Thursday, March 27, 2003

GENERAL:  Davenport Marine Sgt. Bradley Korthaus listed as first Iowan to die in war – drowned while swimming across waterway with three other Marines trying to set up weapons on opposite side of canal. QCTimes.com (Quad-City Times) offers online opportunity for website visitors to send letter of support to his family … Only week into war, but armchair commanders already getting confused – jumping from embedded reporter to embedded reporter – and unable to get an overall grasp on Iraq situation, although newscasts indicate 30,000 additional American troops en route to war. GWB and Franks say things going just swell and that appears to be good enough for most Iowans – except Dean, Kucinich, Sharpton, Moseley Braun supporters and Iowa City intersection sitters…Worries grow about chem weapons as U. S. and Brit forces get closer to Baghdad, requiring TV analysts to conduct Chemical Weapons 101 lectures – but expected clearing skies in war zone bode well for Americans. WHO-TV (Des Moines) unscientific online poll indicates 87% expect Saddam to launch chemical weapons attack…As if Iraq, North Korea and other rogue nations weren’t already causing enough international anxiety, BBC News reports: “Both Pakistan and India say they have carried out test-launches of short-range nuclear-capable missiles on Wednesday.” The BBC report continued, “Pakistan said it had informed India about its launch, but that it was taken by surprise by the Indian test-firing.” Apparently to further agitate the situation, according to the Washington Post, India called Pakistan the “epicenter of international terrorism” and accused the U. S. of having double standards in leading a war against Iraq while urging restraint between the nuclear-armed neighbors …The day after MidAmerican Energy Co. announced the world’s largest land-based wind power production facility will be built in Iowa, plans were outlined by Pace Global Energy Services for a 900-mile natural gas pipeline that could lower heating bills in Iowa. The pipeline would run from Wyoming to Illinois – Cheyenne to Chicago area – and would pass through metropolitan areas such as Des Moines and Omaha, which would result in lower delivery costs for regional gas service companies and their customers…Winter storm watch issued for tonight into tomorrow morning north of Denison-Mason City line in northwest Iowa. Light showers across most of IA this morning, but temps well above freezing…Last night, Bill Clinton told University of Iowa audience of more than 15,000 he backed resolution last fall authorizing military action against Iraq – “I still believe it was the right thing to do” -- and urges support for troops: “We are where we are. We’ve got to support the troops.” Ex-pres also warns terrorists and North Korea will still be troublesome and challenging.

CANDIDATES/CAUCUSES: Tennessee – facing an anticipated $780 million deficit next year – becomes the latest state to consider dropping its 2004 presidential primary due to budget considerations. Greg Pierce, in the “Inside Politics” column in yesterday’s Washington Times, reported Secretary of State Riley Darnell told TN lawmakers the state could save $3.5 million every four years by dumping presidential primary. He also noted state’s primary has lost significance since 18 other states and D. C. will hold caucuses or primaries before the scheduled Tennessee primary. Colorado has already eliminated its 2004 presidential primary and other states are considering similar proposals to reduce budgets…All the usual suspects – Edwards, Graham, Kerry, Lieberman, along with Hillary and Biden – lined up to support Harkin amendment to the budget resolution that provided for “fair reimbursement” for Medicare by “reducing tax cuts to the wealthiest income brackets.” The amendment, which would have added $25 billion to federal budget, lost on a tie 49-49 vote. Grassley drew criticism from IA Dem Chairman Gordon Fischer – probably practicing for the 2004 IA Senate campaign -- for opposing the amendment, but Grassley spokesperson said Harkin’s rider was “political,” adding the Senate Finance Committee chair intended to draft a Medicare proposal that assures “fairness for Iowa.”…The same voting line-up also surfaced on another Harkin amendment – defeated by a 53-46 margin – aimed at “restoring education cuts.”…The Dem alliance – Edwards, Graham, Kerry, Lieberman, Hillary, Biden and Harkin – also joined together to vote against the resolution and tax cuts, despite the fact tax cuts had been slashed in half by the Senate. Final vote on the resolution 56-44 with Grassley voting for it…Gephardt has launched a pray-and-give fundraising drive with at least two initiatives to increase his campaign’s showing when quarterly finance reporting period ends 3/31. An e-mail sent to potential contributions and a message on his campaign website both open with Gephardt saying he is praying for the success of the U. S. military, but he soon makes a pitch for campaign bucks. Excerpt from letter on www.dickgephardt2004.com: “While all of us are concerned about the war, the American public also is worrying about what happens next on the domestic agenda. This is why this is such a critical phase in the race for the Democratic nomination.” He adds that polls “show me leading the Democratic field” and notes “your support up to $250 will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Presidential Primary Matching Funds System.” (Iowa Pres Watch Note: The real message – send me $250 so American taxpayers will send me another $250, too.)…Gephardt has continued to maintain an active campaign schedule since the Iraq engagement started – in Iowa last Sunday, SC on Monday and fundraising events in Texas – Dallas and Houston – Tuesday. (Iowa Pres Watch Note: Some analysts suggest Gephardt and Lieberman can continue campaigning and fundraising during the Iraq war since they – unlike most other Dem wannabes – have been consistent supporters of military action against Iraq.)…News commentator Paul Harvey took note yesterday of the Zogby International poll for DraftGore.com that showed Gore remains the strongest Dem candidate against GWB. (More details on poll in yesterday’s morning update.)…Gephardt was among the missing again yesterday as House Democrats sought to push through a Senate-approved version of Amber Alert legislation. Republicans, favoring a more comprehensive approach developed by the House Judiciary Committee, fought off Dem attempt on 218-198 vote and were scheduled to consider the GOP package as early as today. Democrats contended the GOPs were trying to “prevent Amber Alert from passing” by insisting on House version, especially since lengthy conference committee negotiations may be required to sort out the differences. The Senate bill only contains kidnapping notification provisions, while the tougher House proposal also includes several additional legal penalties for child rapists and abductors. On yesterday’s vote, Kucinich voted with the losing Democrats and Gephardt was recorded as “not voting.” The five Iowa congressmen voted along party lines – Boswell on losing side, GOPs prevailing… Last night, another anti-child abuse measure passed the House – on a voice vote – requiring prospective foster and adoptive parents will have to undergo criminal background checks – similar to a bill passed by the Senate last week that will have to go to conference committee for reconciliation before being sent to GWB.

IOWA POLITICS: In his “Inside the Beltway” column in yesterday’s Washington Times, John McCaslin reported Iowan John Hagelin – the 2000 presidential nominee of the Natural Law Party – is “founder of the new U. S. Peace Government. Echoing views expressed by Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota, Mr. Hagelin says millions of peace-loving Americans are ‘appalled at what they consider to be the recklessness of the Bush administration’s policy of pre-emptive warfare.’ The new Peace Government, its founder says, will be headed by the nation’s foremost scientists, health professionals, educators and other experts whose primary focus will be to apply the most profound scientific knowledge and programs to prevent problems and peacefully resolve conflict. No mention of what Mr. Hagelin will do to protect all of the above.” Hagelin is director of the Institute of Science, Technology and Public Policy and a physics professor at Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield…What will Leonard do now? Earlier this week, IA’s lone Dem congressman – Leonard Boswell – indicted he would participate in a May trade trip to Cuba with several IA business and agricultural leaders, although Vilsack has canceled his plans to join the group because of “scheduling conflicts.” Then yesterday, during his visit to MacDill AFB in Florida, GWB denounced the recent arrest of dozens of journalists and critics of the Castro government -- and urged the release of “all unjustly imprisoned dissidents.” What’s Boswell to do? After all, this is the same Leonard Boswell who last year opposed Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation – a priority for the Iowa Farm Bureau and commodity groups – because of his concern for human rights violations by some of America’s current and potential trading partners. The Boswell Cuba trip is scheduled for 5/14-5/20. (Iowa Pres Watch Note: That’s right, the same Leonard Boswell who is violating his term-limit pledge to seek another term in 2004.) 

MORNING SUMMARY:  Top front page headline on today’s Des Moines Register: “Major battle takes shape” QCTimes.com (Quad-City Times) top story: “Marine’s body found; 1st fatality from Q-C” Omaha World-Herald top online story: “U. S. troops seize airfield in northern Iraq” Top stories in online editions of Sioux City Journal and Chicago Tribune also have “seize airfield” headlines …Congressional hearings could begin as early as today on President Bush’s request for $74.7 billion to support the Iraq war and homeland security initiatives, but – as has been evident throughout consideration of the 2004 budget resolution and proposed tax cuts – anytime there’s a pot of money on the political table Hillary and the Democratic “moneybees” start buzzing. Republican leaders have already announced plans to accelerate consideration of the bill and finish work on the legislation by 4/11. They also vowed to delay the Congressional spring break if necessary. But, Hillary said she wants at least 10% of the money for domestic security while House Democrats are pushing to include additional assistance for the nation’s airlines. House Majority Whip Roy Blunt, R-Mo., says his goal is to pass GWB’s request “clean and quick – before we leave here for the Easter break. It would take very little to bog this thing down.” …Former president of Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) – David England – gets $29,000 settlement and resigns. England, along with wife, daughter and son, was arrested earlier this month on drug possession and trafficking charges.

TERRORISM/WAR: From yesterday’s “Inside Politics” column in the Washington Times: “Democrats in charge of the California Assembly are blocking a vote on a Republican resolution that expresses support for U. S. troops and President Bush, in favor of their own resolution, which does not support the president.”…VOANews (Voice of America) – under the headline, “Coalition Forces in Afghanistan Face More Rocket Attacks” – reports, “Suspected remnants of the Taleban and al-Qaida launched more than a dozen rockets at coalition forces in Afghanistan Tuesday night. U. S. military authorities say more rocket attacks on U. S. troops could be tied to the war in Iraq…Captain Alayne Cramer, a spokeswoman for the coalition forces at Bagram air base, says rocket attacks on the U. S. bases have increased since the war in Iraq began last week and may be a form of retaliation.”…WHO-TV (Des Moines) reports Iowa is spending about $20,000 a day – about double what was expected – on homeland security efforts, primarily because of increased security at state buildings and the need for around-the-clock guards at two Mississippi River railroad bridges…The Iowa Farm Bureau has posted a six-point “Agroterrorism Information” advisory on the organization’s website: “As the nation’s number one producer of corn, soybeans, eggs and hogs, Iowa farmers and producers know the importance of securing America’s food supply.” Among the points: “Provide copies of maps of your facilities [to local authorities] that indicate service shut-off locations, security areas and other areas of vulnerability.” Earlier this week, Dr. Patrick Webb – foreign animal disease coordinator in the state ag dept. – said Iowa’s government agencies have a plan in place to respond to a potential livestock disease outbreak from a bioterrorist attack…Parents of Army MIA James Kiehl – whose pregnant wife Jill is with her parents in DSM – appeared last night on CNN’s “Larry King Live.” They said the Pentagon has changed his status to “whereabouts unknown.”

FEDERAL ISSUES: As the Senate – after slicing the proposed Bush $726 billion tax cut to $350 billion – kept resisting efforts to restore the cuts and supported more spending amendments yesterday, especially suggesting the U. S. had to maintain a reserve fund to support Iraq operations, Grassley said: “It’s got nothing to do with the war. The people defeating it [the tax cut] want to spend money. They ain’t worried about paying for the war. They ain’t worried about the deficit.”…Meanwhile, Radio Iowa reports that IA Congressman Leach says he would vote to extend the tax cuts approved two years ago, but he will not support additional tax cuts. O. Kay Henderson reports Leach said the government cannot proceed with new expenses for national security and expect to pay for them with tax cuts. He said the country “has to have more discipline than that.” Leach also opposes the proposal to do away with federal taxes on stock income, saying it would be “unrealistic” during the war…The House Judiciary Committee – on a 19-11 party-line vote – yesterday approved legislation that would ban “partial-birth” abortions, clearing the way for floor action on the proposal, which is nearly identical to a Senate bill passed two weeks ago, as early as next week. President Bush has indicated he will sign “partial-birth” legislation into law.

STATE ISSUES: Iowa Senate has passed legislation authorizing additional hunting licenses for female deer as part of a pilot project to solve two problems – thinning the state’s white-tail deer population while sending the venison to feed inmates in state’s nine prisons, reducing cost of feeding prisoners…Sioux City school board, reacting to the district’s budget problems, has voted 5-2 to close Grant Elementary School at the end of the current school year. Sioux City Journal reports Board President Anne James began to cry while she explained her vote to close the school, which will require busing students to another elementary school.

OPINION:  Today’s Des Moines Register editorials: “Hearts and minds in Iraq…What if they hate a foreign army as much as they hate Saddam?” & “Medicare: GOP must fix it…In opposing Harkin’s plan, Grassley acquired obligation to take care of Iowa’s problem.” (See item above.) …Columnist David Yepsen writes about partisan splits on election legislation now being considered in Iowa. Headline: “There’s room for compromise in election-reform legislation”…Headline on George Will column about war in today’s Register: “Conservatives must confess this will be a messy process” …From OpinionJournal.com (Wall Street Journal) yesterday – Michael Medved, under the headline “The Little People…On Oscar night, Hollywood thanks everyone but the troops,” writes: “The most prominent personalities in the antiwar movement resist all efforts to classify their angry activism as anti-American. But Sunday night’s Oscar extravagance obliterated any defensive distinctions. For 3 1/2 hours, the entertainment elite indulged in the usual orgy of self-congratulation with only hostile or dismissive reference to epic Iraqi battles involving thousands of U. S. troops. They offered no hint of gratitude, affection, loyalty or connection to the superpower that sustains them.”

WEATHER: DSM 5 a. m. 48, partly cloudy...Temps across IA from 30s to 50s this morning – 37 in Independence to 54 in Keokuk…High today 65, showers & T-storms. Low tonight 38, showers & T-storms. High Friday 45, rain/snow possible. WHO-TV meteorologist Brandon Thomas reports: “A steady rain on Thursday (TODAY), with an isolated t’storm possible. A wide range of highs in the mid forties to low sixties. It looks like the rain will mix with snow late Thursday night. A chance of snow on Friday early on, with highs in the low/upper thirties. It will be very windy as well. Partly sunny on Saturday, with highs in the upper thirties to low forties. Mostly sunny on Sunday, with highs in the upper forties to low fifties.”

IOWAISMS: Sirens sounded across the state yesterday to put Iowans under a “test tornado watch” as part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week. National Weather Service officials say they are now able to give 12-minute warnings for tornadoes, which is “significant progress” over the 4-minute warnings just a few years ago…Now that Iowans have survived yesterday’s “test tornado,” it’s time to turn attention to another Iowa summer threat -- ticks that often carry Lyme disease. Radio Iowa reports that ISU entomologist Wayne Rowley warns 2003 has “all the makings to be another banner year for blood-sucking ticks.” He said 2002 was one of the “best years in the past decade” for ticks, although it is unclear if it was because of greater awareness of the Lyme disease situation or simply more biting bugs around Iowa.

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