The Republicans have mounted a sneak attack - trying to send Iowa down the same terrible road as Wisconsin and Ohio. Democrats were clinging to a 26-24 majority in the State Senate, but the Governor appointed a Democratic senator to a statewide board, just so he could call a special election that could allow Republicans to take control of the State Senate and the entire Iowa state government1.
This snap special election will be held in less than two weeks on November 8. If Republicans win, there'll be a 25-25 tie, which would be broken by the Republican Lieutenant Governor. The super-thin Dem majority in the State Senate is our only protection against all kinds of evil Republican schemes.
The Republican governor and State House want to hurt HAWK-I, Iowa’s health insurance program for low- and middle-class children. They want to kill universal pre-school.
They want to kill collective bargaining rights for hard working teachers, nurses, firefighters and other community heroes.
They want to discriminate by taking away the rights of some Iowans to get married.
Progressive Kick (a national progressive 527, focused on elections and accountability) is partnering with our Iowa friends Working Families Win to fight back. Iowa's future is hanging in the balance and YOU can tip the scales! 100% of funds raised by Progressive Kick Iowa Fund will be used in Iowa.
Donate today to make the difference.
Progressive Democrat Liz Mathis is a passionate advocate for children. She currently works for a child welfare and juvenile justice agency, Four Oaks, and its affiliates, the Affordable Housing Network and Iowa KidsNet2. She needs your help because the National Organization for Marriage (extremist anti-gay marriage outfit) is doing an independent expenditure in Iowa for the Republican3. Rick Santorum's Team Iowa PAC has also released a video in support of the Republican4 as part of their team effort to turn back the clock for Iowa. But we can stop them.
$50 from you gets a matching $50 from our major contributors. All of our administrative costs are covered already - so that $100 translates directly into the staff and materials we need to help 10 people receive & file their absentee ballots in time to be counted. Together we can do this but time is running short. In a district of 50,000 voters, there are 193 more Republicans than Democrats. Your donation could well prove to be the difference in winning the election!
Time to ensure Iowa doesn't become another Wisconsin or Ohio.
References:
1. Iowa Senate Race Could Reveal Political Trends Heading Into 2012 Elections, B.A. Morelli, Iowa City Patch, 9/26/11.
2. About Liz Mathis (campaign website).
3. NOM, Family Leader hope to influence Iowa special election, Lynda Waddington, Iowa Independent, 10/20/11.
4. Santorum-linked groups go to bat for Golding in SD 18, Andy Birkey, Iowa Independent, 10/21/11.