on the FISA and telecom immunity, saying that it was a moment of truth for Leonard Boswell.

I thought I should update on how Boswell voted on the issue. After calling for telecom immunity in a January 28th letter to Nancy Pelosi, Boswell flipped on the issue and ended up voting against telecom immunity and siding with the majority of Democrats and against the Bush administration and corporate interests.

This marks the 3rd time that Boswell has flipped on an issue since rumors of Ed Fallon challenging him began last last year. In December, Boswell voted, for the first time, against a war funding bill that didn't include a date for withdrawal. Then in February, Boswell was a late sponsor to a bill that would seek to impeach Vice President Dick Cheney. Now, Boswell votes against immunity for telecom companies.

These are all great developments and I would like thank Rep. Boswell for voting with the majority of his Democratic colleagues and standing up for the wishes of his constituents.

This change of heart on the part of Boswell is the exact reason why a primary challenge is beneficial.