GENERAL NEWS:                                                                            Saturday, April 26, 2003

… Nation’s track-and-field stars come out today for the major events at the 94th Drake Relays at Drake Stadium in Des Moines. 

… Among the offerings in this morning’s update: Dean warmed up for current IA visit by charging GOP practices racial politics in the South. Dean’s eastern Iowa campaign adventure continues today...CNBC’s Alan Murray writes: “Now that Saddam Hussein is out of the way, one of President Bush’s biggest problems appears to be Sen. Charles Grassley.” Grassley proposes sending out tax rebate checks…Despite dire warnings from IA city leaders, House completed legislative action yesterday on budget cuts…Although Dean is in IA, gay supporters across country today participate in “Stand Up for Howard Dean” events – marking third anniversary of Dean signing Vermont civil union law…Drudge Report says site of first Dem debate – next weekend – named after staunch secessionist. (Overnight: Drudge reports debate site change.) …Hart, in AZ, decries “dumbing down of national politics… DSM Register reports IA Dem Party not heard from Sharpton since February…Graham urges U. S. pressure on Syria…Sidebar: Lights go out as Sharpton addresses black mayors meeting in Houston. All these stories below and more.

… IA municipal leaders are not alone in criticizing legislature. Newscasts this morning say Vilsack has threatened to veto the entire state budget package – if they don’t approve his proposed Iowa Value economic development fund. 

… A “Rally ‘round the Troops!” event will be held tomorrow at 2 p.m. in LeMars. Sioux City Journal reports the rally – in the “Old Central” gym at the Plymouth County Historical Museum – will honor active-duty servicemen and women from throughout the county. Seven Plymouth County American Legion posts and one Veterans of Foreign Wars post will team up with the museum for the salute to the troops. State Legion commander David Klingensmith of Kingsley will be among the speakers.  

… Results of KETV-TV (Omaha) – which includes Council Bluffs and southwest IA in market territory – online survey: Are you boycotting the Dixie Chicks because of their comments about President George W. Bush? Results: Yes – 869 (49%), No – 904 (51%) (Iowa Press Watch Note: That’s a deceptive – not to mention unscientific – result because nobody was boycotting the Chicks before the GWB criticism. The point: About 49% more are boycotting them now than were boycotting them before the controversy started.) 

CANDIDATES & CAUCUSES: 

… Before traveling to Iowa for a three-day campaign swing this weekend, Dean told a group of black mayors that the GOP practices racial politics. Coverage from yesterday’s Houston Chronicle: “Dean accused Republicans of using racism as a campaign tool in the South, fostering hatred while depriving black and white children of good schools and health care. ‘The Republicans always yell race, and never do anything for the schools,’ he said. ‘It’s not just black kids they don’t do anything for.’” Dean made the comments at a meeting of the National Conference of Black Mayors in Houston – where he shared the stage with Sharpton and Gephardt. (Iowa Pres Watch Note: Dean’s comments may be the most ignored – and under-reported – story of the week, primarily because they started with the 18th paragraph in the HoustonChronicle.com coverage. The main focus of the Chronicle report: Gephardt’s $200 billion-a-year health care plan. Dean’s comments not included in AP coverage.) 

… Also from black mayors conference in Houston – More from yesterday’s Rachel Graves’ Chronicle coverage: “Three Democratic presidential candidates said in Houston on Thursday that if elected president they would scrap President Bush’s tax cuts in favor of more money for health and education…Sharpton attacked the president for spending U. S. money attacking and rebuilding Iraq instead of helping the poor and the middle class in his own country. Dean called Bush’s No Child Left Behind plan ‘No school board left standing.’ The plan allows students to leave unsatisfactory schools, taking their funding with them…Gephardt called Bush’s education plan a failure. Public schools, he said, need to adapt to modern times, when both parents often work and many children live in single-parent homes…Gephardt stopped short of calling for a moratorium on the death penalty but said the federal government should provide money to do a complete review of death penalty cases across the country. Sharpton railed against a ‘corrupt’ criminal justice system that, he said, fills prisons with black men while letting off corporate criminals…All three candidates arrived at least half an hour late to the forum, and chaos of the event included the lights completely going out during Sharpton’s speech.”

… Drudge Report revealed yesterday afternoon that the first televised Dem wannabes debate next weekend in South Carolina will be held in a “theater named after a staunch secessionist who strongly advocated slavery! Having raised the issue of the Confederate Flag flying over the state house, Democrats now find themselves on the verge of a political firestorm over the debate’s planned location – and its symbolic heritage.” The debate – to be aired over ABC-TV stations in early caucus-primary states – will be held from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. EDT next Saturday at the Longstreet Theater. Drudge reports: “The Longstreet Theater’s namesake, Augustus B. Longstreet, held strong views on the right to own slaves, research shows” – and became president of South Carolina College at a time when he was a staunch secessionist. OVERNIGHT: Drudge reports this morning – “Late Friday ABC announced a different theatre location for debate…’We decided days ago, for broadcast reasons, not to hold the debate at Longstreet,’ top ABC News source tells Drudge…”

… Speaking of the Confederate flag, Graham told the Gainesville Sun that “the Confederate battle flag should not be prominently displayed at the South Carolina capitol.” In yesterday’s edition – under the headline, “Graham makes distinction between Confederate flags” – Graham “did not say what type of display might be acceptable. But a spokesman said the Florida Democrat was leaving that up to South Carolinians. A Confederate national flag flew outside the Florida statehouse throughout Graham’s two terms as governor, from 1979 to 1987, but Graham said that was different. The flag, with the controversial cross emblem in one corner of a white field, flew from 1978 until Gov. Jeb Bush, a Republican, removed it in 2001.”  

… Dean scheduled to be in Tipton, Fairfield and Peosta today – but this also is “National House Party Day” in the Dean campaign with rallies planned for gay Dean supporters and activists across the country. The purpose: According to the Dean campaign website – to “celebrate the 3rd anniversary of Governor Dean signing the Vermont Civil Union Law and his stand as a Democratic Presidential candidate for equal rights.” House parties scheduled in at least 50 locations today. Upcoming “Stand up for Dean” events – Monday in Los Angeles, Tuesday in San Francisco, Wednesday in New York. 

… Related Dean coverage – under the headline, “Some Predict Backlash for Gay Support” – Associated Press’ Nedra Pickler: “Supporters of Howard Dean’s presidential campaign will be celebrating Saturday’s third anniversary of his signing of the nation’s only law giving gay partners the same legal rights as married couples. The loudest cheering, though, might come from Republicans. Dean, a former Vermont governor, is touting his signing of the civil unions law. His campaign is helping organize more than 50 fund-raisers at the homes of supporters across the country Saturday to celebrate the anniversary, with Dean making conference calls to the guests. Several of Dean’s rivals for the Democratic nomination also are speaking out in support of increased rights and acceptance of gays. But many Republicans say strong support for gays will backfire in the general election and help President Bush win more conservative and southern states.  Richard White, a Republican state senator from Mississippi, said any candidate talking about gay rights might as well not even visit his state.”  A quote from White: “The people down here, they are not going to put up with that kind of stuff.” 

… Excerpts from “Caucus Notebook” by Des Moines Register’s caucus correspondent Thomas Beaumont – Kerry, Edwards and Lieberman “may have unwittingly upped the ante in their caucus quests by raising expectations, a no-no in Iowa presidential politics where beating expectations often trumps winning…Kerry’s Iowa supporters say the Massachusetts Democrat has discussed increasing his visibility in the state. Kerry has stressed his ability to wage a national campaign. With seven days in Iowa planned in May, including his second three-day swing, higher expectations may precede Kerry…Edwards, who has done less to dampen Iowa expectations than Kerry, said the $7.4 million he raised in the first-quarter is going to afford him a lot more time in Iowa…For a guy up against 1988 caucus winner Dick Gephardt and 30-time Iowa visitor Howard Dean, Edwards has his work cut out for him…For Lieberman, who has campaigned in Arizona more often than he’s campaigned in Iowa or New Hampshire, the picnic appearance [at the annual Vilsack family picnic in Mount Pleasant on 6/8] will boost the Connecticut senator’s visibility and perhaps his expectations.”

… Also from Beaumont’s “Caucus Notebook” – “Rev. Sharpton still hasn’t released a promised farm policy statement, something he said he’d do as early as March. In fact, no one at the Iowa Democratic Party has heard from him since his visit in February. In his defense, Sharpton just recently made a formal declaration of his candidacy. He also promised to file all the corresponding paperwork such as campaign finance reports. Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Gordon Fischer notes that Sharpton himself said in Iowa he would be running ‘a different kind of campaign.”

… Headline from New Hampshire’s The Union Leader yesterday – “Graham calls for pressure on Syria” Coverage by AP’s Will Lester in DC reports Graham said the U. S. “must pressure Syria to stop Hezbollah from operating training camps there because that group has pledged a goal of ‘death to America’ and terrorist operatives in this country.” He said the United States must convince Syrian President Basher Assad there will be consequences if he does not shut down the camps. Graham, in remarks before the Council of Foreign Relations, said: “One thing we have learned about these groups is that they tend to do what they say they will do.”

… From yesterday’s “Best of the Web Today” on OpinionJournal.com, James Taranto wrote: “Last month Sen. John Kerry accused President Bush of having ‘botched the diplomacy’ in the run-up to Iraqi liberation. Maybe the haughty, French-looking Massachusetts Democrat, who by the way served in Vietnam, should be running against Bill Clinton. London’s Guardian reports that ‘Tony Blair repeated secret advice from…Clinton on how to unlock the diplomatic impasse between Europe and the US in the build-up to the war on Iraq.” 

… Hart, in interview with Arizona Republic in Phoenix, “decried the ‘dumbing down’ of national politics that leaves little room for discussions about public policy.” Yesterday’s Republic reported that Hart said “he’s the best Democratic hopeful to challenge President Bush because of his experience in foreign policy and national security.” A Hart quote: “I think the 2004 election will come down to national security. President Bush still hasn’t answered a lot of questions about the war with Iraq. He still hasn’t said how long we would be there or how much it would cost. He hasn’t properly prepared our country for retaliatory attacks.” He also said he would raise $3 million to $5 million in matchable funds by the end of the year. 

IOWA POLITICS: 

… Former Republican State Chairman Kayne Robinson is scheduled to assume leadership of the National Rifle Association this weekend. News reports out of Orlando – where the NRA is holding its annual convention – say Charlton Heston is making his final appearance as the association’s president this weekend. The agenda included a tribute, featuring country musician Toby Keith, yesterday to Heston. 

… “Vilsack watch” – although not directly related to the 2004 IA caucuses – the Register’s Beaumont included an item about the Dem Guv in his Caucus Notebook yesterday. Beaumont’s report: “Although Vilsack made national political news recently by handicapping the field of the 2004 caucus contenders on Iowa Press last week, he also has been doing little to douse speculation that his own future may be in the nation’s capital.” Beaumont noted Vilsack turned down a trip to Cuba because of “the Castro government’s treatment of political dissidents” and delivered a homeland security speech in DC earlier this week. The gov also will become the next chairman of the Democratic Governor’s Association. 

MORNING SUMMARY:    

… Morning headlines:

Top front-page headline, Des Moines Register: State issue – “Lawmakers OK budget cuts…Bill now awaits Vilsack’s signature after long debate, heavy criticism” (See item below for more.) 

Quad-City Times national online head: “Oil flowing again in key northern Iraq field” 

Main national online headline, Omaha World-Herald: “Bush set to declare war over” Report says he may formally declare victory as early as Thursday. 

Sioux City Journal top national online headline: “Forces capture ex-Iraqi intelligence official”

Chicago Tribune national online headline: “Blasts Kill 9 at Baghdad Ammunition Dump” 

… Nearly 40 students at a western IA high school were expected to get tickets for alcohol possession charges following the death Tyson McCain, whose body was discovered in a rural road last week. KETV-TV (Omaha) reports that investigators believe drunken driver from a party where alcohol was served hit McCain while he was standing in the middle of the road. School officials at Riverside High School in Oakdale told the students Thursday the citations were coming and notified parents. KETV also reported that authorities are “close to charging two adults” for allegedly providing alcohol served at the party.

… Authorities yesterday called off the manhunt for two men who escaped from a Minnesota jail. Western Iowa laws officials say they believe the men – Jared Sandahl and Shane Bourman, who escaped from the Pennington County jail in Thief River Falls last Monday  -- have left the area. They were first sighted in Whiting on Monday and were last known to be in Charter Oak, where police say they stole a pickup from a local residence.

WAR & TERRORISM: 

… VOANews (Voice of America) reports that “U.S.-led coalition forces continue to find and destroy caches of weapons. But, defense officials say there is no coordinated effort under way to disarm the Iraqi population. In recent weeks, U.S. forces in Iraq have destroyed surface-to-surface missiles, rocket-propelled grenades, artillery rounds and other munitions. Defense officials say many finds like these are destroyed because they are old, outdated and possibly unsafe. But some small arms and ammunition are being saved for a future Iraqi military. Lt. Gen. Earl Hailston, commander of U. S. Marine forces in the Gulf, said: “It’s very important that they have a capability of self-defense and I can say that our plans in the future will include building a self-defense capability for the country, so with that will come arms.”

… Also from VOANews – the death count, two headlines: “Philippines: 12 killed in MILF Rebel Attack” Report: “Fresh violence has erupted in the southern Philippines Thursday after Muslim separatist rebels attacked police and military installations – killing at least 12 people. Philippine military officials say at least 600 rebels from the separatist group, Moro Islamic Liberation Front, or MILF, attacked Army and police outposts.” & “At Least 14 Killed in Kashmir Violence” Report: “Three people were killed and 34 others injured Friday when a suspected bomb exploded at a courthouse in Indian-administered Kashmir. Eleven others in Kashmir also died Friday in a series of violent encounters.”  

FEDERAL ISSUES:  

  … CNBC “Capitol Report” host Alan Murray writes on the cable network’s website that Grassley is “writing a tax bill that may exclude the president’s proposal to eliminate taxes on stock dividends. Instead, the Iowa Republican is considering tax rebates aimed at putting money quickly into consumers’ hands.” Also – “Grassley says the president will likely have to settle for tax relief of $350 billion over 10 years in a budget bill that doesn’t repeal taxes on stock dividends. ‘Without a dollar-for-dollar offset,” Grassley says, there’s no way the Senate will include a repeal of dividend taxes in its slimmed-down tax-cut legislation.” Murray noted that GWB was in Ohio Thursday pushing for his tax-cut plan…”But Grassley says his committee is looking at two alternatives designed to provide more immediate economic stimulus.” 

The alternatives – “First, he’d provide a rebate on 2002 taxes, meaning each taxpayer would get a check from the government. Second, he’s make the tax cut ultimately approved this year by Congress retroactive to Jan. 1, with appropriate adjustments to federal taxes withheld from workers’ paychecks.” One more sentence from the Murray report: “Now that Saddam Hussein is out of the way, one of President Bush’s biggest problems appears to be Sen. Charles Grassley.”  

IOWA ISSUES: 

…The Iowa House yesterday – on a 51-47 vote – completed legislative action on a controversial budget-cutting bill. Municipal elected officials and city administrators from across Iowa yesterday expressed concern and outrage about the legislation that would slash state funding assistance to cities. The mayors, council members and others warned that the municipal aid cuts  – part of a $128 million budget reduction package which was approved by the IA Senate early yesterday morning – will result in major employee layoffs, especially in police and fire departments, and program reductions. DSM Councilwomen Hensley told WHO Radio (Des Moines) that the city’s parks and Botanical Center could face cutbacks. Cedar Rapids Mayor (and former IA Sec of State) Paul Pate among representatives of eight cities at Statehouse yesterday to protest the reductions – which would cut state aid to cities by $70 million. The $128 million budget reduction bill now goes to Guv Vilsack, who has been a proponent of the measure. 

OPINIONS:  

… This morning’s Des Moines Register editorial headlines: “The zoo isn’t everything… The city shouldn’t break faith with art center and other attractions” says DSM, facing tight budget – especially with state assistance cutbacks -- should not abdicate responsibilities of leadership. & “Rasmussen should step aside” says Jim Rasmussen, chairman of board that oversees Prairie Meadows racetrack and casino, should step aside due to allegations about money laundering and gambling. Editorial says he should take a leave of absence. 

… Columnist David Yepsen, headline – “Are Iowa’s legislators ready to make history?” Writes about – and questions – whether IA lawmakers ready for tough decisions during waning days of the session. 

IOWA SPORTS:  

… Drake Relays officials in DSM have announced that today’s event is a sellout at the 18,000-seat Drake Stadium – for the 38th consecutive year. That extends the world record for the longest such streak at a track and field event.  

… NFL Draft watchers expect that as many as seven players from last fall’s University of Iowa Big Ten co-champions could be selected before the before the draft ends tomorrow. Several rating services have projected that offensive lineman Eric Steinbach, tight end Dallas Clark and center Bruce Nelson could be chosen as the first three rounds are completed today. Four others – including quarterback Brad Banks, the Heisman Trophy runner-up – could be taken in the lower four rounds tomorrow. 

… World of Outlaws season points leader Danny Lasoski won during opening night at the Knoxville Raceway, Danny Schatz second with Steve Kinser third. The Outlaws return to the track with hot laps at 6:45 tonight. 

…  Sioux City Journal reports that more than 80 drivers have already filled out registration forms – with more entrants expected – for the opening night of racing at Park Jefferson Speedway in Jefferson, SD.  The 2003 NASCAR Weekly Racing Series season opens tonight with hot laps at 7 p.m. The Journal reports the speedway is “considered by many as one of the premier dirt track facilities in the country.”

IOWA WEATHER: 

DSM 5 a.m. 47 fair. Temps from 36 in Sheldon, 37 in Harlan and Cedar Rapids to 47 in Des Moines and 48 in Lamoni. High today 75, sunny. Low tonight 52, partly cloudy. High Sunday 78, chance T-storms. From WHO-TV’s Ed Wilson: “Clouds will increase Sunday with a chance for scattered thunder. More rain is in the forecast next week. Tuesday through Thursday could have some severe days.”

IOWAISMS: 

… The Sioux City Journal reported that the first KC-135E air refueling tanker to be based at the 185th Refueling Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard arrived this week. 

The Journal report: “Over the howl of the wind, four screaming jet engines announced the KC-135’s official arrival in Sioux City.” The 185th – a fighter wing since the 1950s – is being converted to an air refueling wing and was notified it would not be called up for Iraq war operations because of the transition. The KC-135 is the oldest tanker model and will eventually be replaced with newer KC-235Rs. 

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