http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com Fallon for Congress Fri, 4 Jul 2008 10:37:50 CDT en-us http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1175996 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1175996 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 07:52:34 CDT by: Matt Stoller, Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 15:48 Local bloggers are endorsing Fallon, and I think it's fair to say that the internet progressive activists are against Boswell. This is a particularly interesting quote, and suggest that Fallon's campaign is a very interesting experiment: "If you live in the district, you've likely run into Fallon at a town hall meeting or a local farmers' market in recent weeks, but you haven't received mailings because Ed doesn't accept PAC or lobbyist... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1175131 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1175131 Sat, 31 May 2008 17:03:07 CDT May 29th I want a Congressman who is willing to stand and defend his or her voting record and views in a public forum. I don't have one. In fact, I have a representative (Leonard Boswell) who has dodged all attempts to get him to debate. The 12th and most recent evasion was May 28th, a debate led by Mary Brubaker and sponsored by the State Historical Society. Moderator Brubaker acknowledged that Boswell's empty podium in the debate at the State Historical Museum was a first in her two... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1175130 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1175130 Sat, 31 May 2008 16:57:34 CDT by: desmoinesdem,Fri May 30, 2008 at 17:50:22 PM CDT Wow, I never knew Red Brannan, one of the developers who would like to see a four-lane beltway constructed in rural northeast Polk County, was so mad when Ed Fallon voted against residency restrictions for sex offenders in 2002. But that vote must have really gotten Brannan riled up, because today I got another direct-mail piece on the issue from the 527 group Independent Voices. On Tuesday a similar mailer arrived from the... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1174931 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1174931 Fri, 30 May 2008 16:45:18 CDT Open Leftby: Matt Stoller, Fri May 30, 2008 at 16:06 In late April, I reported that Al Gore had endorsed Leonard Boswell, one of many establishment figures to do so. I've been critical of Gore, because of his support for coal-supporting public officials like Boswell and his praise of McCain during a heated Presidential race. While he won't intervene in the Presidential race, it's clear that Gore is disappointing local progressive supporters, as his endorsement and his aggressive... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1174924 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1174924 Fri, 30 May 2008 16:01:23 CDT May 29, 2008by: texas dem No, not the boring, tired primary that was decided long ago -- although that one will be over next week too. I mean the important primary, one of the only important ones this year, one that has the potential to scare the conservative enablers in Congress into voting like real Democrats again. One that could reshape the behavior of the entire Blue Dog caucus. One that could drag forty votes that often go to the Republicans back over to our side. One that could... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1174866 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1174866 Fri, 30 May 2008 11:10:55 CDT by: desmoinesdem, Wed May 28, 2008 at 00:10:56 AM CDT An 8 1/2 by 11 direct-mail piece arrived in the mail today from a 527 group called Independent Voices. On one side there's a big photo of a man in an orange jump suit labeled "PRISONER," who is looking through a chain-link fence at a group of children. The text reads Why Does Ed Fallon Think It's O.K. For Sex Offenders to Live Near Schools? Ed Fallon voted to allow sex offenders to live within 2,000 feet of our schools and day care... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1174865 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1174865 Fri, 30 May 2008 11:08:33 CDT by: desmoinesdem, Wed May 28, 2008 at 21:53:21 PM CDT The day after I received a misleading hit piece on Ed Fallon, a second mailer from the 527 group Independent Voices arrived in the mail. This one shows a cornfield on one side, with these words in large print: Why Doesn't Ed Fallon Support Iowa's Ethanol Industry? At the bottom of that side, it says, "Paid for By Independent Voices, Red Brannan Chair" The other side has corn kernels in the background, as well as a photo of... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1174843 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1174843 Fri, 30 May 2008 09:25:14 CDT by: noneed4thneed, Thu May 29, 2008 at 17:07:22 PM CDT 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... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1174308 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1174308 Mon, 26 May 2008 10:13:00 CDT Open Leftby: Matt Stoller, Sat. May 24, 2008 We're headed for a realigning period in American politics, but whether we get there with a group of conservative Democrats or progressive Democrats is an open question. In fact, in many ways, it's the political question. Who will Obama be as President? If he is confronted with 60 Blue Dogs in the House that feel no pressure, he will be a moderate President, necessarily. If he has progressive allies advocating from the left pressing for a low... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1174298 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1174298 Mon, 26 May 2008 08:15:36 CDT Daily Kosby heartland dem, Sat May 24, 2008 at 10:47:05 AM PDT Blue Dog Democratic incumbent Congressman Leonard Boswell is facing his first primary challenger from progressive Ed Fallon in the June 3rd primary. Boswell has a long record of breaking with the majority of House Democrats to support Bush on the war, the PATRIOT Act, the Military Commissions Act, FISA, retroactive immunity for the telecoms, the 2005 Bankruptcy "Reform", eliminating the estate tax, the National Missile Defense... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1173671 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1173671 Wed, 21 May 2008 14:21:08 CDT Down With TyrannyBy: Howie Klein, May 20, 2008 Click to read the full page newspaper ads being run in northeast PennsylvaniaI don't know if Hoyer put this story out or it's an actual attempt by the Blue Dogs to force retroactive immunity down our throats. I suspect it's both. Yesterday CongressDaily reported that House and Senate leaders-- the House supposedly representing the "no retroactive immunity" position and the Senate buckling under to the treacherous Rockefeller position that... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1173670 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1173670 Wed, 21 May 2008 14:13:15 CDT Iowa Indepedent by: Dien Judge, May 21, 2008 at 07:42 AM Iowa 3rd District congressional candidate Ed Fallon wants to impose a nationwide moratorium on livestock confinements built by corporations. Fallon, a Des Moines Democrat, is challenging incumbent Democratic Rep. Leonard Boswell in the June 3 primary election. Iowa Independent caught up with Fallon as he stopped in Albia Tuesday morning on a campaign swing across the district. Dien Judge :: Fallon Would Ban Some... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1173147 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1173147 Mon, 19 May 2008 16:48:12 CDT by desmoinesdem, Sat May 17, 2008 at 07:34:24 PM EST A little more than two weeks before the Democratic primary in Iowa's third Congressional district, Ed Fallon has challenged Congressman Leonard Boswell to shift his support as a superdelegate from Hillary Clinton to Barack Obama. It's a shrewd move for several reasons. First, Iowa's third district went for Obama in January, as today's press release from Fallon underscores:Fallon says, "Even though Hillary Clinton finished behind Barack... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1172751 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1172751 Sat, 17 May 2008 11:52:30 CDT Bleeding Heartland, May 16, 2008, by: desmoinesdem The campaigns of Congressman Leonard Boswell and challenger Ed Fallon put out very different statements about ethanol on Thursday. This isn't the first time the candidates have clashed over agriculture policy. In general, Boswell is happy with our federal farm policies and touts how hard he is working to keep them the way they are. Fallon would like to see a shift toward more support of local food networks and sustainable... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1172475 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1172475 Fri, 16 May 2008 08:57:17 CDT Des Moines Register - Letter to the editor, May 16, 2008Fallon: Too simple to blame ethanolDuring a meeting with the editorial board of the Register Wednesday, I was asked where I stood on proposed legislation to freeze the mandate on ethanol production. Having not seen the bill, I stated that I didn't have an answer, but would get one. I e-mailed my response, but apparently the reporter didn't see it. The result was a story and a headline that present an incomplete picture of my position.A... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1172092 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1172092 Wed, 14 May 2008 13:52:16 CDT Swing State ProjectShowdown in IA-03by: heartland dem, Wed. May14, 2998 One key race that hasn't been getting a great deal of attention is Ed Fallon's progressive challenge to Blue Dog Democratic Congressman Leonard Boswell in IA-03. The primary is June 3rd, and Fallon is poised to retire the six-term conservative. Boswell hasn't got a lot to show for his 12 years in Congress. He has introduced two bills that became law -- a good one on helping prevent suicide among veterans and changing... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1171765 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1171765 Tue, 13 May 2008 09:04:05 CDT by: mole3333, 5/10/08 In 2004 and 2006, I supported Leonard Boswell, Congressman from Iowa's third Congressional district. Boswell has been heavily targeted by the Republican party and tends to squeak by to victory. His age and health were issues in 2006. I supported him through it all. This year I am supporting a primary challenger to Boswell with some reluctance. Bottom line is I am tired of having to defend the district against increasingly aggressive Republican challenges just waiting... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1171502 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1171502 Mon, 12 May 2008 09:23:45 CDT Blue America Welcomes Ed Fallon (IA-03)By: Howie Klein Saturday May 10, 2008 11:00 am Ed Fallon's introduction to politics was working as a community organizer in Reagan-era Des Moines. He founded the Des Moines Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and entered electoral politics in 1992 by challenging an entrenched Democratic state Representative and beating him-- and then his Republican opponent-- handily. He earned a reputation as a solid Wellstone progressive in the Iowa General Assembly,... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1169255 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1169255 Sat, 03 May 2008 12:08:59 CDT EENR Blog, by: heartland dem, Fri May 02, 2008 at 21:50:48 PM EDT Blue Dog Democratic Congressman Leonard Boswell is ducking any debates with his progressive challenger Ed Fallon, who has been endorsed by EENR. At least nine debate invitations were issued, all of which Fallon accepted. Today, the Boswell campaign announced their decision to decline the debate offer from The Des Moines Register and KCCI, the Des Moines CBS affiliate. The reason given by the Boswell campaign for... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1167701 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1167701 Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:40:59 CDT POLITICO, By: Josh Kraushaar, April 22, 2008 05:46 PM EST Rep. Leonard L. Boswell (D-Iowa) has a voting record that makes many liberal activists frown. A Blue Dog Democrat, he initially supported the Iraq war, voted for the Patriot Act, supports gun rights, has been an advocate of free trade and has one of the more conservative voting records of any Democratic congressman. And now he will be facing a credible, self-described progressive Democratic opponent in former state Rep.... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1166366 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1166366 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:11:37 CDT Unless we elect a progressive Congress, the debate over which Presidential candidate best represents the GLBT community may be futile. Without leadership for full equality in Congress, GLBT issues may be relegated to the backburner. That's why I'm concerned with the compromise on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) pushed by Congressman Barney Frank and supported by my primary opponent, Leonard Boswell. Leaving gender identity out of ENDA is a compromise I'm not willing to support.... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1166362 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1166362 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:58:58 CDT Losers It's an old tactic in politics: create enough smoke and you can fool people into believing there is a fire. Just ask Rep. Leonard Boswell. He'll tell you it's a hell of a lot easier than talking about issues (who cares about war anyway?). His latest barb directed at his opponent, former state Rep. Ed Fallon, regards Fallon's work with I'm for Iowa, the company he helped start. A complaint has been filed with the Federal Election Commission (by a supporter of the Boz) in regards to... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1166164 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1166164 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 08:40:26 CDT Wednesday, April 16, 2008, (12:00 PM CDT) - Recent days have brought news that the approval of torture by the American military and intelligence agencies was given by President Bush and routinely discussed in detail by his closest advisors, including Dick Cheney, John Ashcroft, and Condoleezza Rice. Ed Fallon says, "This cannot be allowed to stand. Not only does American use of torture not make us safer, it actually makes us less safe. Military experts say information gained by... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1166161 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1166161 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 08:38:53 CDT (Des Moines, April 14, 2008, 4:15 CDT) - Fallon says he's pleased with his fundraising, which has raised a total of $171,618.70, all from individual contributors. In several of his campaigns, he has been outspent by wide margins, and he expects the same results to occur in this race. "I've always run as an underdog, and this time is no different. Traditional campaigns rely heavily on expensive consultants and media advertising, especially T.V. commercials. This week, we've taken a more... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1165764 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1165764 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 09:04:33 CDT JANE NORMAN • REGISTER WASHINGTON BUREAU • April 14, 2008 Washington, D.C. - A Democratic challenger in central Iowa filed a campaign finance report today showing he has raised $171,618 in his bid to unseat U.S. Rep. Leonard Boswell, a Des Moines Democrat. Ed Fallon, a Des Moines Democrat and former state legislator, said in Federal Election Commission documents that all of the contributions, collected between Jan. 1 and March 31, came from individuals. Fallon has been highly... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1165335 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1165335 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 13:13:01 CDT EENR Progressive Blog by: heartland dem, Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 16:44:10 PM EDT In the Democratic primary race in Iowa's 3rd congressional district, people are talking about money. Ed Fallon has always campaigned for campaign finance reform. A key element has always been his refusal to accept contributions from political action committees (PACs) and paid lobbyists. When Congressman Boswell was interviewed on Iowa Press (02/29/08), he was asked about being a "corporate Democrat."... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1165332 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1165332 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 13:08:50 CDT EENR Progresssive Blogby: heartland dem, Tue Apr 08, 2008 at 10:20:12 AM EDT In progressive Democrat Ed Fallon's race to unseat Bush Dog incumbent Congressman Leonard Boswell, the mainstream media seem to be asleep at the wheel. Thus far, reporters seem content to file stories without doing any real research. A case in point is how the media has reported on the sources of Rep. Boswell's contributions. Apart from an article by Jane Norman, the Washington bureau writer for The Des... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1165319 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1165319 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 12:11:33 CDT April 12, 2008 - Congressional candidate, Ed Fallon, held meet and greet events on Saturday, April 12th to engage with voters and discuss agricultural issues. The events took place today in Vinton, Williamsburg and Chariton. Fallon served on the Iowa House Agriculture Committee for six years and believes that the rampant consolidation of the hog industry and the explosion of confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are impacting family farming and rural community viability. Fallon noted... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1164836 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1164836 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:04:44 CDT Des Moines, March 9, 4:00 pm CDT - "I live simply. I've always been a voice for ethics in government, and I have never taken a penny from a PAC or lobbyist. Clearly, Boswell's people are trying to discredit me on my strengths instead of discussing the real challenges facing America. Voters deserve better than this. I welcome the FEC's investigation and I am eager for a debate with Congressman Boswell on the important issues, including campaign finance reform." stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1160847 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1160847 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 08:28:43 CDT Today and tomorrow, Congress hears from General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker. If I was already in Congress, there are several questions I would ask. First, since General Petraeus recently acknowledged that there has been insufficient political progress in Iraq, I would ask him if he means to imply that the surge has been a strategic failure. I would also ask the two men what is being done to address recent U.S. Army data showing that 25% of soldiers on their third and fourth... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1160846 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1160846 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 08:27:41 CDT Monday, April 7, 2008 (Oskaloosa Herald) By DUANE NOLLEN OSKALOOSA— Democrat Ed Fallon believes there's too much corporate welfare in America, which puts a squeeze on workers and the Middle Class, and if he's elected to Congress, Fallon says he would put working families first.Fallon is challenging incumbent Congressman Leonard Boswell in the June primary election. Fallon made a campaign stop at Smokey Row Saturday afternoon to talk about the economy."I'd like to get back to a free... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1159400 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1159400 Sun, 06 Apr 2008 15:27:50 CDT My field organizers are incredible. I call them my "A Team." They are Ali, Ashlan, Alec, Adam, Avery, Justin and Brian. They've made a phenomenal number of phone calls since January - and that's only a small part of their job! This week, Ali, Ashlan and Justin organized today's series of town hall meetings. At 8:15 this morning, we piled into my 1998 Chevy van for a six-city tour to talk about economic development. Without the help of my field team, my job would be so much more... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1159227 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1159227 Sat, 05 Apr 2008 11:29:26 CDT Bleeding Heartlandby desmoinesdem, Sat., April 5th On Thursday I wrote about how Ed Fallon's I'M for Iowa movement has become an issue in the campaign for the Democratic nomination in the third Congressional district. I am returning to the topic to address some points Chase Martyn raised in an article for Iowa Independent, "FEC disputes Fallon campaign statement," and in the comment thread below that article. I agree with Chase on a couple of specifics, but disagree with the larger point... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1159223 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1159223 Sat, 05 Apr 2008 09:31:51 CDT Friday, April 4, 2008 (10:00 AM CDT) - Ed Fallon today called for abolishing congressional earmarks, challenging incumbent Congressman Leonard Boswell to match his own pledge to refuse earmarks and to work to end the practice. "If Congressman Boswell isn't agreeable to earmark reform, then I believe the public has an interest in hearing a debate between the two of us on the issue," Fallon said. "Earmarks are the epitome of pork barrel spending, and are an abuse of power, position, and... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1159219 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1159219 Sat, 05 Apr 2008 09:27:57 CDT The best moments on the campaign trail often involve non-voters. I spent all day in Tama County today. While driving through Chelsea, I saw a woman shepherding seven or eight pre-schoolers as they played in front of her in-home daycare. I pulled up and asked if her charges would like to hear an accordion. In no time at all there were kids dancing polkas and jigs all around me. (And today was the day we forgot the camera!) In a campaign climate where lies, deception, and character... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1159052 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1159052 Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:19:46 CDT I'M for Iowa focuses primarily on state-level issues. When the Legislature is in session, we help you let your voice be heard. We give kudos and criticism to Democrats and Republicans alike. We've had good things to say about Secretary of State Michael Mauro. We've had both praise and criticism for Governor Culver. Regrettably, we haven't been able to say much good about the Democratic leaders of the House and Senate this year. On so many key issues - including campaign finance, hog... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1158977 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1158977 Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:20:03 CDT Today, the congressional pork barrel practice known as "earmarks" was in the news again. Last month, I pledged to work to abolish earmarks, and I am challenging Congressman Boswell to join me in that commitment. If he disagrees with me on this issue, then let's have a debate. (Seven debates have been proposed by a wide range of organizations, but the Congressman has yet to confirm his participation in any of them.)Earmarks are the epitome of pork barrel spending. They are an abuse of... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1158840 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1158840 Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:40:29 CDT Des Moines, IA, 34/2/08, 1:30 PM - In an effort to move beyond the politics of deception and get back to an issues-based campaign, the Fallon campaign called the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to confirm their research and put to rest any suspicions aroused by Congressman Boswell's latest round of personal attacks. Campaign manager, Lynn Heuss, spoke with the information services department of the FEC. They confirmed that Ed Fallon has done nothing illegal or unethical. Fallon says,... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1158839 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1158839 Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:37:38 CDT The corporate wing of the Democratic Party in the Iowa House is now working against me. They're offering a bill to prevent a candidate from being paid to work on his or her own campaign. They're calling it a bill to close the "Fallon loophole." After I lost the primary for governor in June, 2006, we paid the bills and still had about $30,000 in the bank. I am always careful to finish campaigns in the black, but so much money came in toward the end of the campaign that we were left with... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1157248 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1157248 Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:39:32 CDT My integrity is being rung through the ringer and I need to set the record straight. Congressman Boswell's allegations that I acted unethically in my work with I'M for Iowa are patently absurd. Boswell's campaign is trying to sow suspicion and doubt, to discredit me personally and politically. It's what Republicans did to John Kerry in 2004. George Bush's draft dodging was an embarrassment, a political weakness. John Kerry was a war hero. So what does Bush do? He attacks Kerry on... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1157227 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1157227 Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:53:47 CDT Monday, March 31, 2008 (10:30 CDT) - Ed Fallon today released the following statement in response to Leonard Boswell's most recent negative attacks against him, and in response to a mistaken impression circulated the past few days that Fallon considered running for Governor in 2006 as an independent. "We need to set the record straight. "First, in 2006, I absolutely never, ever considered running for Governor as an independent. In fact, I firmly pledged to support the winner of the... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1156844 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1156844 Sat, 29 Mar 2008 15:01:59 CDT Today, I got a call from Larry Lessig with 'Change Congress', asking me to post a blog for their brand-new website. Here are excerpts from what I wrote: Throughout my political career, I have refused contributions from PACs and lobbyists. Since 1992, campaign finance reform has been the centerpiece of my political agenda. When I ran for Governor of Iowa in 2006, as a matter of principle I maintained my commitment to running a campaign free of big money. Pundits predicted I'd receive... http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1156834 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1156834 Sat, 29 Mar 2008 12:21:44 CDT Des Moines, IA (March 29, 2008) - Ed Fallon will hold a press conference on Monday, March 31st at 10:30 AM at his campaign office located at 2715 Cottage Grove Avenue, Des Moines.Fallon will address allegations brought forth by Congressman Boswell's campaign and highlighted in a Des Moines Register article on Saturday, March 29th. These allegations refer to Fallon's business, I'M for Iowa, his actions after losing his primary bid for Governor and the Register's charge of negative... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1156822 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1156822 Sat, 29 Mar 2008 10:14:26 CDT I visited four counties today to talk about immigration reform. At my first meeting in Des Moines, a young Latina woman showed up. She has a friend who is at wit's end in her efforts to navigate the legal immigration system with all its hoops, hurdles and red tape. Any sincere attempt to end illegal immigration must begin with a discussion of how to fix legal immigration. Let's start by processing applications a lot more quickly and efficiently - and at a savings to American taxpayers. ... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1155605 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1155605 Fri, 28 Mar 2008 08:27:41 CDT This evening, I participated in a public meeting in Russell, population 559. This Lucas County town made the news recently when the State Board of Education voted to close down its school. Tonight, the crowd of 150 parents, teachers, students and community leaders was distraught yet ready to fight. After hearing testimony from the superintendent and several others, I talked for a bit and offered to do what I could to help. Over the years, I've heard too many politicians refuse to get... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1154574 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1154574 Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:07:36 CDT From now through the end of this campaign, I'll write a daily blog-post (except on Sundays). Consider this my personal journal from the campaign trail. I plan to scribble out my thoughts at the end of each day and have it posted on our website first thing the next morning. Today's "highlight" was the unglamorous grind of five hours on the phone raising money. It's not my favorite work, but it's essential to have the funds necessary to respond to the inevitable attacks. Yup, TV viewers of... stacy@fallonforcongress.com (Stacy Brenton) http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1139324 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1139324 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 03:11:13 CST Thank you for your excellent Feb. 1 editorial on the proposed economic-stimulus package ("Rebate Plan Becoming Giveaway for Wealthy"). While I always support giving taxpayers some of their money back, this proposal will do nothing to fix our economy. We should all be concerned about what this package does to the national debt, which is exploding in part due to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan - the cost of which is approaching a trillion dollars. To pay for rebates, the federal... http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1139323 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1139323 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 03:08:23 CST FALLON CRITICIZES BOSWELL ON TAXPAYER-FUNDED 'ENVIRONMENTAL' MAILING Des Moines (2/11/08) - Today, Democratic candidate Ed Fallon criticized Congressman Leonard Boswell for the latter's mass mailing last week on the environment, paid for at taxpayer expense. "Boswell is trying to paint himself as an environmentalist," Fallon said, "but his voting record says otherwise. And for him to mail campaign literature on the public's tab is flat out wrong." The mailing focuses on Boswell's vote... http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1139320 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1139320 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 03:03:06 CST Published in Cityview - 2/7/08After receiving 26 percent of the vote statewide and 41 percent of the vote in District 3 in the 2006 governor's race, it is amazing to me that Cityview is persisting with the view that Ed Fallon is a "kook" ("Civic Skinny," Jan. 24). Skinny likes to portray him or herself as the ultimate political insider, but this column only raised suspicion that a certain percent of the political "scoop" Skinny claims to have is simply recycled hash. There is a reason Fallon... http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1139280 http://www.orchidforchange.com/fallonforcongress.com/ht/d/ViewBloggerThread/i/1139280 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 01:57:55 CST In the 2006 election, Americans said we were tired of the Bush Administration's policies. We wanted a new direction, so we elected a Democratic House and Senate. Yet on most of the key issues, this new majority has let America down. Simply stated, too many Congressional Democrats vote too often with President Bush and against the priorities of the American people.That's why I'm running for Congress. Our country needs and wants change. I'm ready to take on the corporate interests who have...