MCCAIN VS. IOWA: MCCAIN’S “MUSIC MAN” VISION OF IOWA

Contact:  Brooke Borkenhagen, Press Secretary   515-244-7292 Ext 680 (office)  

MCCAIN VS. IOWA: MCCAIN’S “MUSIC MAN” VISION OF IOWA
Fourth Segment in www.mccainvsiowa.com Series Titled "McCain vs. Iowa Innovation"

Des Moines, IA – Today, the Iowa Democratic Party released the fourth segment in the McCain vs. Iowa series, focusing on Senator McCain’s out of touch vision of Iowa.  To view the video and learn more, please go to www.mccainvsiowa.com <http://mccainvsiowa.com> .

In an interview last month with the Des Moines Register, McCain explained why he "couldn't just write [Iowa] off as we did in 2000," saying, "People do pay attention to Iowa.  They know that Iowa is symbolic of a lot of other things.  They've seen 'The Music Man.'"

"The Music Man?"  When proud Iowans think of what is "symbolic" about their state, "The Music Man" is not likely the first thing that comes to mind.  Iowa continues to be a leader in innovation.  The first digital computer was invented in Iowa, Iowa crops feed the world, and homegrown Iowa energy, like biofuels, biodiesel and wind, are leading the way toward energy independence.

“Senator McCain’s vision of Iowa as ‘The Music Man’ shows exactly how out of touch he is with how most Iowans envision this great state," said Brooke Borkenhagen, Press Secretary for the Iowa Democratic Party.   "Senator McCain has opposed legislation important to Iowa innovation at every turn.  He has a record of strong opposition to the booming Iowa wind industry, Iowa biofuels and the Farm Bill.  Iowans deserve a leader who understands our potential and can lead us into the future. ‘The Music Man’ is a great movie, but it's not symbolic for where our state is or the potential for our state's future.”

Senator McCain has actively fought legislation critical to Iowa’s economy.  He has repeatedly and consistently voted against renewable fuel and ethanol mandates. Senator McCain voted against the 2002 Farm Bill and has said that if he were President, he would veto the current Farm Bill supported by the entire Iowa congressional delegation.  He has also voted against and missed votes extending wind tax credits.

Senator Obama will support the innovation of Iowa. He will put America on the path to energy independence by investing $150 billion in our renewable energy sector. Investments in Iowa-produced renewable energy such as biofuels and wind will create up to 5 million new green jobs. Instead of giving $4 billion in new tax breaks to oil companies as Senator McCain is proposing, Senator Obama will give tax credits to wind companies like those in Iowa.

For more information on positions Senator McCain has taken against Iowa’s innovation, visit www.mccainvsiowa.com <http://mccainvsiowa.com> .

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IDP Web Video – “McCain vs. Iowa Innovation”
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwA1nc1Y33o

TEXT: On a campaign stop in Iowa, John McCain said all the right things…

“It is the heartland of America.  People do pay attention to Iowa. They do know that Iowa is symbolic of a lot of other things…” [Des Moines Register, Aug. 31, 2008]

He’s right.

The first digital computer was invented in Iowa at Iowa State University.  

Iowa has created thousands of jobs by partnering with companies like Google and Microsoft.

Iowa innovation gave rise to the Green Revolution.

Iowa feeds the world.

As our nation turns to new energy solutions…

Iowa continues to lead the way with wind power and biofuels.

Iowa biofuels are essential to ending our dependence on foreign oil.

So, what does McCain think of us?

John McCain: “It is the heartland of America.  People do pay attention to Iowa.  They do know that Iowa is symbolic of a lot of other things…”

“They’ve seen the Music Man.”

This is how John McCain sees Iowa.

McCain calls Iowa ethanol programs “highway robbery”

McCain sponsored an amendment to eliminate tax cuts for Iowa wind companies.  Luckily it failed 13-85.

McCain opposed the last two Farm Bills.

The McCain tax cut leaves out 2/3 of Iowa households.

Our nation depends on Iowa innovation.

We need a President who sees our potential.  

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