Update from August 25, 2007

Dear Friends,

CALLING ALL CANDIDATES!

If you live in one of Iowa’s 950 cities, we need YOU to run for city council.  The deadline to file to run is either August 30 (this coming Thursday) or September 20, depending upon your city.  Filing requires a simple, notarized form and between 5 and 25 signatures.  Call your city clerk or county auditor for precise details, and see http://www.sos.state.ia.us/elections/electioninfo/CityElections.html.  
 
Iowa desperately needs more people with vision and passion leading our cities, counties, state and nation.  This year, Lynn and I have advised 22 candidates or prospective candidates in fourteen communities across the state.  If you were one of them, and you’re still thinking of running for city council or mayor, it’s crunch time!  If you haven’t yet given it a lot of thought, but are interested and would like to discuss the possibilities, send us a message.


JOHN EDWARDS TAKES ON CORPORATE LOBBYISTS

Throughout my fourteen years as a legislator, I challenged the role of big money, special interests and corporate lobbyists in state government.  The situation is even worse at the federal level.  Over the past twenty years, I have volunteered for eight different presidential candidates.  At last, I can throw my enthusiastic support behind one who (1) totally gets the problem of big money in politics, and (2) is best positioned to win the 2008 general election.

Many of you supported me when I ran for governor in 2006, and you understand the importance of campaign finance reform.  I highly recommend you check out John Edwards’ “End the Game” speech in New Hampshire earlier this week, in which he says, “We cannot replace a group of corporate Republicans with a group of corporate Democrats . . . We need full public financing to reform the system once and for all.  But we don’t need to wait to reform our party. Two weeks ago, I called on all Democrats to reject contributions from federal lobbyists.”

Read the full speech at http://www.johnedwards.com/news/speeches/20070823-hanover-speech/.


SOME UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, August 26 (Downey)

Cedar County Democrats Annual Music Fest
Secrest Historic Octagonal Barn, 12:30 – 5:30 p.m.
5750 Osage Street, near Downey
Featuring Brandon Ross, Sheila Knoploh-Odole, Jesus Don’t Like Killin’, Truth Hawk and Wind Horse, Ed Fallon (performing at 4:30), the Octagonal Barn Square Dance Band, Stones in the Field and The Gilded Bats.
Bring lawn chairs or blankets, and suggested donation is $10.
Contact Linda Carrillo at (319) 643-2195 or www.orgsites.com/ia/cedarcountydems/.


Sunday, August 26 (Iowa City)

Fundraiser for Michael Wright, candidate for Iowa City City Couincil, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Featuring Ed Fallon, giving a short concert and speaking on behalf of Michael
225 N. Lucas Street, Iowa City
Suggested donation is $25
RSVP to (319) 358-9344.


Tuesday, August 28 (Brooklyn)

Poweshiek County Democratic Party Event
Food and speeches (Ed will speak on behalf of John Edwards), 6:00 p.m.
Farmer Nick's, 4127 Highway 21(Exit 201 off I-80), Brooklyn


Wednesday, September 5 (Iowa City)

University of Iowa Energy Expo 2007, 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Contact (319) 335-5241


Thursday, September 6 (Iowa City)

Nobel Laureate Shirin Ebadi to give Levitt Lecture, 4:00 p.m.
"Human Rights in Iran and the Middle East"
Iowa Memorial Union - University of Iowa Campus, Second floor ballroom
The lecture is free and open to the public.


Thursday, September 6 – Sunday, September 9 (Iowa City)

Field to Family 2007
Culinary Walk ~ Food on Film ~ IC Farmers Market Cooking Demo ~ A Local Sample Extravaganza
For more information go to www.jclfa.org.


Saturday, September 8 – Sunday, September 9 (Solon)

I-RENEW Energy Expo 2007
Solon High School, 600 W 5th Street, Solon
Admission: $5 Individual, $10 Family
Presented by Iowa Renewable Energy Association (I-Renew)
For more information go to www.irenew.org/expo.html.


Monday, September 10 (Spencer)

House Party featuring Ed Fallon and Lynn Heuss on behalf of John Edwards, 6:30 p.m.
Home of Bev & Dwight Rutter, 1765 290th Street, Spencer
The program will include a short musical recital
Contact (712) 262-5864.


Friday, September 14 – Sunday, September 16 (Iowa City)

Health Consequences of Global Warming
Conference organized by Iowa Physicians for Social Responsibility
Hotel Vetro Conference Center, 201 S. Linn Street, Iowa City
Contact (319) 828-4789 or www.iowa-psr.org.


Sunday, September 16 (Indianola)

Thirtieth Annual Harkin Steak Fry
Indianola Balloon Field, on Highway 92 east of Indianola
Featuring presidential candidates Clinton, Dodd, Edwards, Obama and Richardson
Tickets:  $30 in advance, $35 at the event
Contact http://www.tomharkin.com/.