Fallon, alone on stage, answers fliers' criticisms

Thursday, May 29, 2008

(Fallon for Congress)By THOMAS BEAUMONT, tbeaumont@dmreg.com

Attack mailers characterizing congressional candidate Ed Fallon as soft on sex offenders and an opponent of ethanol subsidies gave a debate Wednesday evening that featured only Fallon an unexpected edge.

U.S. Rep. Leonard Boswell, a six-term incumbent facing his first primary challenge, declined the invitation to attend the event in Des Moines, sponsored by the Progressive Coalition of Central Iowa.

Instead, Fallon, a former state representative from Des Moines, answered criticisms laid out in two glossy mail pieces sponsored by a group called Independent Voices.

One brochure points to Fallon's opposition in 2002 to legislation prohibiting convicted sex offenders from living within 2,000 feet of a school or other child care facility.

Fallon, who was the only Iowa House member to oppose the bill, defended the vote and cited recent recommendations by law enforcement and prevention groups that lawmakers repeal the law in favor of an alternative proposal that stresses more prevention.

"Everybody knew, or at least most people, that it really, really was bad policy," Fallon said. "It cost local governments a lot of money. ... It became a real headache."

The other flier that landed in mailboxes this week stated: "Why doesn't Ed Fallon support Iowa's ethanol industry?"

Fallon supports ethanol subsidies, although he has said corn-based ethanol is not a permanent solution to weaning the United States off imported petroleum. "Corn-based ethanol is a step in the right direction, but it's not the end of that journey," Fallon said.

The mailers list the group's chairman as Red Brannan, an Ankeny Democrat and former member of the Polk County Board of Supervisors. Aides to Boswell said Brannan has not made financial contributions to the campaign. Attempts to reach Brannan Wednesday evening were unsuccessful.

The fliers are the latest development in an increasingly nasty fight for Tuesday's primary.

Boswell's campaign has renewed its attacks of Fallon's party loyalty, sending its third mailing of the year reminding voters of Fallon's support for Green Party presidential candidate Ralph Nader in 2000.

Boswell, who leads in polls and campaign fundraising, has declined to debate Fallon, citing scheduling and strategic reasons. Wednesday's forum was the only one held despite his absence, marked by a vacant podium next to Fallon's.