Straight Talk Iowa Style

Hotline: Why McCain Had A Pretty Good Month

2007-03-05T08:57:00.000-08:00

Hotline On Call has delivered a strong summation of reasons why McCain had a good month:

McCain's Grassroots Network is the strongest:

He continues to lead most polls in NH and all of them in SC. He's running strong in IA, too, despite stepping away from the '00 caucuses. He's leading in MI, and was leading in the last GOP poll we saw in CA. McCain has the strongest teams in IA, NH and SC bar none.

He continues to add prominent supporters:

He continues to get endorsement after endorsement: Thune, Ridge, Sen. Warner, Chip Pickering, Mitch Daniels, Frank Keating, strategist Charlie Black. Note that Sen. Hillary Clinton hasn't been able to keep prominent Dems from endorsing Sen. Obama, but McCain, for the most part, has been able to keep prominent Republicans from endorsing anybody else.

And, White House, Inc. will not be standing in his way:

Most insiders believe that McCain will be the nominee. Only 11 percent of RNC members surveyed by the Los Angeles Times say they'd never vote for McCain. McCain's nomination has the tacit blessing of the Bush White House. "Tacit blessing' doesn't mean "endorsement" -- it means that the White House -- Karl Rove, specifically -- is not going to put his body in front of any prominent GOPer who wants to endorse McCain.

STIS says stop the handwringing and knee jerking out there everytime you read a conservative blog or magazine and keep building the network. Really, Rudy, who has no convictions when it comes to traditional family values or Mitt who swaps values depending upon which office he is running for?

Or McCain, with a 24 year pro-life voting record and has promised to nominate judges in the mold of Alito and Roberts, the spine to reign in the national budget, and the courage of his convictions to advocate winning the war by calling for more combat power when over half the nation stands against it? Well, you be the judge. We've made our minds up.

McCain Takes Spartanburg, South Carolina Straw Poll

2007-03-03T07:14:00.000-08:00

In an early showing of grassroots muscle, John McCain took the Spartanburg County South Carolina Straw Poll edging out Rudy and Duncan Hunter.

The final results:

Arizona Sen. John McCain: 164
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani: 162
California Rep. Duncan Hunter: 158
Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback: 85
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney: 80
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich: 33 (write-in)
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee: 21
Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo: 10
Attorney John Cox: 4
Texas Rep. Ron Paul: 4
Secretary of state Condoleezza Rice: 2 (write-in)
Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore: 1
Former Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson: 1

Thune Endorses McCain

2007-02-18T15:06:00.000-08:00

Our neighbor to the Northwest, Senator John Thune, from South Dakota has formally endorsed McCain's Presidential bid. Being familiar with Northwest Iowa, STIS has had it's eyes on this relationship for a while. Months ago we speculated that Thune might be on McCain's short list of Veep choices.

And while it is unlikely that two sitting Senators would be on the ticket, McCain refused to distance himself from that line of speculation. In fact, McCain mentioned Thune as a possible running mate. (While this is premature speculation, STIS thinks it is good bet that McCain will pick someone from the Midwest or Northeast, Pawlenty or Guiliani, etc...).

Thune's support for McCain is a huge "get." Thune, long considered a shining star in the GOP, became a dragon slayer after beating Tom Daschle in 2004. The only other Republican to beat a sitting United States Senate Minority Leader was Barry Goldwater. Thune, who as a Congressman, was quick to endorse George W. Bush for the Presidency in 1999. If memory serves us right Thune was the very first or one of the first five to endorse Bush. Thune's strategy of quickly endorsing Presidential nominees seems to have paid off during his career.

This endorsement is particularly important for several reasons:

First, according to WAPO, Thune, "extracted a promise from the Arizonan on judicial nominations. Thune said McCain told him he would appoint "guys like Roberts and Alito". That's a reference to Chief Justice John Roberts and Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, both of whom were nominated by President Bush and were popular selections among Christian conservatives.

Thune's endorsement is important not only for Social Conservatives, but for the Republican base as a whole. President Bush's largest applause line during the 2000 election was when he promised to appoint judges to the federal bench that would interpret the Constitution and not re-write it. Moreover, the American people tend to support the Conservative movement's viewpoint regarding judges.

Secondly, Thune's South Dakota media market overlaps into Sioux, Lyon, Osceola and O'Brien counties. These four counties are the "Conservative Quadrant" of Northwest Iowa. Hardly every electing Democrats to office, these four counties are ripe with Straw Poll and Caucus votes.

Iowa TV watchers in these four counties, including some in Dickinson and Clay, are used to seeing John Thune on their TV sets and hearing him on their radios. Thune's endorsement will help in these key counties in the run up to the Straw Poll and the Caucus.

Third, Thune's endorsement is key to Social Conservatives in general. Thune, who is not a Social Conservative in the sense of Brownback or Huckabee, is respected by Social Conservatives around the country for taking out Daschle and standing firm on social issues in the Senate.

We are going to venture out and make the prediction that having Thune on board is just as good as having Steve King on board when addressing the issues that matter to Northwest Iowans. Thune is well know to farmers and conservatives in Northwest Iowa and STIS believes that Thune will play a direct role in the run up to the Straw Poll and Caucus.

McCain Townhall: Live Webcast 10 AM Saturday

2007-02-16T18:13:00.000-08:00

If you can't make it to Des Moines on Saturday to see John McCain don't worry.

At 10:00 a.m. McCain will stream his webcast live from Des Moines.

His townhall meeting will be broadcast live on his newly designed website: johnmccain.com

McCain will be here Saturday

2007-02-16T09:31:00.000-08:00

The staff at STIS in an effort to keep you as informed as possible, even if it is only once a week, has received assurances that the foolish cowardice of Senate Democrats will not keep John McCain from hearing out the good people of Iowa.

Here are the details for the McCain events this weekend:

Des Moines Town Hall Meeting
Hotel Fort Des Moines
1000 Walnut Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
Saturday, 9:45 a.m.

Cedar Rapids Town Hall Meeting
Crowne Plaza Hotel
350 First Avenue NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Saturday, 1:15 p.m.

Davenport Chili Dinner
The Radisson Hotel
111 E 2nd Street
Davenport, IA 52801
Saturday, 5:00 p.m.

McCain to Visit Iowa

2007-02-08T15:06:00.000-08:00

Reagan Tribute

2007-02-06T20:38:00.000-08:00

McCain Reagan Tribute

This ad is a wonderful tribute to Ronald Reagan. It also helps us to better understand John McCain and his philosophy.

De Byerly Boards the Straight Talk Express

2007-02-02T13:40:00.001-08:00

De Byerly, a veteran social conservative grassroots activist in Iowa has boarded the Straight Talk Express. Over the last decade De has been an influential voice in Iowa Republican politics, and has worked for a wide variety of candidates and conservative causes.

“After fully researching Senator McCain’s conservative credentials, I determined that he was the right person to lead our country at this critical time,” Byerly said. “Grassroots Republicans will enthusiastically support Senator McCain because of his consistent commitment to life, traditional marriage, fiscal discipline, and a strong national defense.”

Byerly is no stranger to Iowa grassroots politics and has been extremely active in advancing social conservative causes. She has been an important grassroots activist for Iowa Right to Life, Iowa Christian Alliance, and the National Rifle Association (NRA). In addition, she serves on the board of the Caring Pregnancy Center in Cerro Gordo County.

“De is a tremendous addition to our growing Iowa grassroots organization,” Senator McCain said. “I’m proud to be joined in this campaign by someone who has worked so hard to promote our shared conservative values.”

McCain Endosements Galore

2007-01-31T17:41:00.000-08:00

We have discussed the effects of endorsements in the Presidential campaign before and harbor no illusions as to their effectiveness. Yet, they are a sign of popular support at a politically visceral level.

Over the course of the last week many key leaders in early states have volunteered their support for McCain's candidacy.

More than half the SC Statehouse, a trio of FL Congressmen, and a Red Sox Pitcher have all endorsed John McCain for President.

Further, McCain has picked up the support of key State Reps in NH and has nailed down support from two of his colleagues in the Senate.

Again, every vote will have to be earned but it's alot easier to do when broad popular support is evident.

Marlys Popma: ..."John McCain is best equipped to win this race and lead the country"

2007-01-29T14:03:00.000-08:00

At Race42008 Marlys Popma, noted social conservative and two-time Executive Director of the Iowa GOP, tells readers why she decided to board the Straight Talk Express.

The wide ranging interview ranges from questions about judges, to abortion and maintaining the the role of traditional marriage. Here Popma describes John McCain's appeal to social conservatives:

R4′08: If you were to speak with a social conservative who was completely unfamiliar with the candidates in the 2008 field and was trying to make up their mind as to who they should support, how would you differentiate between the records of Sen. McCain and other candidates, such as Gov. Mitt Romney, Sen. Sam Brownback, and Gov. Mike Huckabee?

My job is to let fellow social conservatives know that Senator John McCain is the best overall candidate in this race. He has a conservative record that stands on its own. It is important that people who care about life, marriage, protection of families and the strong Judeo Christian principles under which this country was founded know that of all the candidates, John McCain is best equipped to win this race and lead the country. He also has a better grasp of foreign policy than ANY person in the race, he has been a determined fiscal hawk, and he has a consistent record on the issues that matter most to me.

STIS is pleased to hear that Popma and company are on board for the campaign. Her experience along with Maxine Sieleman's efforts will undoubtedly help McCain in Iowa.

H/T to Caucus Cooler on this one

Failor Jr., and Slifka Get on Board the Straight Talk Express

2007-01-23T10:24:00.000-08:00

From today's Des Moines Register:

Arizona Sen. John McCain has enlisted the support of two key Iowa activists as he prepares for Iowa’s precinct caucuses next January, which will open the presidential nominating season.

Ed Failor Jr. and Karen Slifka will both back McCain as senior advisers.

Failor is a top executive of Iowans for Tax Relief, which runs the state’s largest political action committee and is a major force in Iowa Republican politics.

Failor ran field operations for President Bush’s campaign in Iowa in 2004. He is credited with helping Bush pull out a narrow win in the state — the first time Iowa has voted for a Republican presidential candidate since 1984.

Slifka is a veteran organizer in the state who moved to Washington to take a string of political jobs in the Capitol. She will join McCain’s effort after she leaves her post as a strategist for the Republican National Committee.

McCain: The Clear Conservative Choice

2007-01-20T15:39:00.000-08:00

Here is an analysis of John McCain's voting record compared to those of his colleagues in the Senate:

109th Senate : Second most conservative!
108th Senate : Fourth most conservative!

Further, the American Conservative Union gives McCain an 83% lifelong rating.

STIS wants to thank Senator McCain for being the clear common-sense conservative choice in the race for President.

Maxine Sieleman is On Board the Straight Talk Express

2007-01-20T15:20:00.000-08:00

Maxine:

Thanks for getting on board the Straight Talk Express!

Maxine Sieleman, a social conservative leader, has decided to join Team McCain and be a part of the growing Iowa grassroots organization. Sieleman was the founder of the Iowa chapter of Concerned Women for America and has been a leading voice on Iowa Christian radio for the last 25 years.

"After considerable research, reflection, and prayer I determined that Senator McCain was the clear choice for conservatives and Iowa families,” Sieleman said. “He is the one candidate who has a consistent record of supporting pro-life, pro-family legislation."

Sieleman also cited McCain’s commitment to appointing judges at all levels of the judiciary who respect our Constitution, as well as his foreign policy experience in deciding to back his potential candidacy.

John McCain: The case for more troops in Iraq

2007-01-10T13:50:00.000-08:00

John McCain writes in the Sacremento Bee why the path to Victory in Iraq requires more combat power on the ground:

During my visit to Iraq last month, it was clear that security is the precondition for political progress and economic development. Until the government and its coalition allies can protect the population, the Iraqi people will increasingly turn to extra-governmental forces, especially Sunni and Shiite militias, for protection. Only when the government has a monopoly on the legitimate use of force will its authority have meaning, and only when its authority has meaning can political activity have the results we seek.

The presence of additional coalition forces would allow the Iraqi government to do what it cannot accomplish today on its own -- impose its rule throughout the country. In bringing greater security to Iraq, and chiefly to Baghdad, our forces would give the government a fighting chance to pursue reconciliation.

McCain: Movie Buff

2007-01-04T19:23:00.000-08:00

Variety reports that John McCain is a big movie buff.

The White House projectionist better rest up. If John McCain should become the 44th president of the United States, the screening room is going to get some heavy use especially with all those kids and grandkids. If you thought you knew everything there is to know about the senior senator from Arizona, prepare yourself: He's a major movie freak.

Favorite actor:

The senator's favorite actor, however, remains his "Zapata" star: "Of course, Marlon Brando."

Favorite actress:

But for fave actress? "I gotta say Marilyn Monroe. She was one of the great actresses in history. If you ever saw 'Some Like It Hot,' she was a consummate actress. She has so many great scenes.

And favorite movie:

But the senator's all-time favorite film? "It is a bit political in its own way: 'Viva Zapata!' I'm sure I've seen it four or five times, but I haven't seen it quite a few years. It was one of Elia Kazan's least appreciated films. I thought (Emiliano) Zapata was a genuine, authentic, uncorrupted leader who fought to improve the plight of his countrymen. He held true to his principles.

"There were many scenes in the movie, but a few stand out," recalls McCain, who quotes verbatim long stretches of dialogue that recall the perfs of Marlon Brando, Jean Peters and Anthony Quinn.

Farewell Gerald Ford

2006-12-27T08:10:00.000-08:00

Former President Gerald Ford (1913-2006)

Christmas 2006: Promises to Keep and Those Who Will do it

2006-12-24T08:33:00.000-08:00

Today's Washington Times editorial by Larry Kudlow states that:

[T]wo of the most important qualities necessary for a run to the Oval Office are decisiveness and strength of character. In recent weeks, Sen. John McCain has proven he has more stock in these traits than almost any public official today.

Further:

Mr. McCain is standing tall against the tides of wartime fatigue, the polls and the conventional Beltway wisdom. Whatever the outcome of the Iraq debate, and even the 2008 presidential election, the senator is behaving in a remarkably brave and steadfast manner at a time when so many of our leaders are shrinking from those crucial public duties.

Kudlow's observations fortuitously coincide with our chosen Christmas message this year.

Our Christmas message is taken from the PatriotPost.US and appropriately so. The message is one of keeping promises...promises to self and promises to this great nation.

"December seems somewhat unsuitable for the appearance of the promised hope of Christmas—the message of the birth of Jesus. Why then is this month of long, cold nights proper for celebrating the “Dayspring from on high”?

The audacious claim of Christmas is that, to redeem us, God Himself came in the most vulnerable human form. Multiple prophecies foretold His birth in Bethlehem of a virgin mother, of the line of David. Each prophecy is more than a prediction; it is a promise. He is the Messiah, the Promised One, Emmanuel, who fulfills the promise of reconciliation with God.

At Christmas 2006, we are still warring with an asymmetric enemy pledged to our ultimate destruction, and many argue that these are among the most difficult days our nation has faced. Yet Decembers past have seen American Patriots keep promises during many dark and trying times.

Surely, for our troops arrayed in Iraq and Afghanistan, and those of us supporting them on the home front, our straits are not as severe as those pressing General George Washington during the early years of the Revolutionary War. As his Continental Army troops left bloody footprints along the path to Valley Forge, the good General fell to his knees for prayer in the snow, beseeching God’s guidance as to how he might persevere to victory.

Victory did come in the Christmas Campaign successes of 1776 at Trenton and Princeton, about which Washington presciently wrote, “If every nerve is not straind to recruit the New Army with all possible Expedition I think the game is pretty near up... No Man I believe ever had a greater choice of difficulties & less the means of extricating himself than I have—However under a full perswation of the justice of our Cause I cannot but think the prospect will brighten.”
A year later, however, came the aforementioned retreat to Valley Forge. Even with Christmas approaching, Washington’s discouragement was evident in his writing of “A character to lose—an estate to forfeit—the inestimable blessing of liberty at stake—and a life devoted, must be my excuse,” and about how “it was much easier to draw up remonstrances in a comfortable room by a good fire-side, than to occupy a cold bleak hill, and sleep under frost and snow, without clothes or blankets.”

However, on 17 December, Washington issued general orders: “Tomorrow being the day set apart by the Honorable Congress for public Thanksgiving and Praise; and duty calling us devoutly to express our grateful acknowledgements to God for the manifold blessings he has granted us, the General directs that the army remain in its present quarters, and that the Chaplains perform divine service with their several Corps and Brigades. And earnestly exhorts, all officers and soldiers, whose absence is not indispensably necessary, to attend with reverence the solemnities of the day.”

Lt. Col. Henry Dearborn’s diary entry of 18 December read, “This is Thanksgiving Day. God knows we have very little to keep it with, this being the third day we have been without flour or bread, and are living on a high, uncultivated hill, in huts and tents, lying on the cold ground. Upon the whole I think all we have to be thankful for is that we are alive and not in the grave with many of our friends.” As Surgeon Albigence Waldo observed of that encampment, “Mankind is never truly thankful for the benefits of life, until they have experienced the want of them.”

We began as a nation of great promise and great promises—the sheer force of which compelled our Founding Fathers to persevere. Clearly, these mortal men believed human liberty to be the Gift of the Creator and they captured this belief in our nation’s seminal document: “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.”

Our Founders had promises to keep—as do we. In the coming year, then, may we look to the Christ Child, and may we embrace the promise He so faithfully fulfilled.

The claim that Emmanuel fulfilled the promised reconciliation with God challenges the rising conceit and doubt in our culture, that nothing can be known to a certainty. That is why this holiday of light, marked by the shining of the miraculous Christmas Star, is best honored at the deepest darkness during the year. The brightest promises are those made at the bleakest times.
During this Christmas season, and every day of the coming year, may God’s peace and blessings be upon you and all those around you. Merry Christmas!"

McCain On Top

2006-12-22T19:21:00.000-08:00

A KCCI poll is out showing that McCain is on top in Iowa among caucus goers.

If the 2008 Republican Caucus were held today, Republican U.S. Sen. John McCain would be the top vote-getter, with 27 percent of Iowa Republicans polled saying they would pick him. Republican Rudy Guiliani was second with 26 percent, and Republican Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney was third with only 9 percent of votes overall.

The poll is good news and welcome validation for McCain going into the Holidays after which he and his team will finalize their pre-announcement plans. Surprising to many was Romney's failure to garner more than ten percent. Claims suggesting Romney's Iowa organization is robust may be true, but ordinary caucus-goers don't seem intrigued by his candidacy. Interesting, given the amount of time he has spent here.

At the same time be wary of this poll given KCCI's past polling issues. STIS knows that Team McCain is not taking anything for granted and will be working Iowa and every other state hard for every vote until Election Day.

McCain Announcement Expected

2006-12-18T19:23:00.000-08:00

Fox News is reporting that John McCain will make an announcement after the new year regarding his Presidential aspirations.

The Arizona Republican is aiming to create a campaign organization that will rival, and possibly surpass, that of George W. Bush's 2000 and 2004 campaigns. McCain ran against Bush in the 2000 election, winning the New Hampshire primary but eventually losing the nomination. Now, he is turning to President Bush's winning template, drawing on Bush's Pioneer and Ranger fundraisers, the powerhouse groups of donors who helped raise record amounts of cash.

This report seems to mirror much of the internal chatter we are hearing coming out of the McCain camp.

McCain Inc...Thain top Fundraiser...Beats Hillary Hands down...

2006-12-15T15:12:00.000-08:00

Faithful readers:

Many apologies for the absence of postings this week. So let's get to it...some reading for the weekend.

Bob Novak on McCain signing up the Establishment in preparation for 08.

John Thain, head of the New York Stock Exchange, has signed on as McCain's Fundraising Chair.

McCain beats Hillary hands down.

McCain won't just walk through Iowa, swing through New Hampshire and sling shot down to North Carolina ending up with a big win on Super Tuesday. It's going to take some work and he knows it. Column's like Novak's are instructive but should be taken with a grain of salt given the kind of ground game that McCain will have to mount in the Early States. He's up to it and Novak's article certainly confirms the establishment's validation. Further, inking Thain sends a welcome message to contributors everywhere.

Have a great weekend and Happy Hanukkah!

Senior McCain Campaign Staff Announced Today

2006-12-07T10:30:00.000-08:00

The Hotline runs down the names of those working as senior staff on Team McCain.

In short, many veteran McCain and Bush 04 aides who are experienced, well-respected campaign leaders. Additionally, McCain is lining up the key conservative grassroots leaders here in Iowa like, Chuck Larson, Jr., and Marlys Popma.

Kudlow: Americans Trust McCain

2006-12-05T21:01:00.000-08:00

Larry Kudlow says that McCain stands tall by standing firm against the current tide of public pessimism facing America's mission in Iraq:

In the midst of all the latest doubt, pessimism and arguing over our direction in Iraq, along comes John McCain, digging his heels in the sand and standing up for what is right. John McCain is fighting the tide.

The tide is defeatist.

The tide is asking us to throw our arms into the air and allow iniquity to win the day.

The tide is asking us to allow ruthless and evil totalitarians in Iran and Syria to seize victory.

The tide is asking us to blow American credibility for fifty years.

Fortunately, in the middle of all this, in the middle of James Baker's wishful thinking Iraq Study Group fog, along comes John McCain, reminding Americans we have two choices: win or lose.

Kudlow mentions that former Marine Corps General Anthony Zinni, an early opponent of U.S. efforts to liberate Iraq, is now standing with McCain:

The New York Times reported this morning that retired Marine Corps General Anthony Zinni--who originally opposed the Iraq war--now agrees with McCain on the need for more troops in Iraq. Zinni believes it would be a catastrophic mistake for American foreign policy if we bail out now. He said, "This is not Vietnam or Somalia or those places where you can walk away. If we just pull out, we will find ourselves back in short order."

Further, and most recently, Newsweek is reporting that Cong. Silvestre Reyes, the incoming House Intel Chair, is calling for more troops in Iraq:

“We’re not going to have stability in Iraq until we eliminate those militias, those private armies,” Reyes said. “We have to consider the need for additional troops to be in Iraq, to take out the militias and stabilize Iraq … We certainly can’t leave Iraq and run the risk that it becomes [like] Afghanistan” was before the 2001 invasion by the United States.

Reyes' comments certainly fly in the face of pre-election Democrat party orthodoxy. Yet, they are a tacit admission that Iraq is the linchpin to regional stability in the Middle East, which ultimately impacts American National Security.

McCain's immediate challenge will be to cut through the morass of public opinion created by the "got-have-it-now" culture, yearning for a quick easy war, which does not exist, and the mainstream media's incessant attempts to turn public opinion against the need to kill off terrorism where it lives. His war record, his credibility and his stance on Iraq will go along way towards achieving that intermediate objective.

Further, the greater challenge for McCain and perhaps one of the keys to the presidency is tapping into a deeper American sentiment. That same sentiment that you get a taste of on the Fourth of July, or when you hear about the funeral of a fallen solider, or even on college game day. That sentiment that exists in the hearts of most Americans, American Exceptionalism.

It means we are not going to allow ourselves to lose this thing; so stop messing around, take the gloves off, win this war, make mom and dad proud and come home victorious. America may not be happy with the war but that doesn't mean they want us to pack up and go home. America needs a leader it can trust to make that happen.

Victor Davis Hanson: America, Do You Have the Guts to Win this War?

2006-11-30T19:45:00.000-08:00

Victor Davis Hanson is calling us out, and rightfully so. VDH writes in today's WSJ about America's fight against radical Islamic extremism that:

Our current crisis is not yet a catastrophe, but a real loss of confidence of the spirit. The hard-won effort of the Western Enlightenment of some 2,500 years that, along with Judeo-Christian benevolence, is the foundation of our material progress, common decency, and scientific excellence, is at risk in this new millennium.

But our newest foes of Reason are not the enraged Athenian democrats who tried and executed Socrates. And they are not the Christian zealots of the medieval church who persecuted philosophers of heliocentricity. Nor are they Nazis who burned books and turned Western science against its own to murder millions en masse.

No, the culprits are now more often us. In the most affluent, and leisured age in the history of Western civilization--never more powerful in its military reach, never more prosperous in our material bounty--we have become complacent, and then scared of the most recent face of barbarism from the primordial extremists of the Middle East.

Take Hanson's call seriously and determine who can best lead the nation to fight an enemy who is determined to undermine not just America, but all of Western Culture.

Straight Talk Iowa Style believes that John McCain has the leadership and crediblity to galvanize the American national spirit needed to win the long fight in the war on terror.

Common Sense Conservatism (A Preview of McCain's 2008 Agenda)

2006-11-26T11:26:00.000-08:00

In a Thanksgiving Weekend letter-to-the-editor of the Manchester Union Leader, John McCain writes that:

COMMON-SENSE conservatives believe the government that governs least governs best, that government should do only those things individuals cannot do for themselves, and do them efficiently. Much rides on that principle: the integrity of the government, our prosperity, and every American's self-respect, which depends, as it always has, on one's own decisions and actions and cannot be provided as another government benefit.

McCain's view of American governance is clear and he sounds comfortable with it. Clearly, he believes as many conservatives do that Republicans need to come home:

We have more significant priorities ahead of us than finding new ways to spend money unwisely. Thanks, in part, to Republican economic policies, America still has the most productive, flexible and energetic free economy in the world. But to keep our nation prosperous, strong and growing we have to rethink, reform and reinvent: the way we educate our children, train our workers, deliver health care services, support retirees, fuel our transportation network, stimulate research and development and harness new technologies.

And on the biggest issue of our time he gets it:

Our most important obligation, of course, is to protect Americans from the threat posed by violent Islamic extremists. They are moral monsters, but they are also a disciplined movement driven by an apocalyptic religious zeal, which celebrates martyrdom and murder, has access to science, technology and mass communications, and is determined to acquire and use against us and our allies weapons of mass destruction. The institutions that sustained us throughout the Cold War and the doctrine of deterrence we relied on are no longer adequate to protect us in a struggle where suicide bombers might obtain the world's most terrifying weapons.

McCain goes on in a realistic and even-handed tone to let Americans know that this is going to be a long war and that victory is the only acceptable outcome (this is the stuff good leaders are made of):

We must be honest about the war in Iraq. Without additional combat forces we will not win. We must clear and hold insurgent strongholds, provide security for rebuilding local institutions and economies, arrest sectarian violence in Baghdad and disarm Sunni and Shia militias, train the Iraqi army, and embed American personnel in weak and often corrupt Iraqi police units. We need to do all these things if we are to succeed. And we will need more troops to do them.

It is not fair or easy to look a soldier in the eye and tell him he must shoulder a rifle again and risk his life in a third tour in Iraq. As troubling as it is, I can ask a young Marine to go back to Iraq. And he will go, not happily perhaps, but he will go because he and his comrades are the first patriots among us. But I can only ask him if I share his commitment to victory.

Read the entire letter...STIS believes it's a preview of the 2008 election. Many parts of it have been popping up again and again in the post-election speeches which McCain has delivered and seem to be going over well with audience members in attendance.

Novak: McCain, Fight in Iowa or Go Home

2006-11-22T12:36:00.000-08:00

Bob Novak must have been reading this blog. STIS laid out efforts being made that indicated McCain wants to compete and win in Iowa months ago. From Novak today:

If McCain were to skip Iowa and then lose to, or narrowly defeat, Romney in New Hampshire, he would then risk being shut out through the Southern states' presidential primaries, nearly putting him out of contention. By the time the Michigan primary rolls around, McCain's credibility could be seriously diminished, and his home-state primary would become meaningless rather than being a momentum-building win that contributes to his image as the inevitable candidate.

Novak goes on to say that McCain needs to commit to Iowa:

[A] strong showing in Iowa would give him [McCain] momentum for New Hampshire that could carry over to the next set of states, including Missouri and South Carolina.

We have commented extensively on McCain utilizing an organizational strategy similiar to GWB in 1999. It's also McCain himself who has admitted that competing in Iowa would be neccessary to winning the nomination.

Novak goes on to wrongfully state that McCain's sore spot is ethanol:

McCain's biggest problem in Iowa has always been ethanol, which critics deride as an energy-losing fuel additive which the government only mandates in order to appease farmers and artificially inflate their crops' value. McCain, always an anti-porker, has always opposed it as a bad deal for his non-agricultural state. In fact, nearly all politicians from coastal and mountain states reject ethanol and vote against it, but farm states hold a huge majority in the Senate, and the agricultural-industrial lobby is so powerful that massive ethanol mandates are not going to disappear anytime soon.

We disagree with Novak and have written about this extensively. Engery issues are a greater part of the national security debate and that's McCain's strong suit. Rolling energy issues into the greater national security debate will allow McCain bleedover crediblity on the issue. Also, McCain reasserted his support for ethanol in August in Council Bluffs.

Further, influential Iowa activists have dismissed the national media's assertion that ethanol is a loser for McCain. Burt Day spoke out about ethanol and McCain during the state fair.

ExploreMcCain.com

2006-11-15T20:21:00.000-08:00

The John McCain Exploratory Committee is up and running. It has a great black and white "West Wing" feel to it. Visually appealing in a classy-retro way.

ExploreMcCain.com

The site is appealing and simple. Check out the bio portion where McCain's family naval history is prominently displayed.

Presidential Exploratory Committee Forthcoming

2006-11-10T14:53:00.000-08:00

McCain set to announce Presidential Exploratory Committee setup is imminent.

From ABC News:

His party may have taken "a thumpin'," in the words of President Bush, but ABC News has learned that Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and his political team have decided it's full steam ahead for his 2008 presidential campaign. Although no absolute, final decision has been made, sources close to McCain say on Wednesday in Phoenix, he and a half dozen of his top aides huddled and decided to proceed more formally with his quest for the White House.

More:

A presidential exploratory committee will be set up this month — perhaps as early as next week.

Staff is already on the ground in the key early states along with committee co-chairs and plenty of elected officials to help organize turnout.

Straight Talk Iowa Style predicts the Straight Talk Express will be rolling into Iowa and elsewhere shortly.

John McCain is Powerful

2006-10-31T06:06:00.000-08:00

AZ Central reports that John McCain is the 11th most powerful member of the Senate:

A "power rating" of members of Congress released last week by the nonpartisan company Knowlegis of Fairfax, Va., lists Arizona Sen. John McCain as the 11th most-powerful of the 100 U.S. senators. Arizona's other Republican senator, Jon Kyl, is listed as the 13th most powerful.

They based their findings on a weighted formula, taking into account members' leadership or committee positions, record of passing or helping to amend legislation, and influence on the congressional agenda, including media visibility.

Go to www.congress.org for more on the "power ratings."

BTW our man Chuck Grassley is #3!

McCain Tops Obama

2006-10-29T08:00:00.000-08:00

John McCain tops the over-sensationalized Obama in recent Fox News Poll.

What's interesting is how close Obama runs in a head to head vs. McCain and how far Hillary trails in such a matchup. What are the Clintonoids thinking at this point? A fluke given Obama's media barrage? Is Obama a force to be reckoned with? The interesting fall out from this will be what happens on the Democrat side between Obama and Clinton. The midterms will also serve as an important barometer for Dem presidential wannabes.

McCain VP chit chat

2006-10-23T13:29:00.000-07:00

McCain threw up some trial balloons the other night on Hardball regarding VP selections. Interesting to note that our neighbor to the North and West, Senator John Thune was mentioned by McCain as was N.C. Senator Richard Burr:

"Lindsey (Graham), (John) Sununu, (John) Thune, Burr, there's a broad variety of them, both in and out," said McCain.

We find it unlikely that McCain needs a sitting Senator from the South and beleive that he will definitely want to bring on a "youthful" running mate to counter his age.

It's never too early to starting wondering, but the Caucus ground game has not been established yet and that will certainly determine many future decisions tbat have to be made.

McCain in Iowa Wednesday

2006-10-17T20:57:00.000-07:00

John McCain will be in Northwest Iowa on Wednesday stumping for Steve King, Mary Ann Hanusa and several other statehouse candidates.

U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., will attend a fundraiser breakfast for Iowa 5th District Congressman Steve King Wednesday morning in Sioux City.McCain is making a swing through the Midwest to help Republican candidates as the party seeks to hold majorities in the two federal chambers.

He is making stops today and Wednesday in Appleton, Wis., Sioux Falls, Sioux City and Des Moines.King is touring Northwest Iowa today with U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback and Republican Iowa Secretary of State candidate Mary Ann Hanusa in support of statehouse candidates.

The events are being held at noon in Spirit Lake, at 5:30 p.m. in Spencer and at 7:30 at Sanborn.

We will try to get pics if possible.

Senator Thune: I am not on McCain's VP list...

2006-10-15T16:30:00.000-07:00

We posted earlier last month that South Dakota Senator John Thune invited McCain to our media market to the north (Sioux Falls, SD).

At the time we speculated that their relationship, their trip to Iraq and access to a media market that broadcasts into Iowa were all probable reasons for McCain accepting an invite to speak in South Dakota.

The Associated Press reports today that: (hat tip to South Dakota Politics)

U.S. Sen. John McCain, a GOP front-runner for president in 2008, plans to visit South Dakota Tuesday. The Arizona Republican will be the main speaker at the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce's 100th annual meeting.

They also went to Iraq together and Thune said he saw firsthand how McCain, a prisoner of war during Vietnam, has credibility with the military and other countries. "The troops love him. And because of his experience they have tremendous respect for him," Thune said. "Every place we went these world leaders had a very high regard for him."

Thune, who unseated former Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle in 2004, said he is not on McCain's list of possible vice presidential running-mates. But when Thune was asked to invite McCain to the chamber meeting, he did use its proximity to one of the first presidential contests as a selling point. "I told him we shared a border with Iowa and he may be able to get some Iowa media interest," Thune said.

McCain Up By Double Digits in NH

2006-10-13T20:04:00.000-07:00

John McCain has the support of a plurality of voters in the Granite State.

The Granite State Poll, taken in mid September by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center for WMUR-TV, found that McCain was favored by 32-percent of likely Republican voters; Rudy Giuliani by 19 percent, Romney by 15-percent and Condi Rice by 10 percent. The poll was released Thursday night.

Paralelling this is the Draft McCain Movement making gains in NH.

The Draft McCain Movement folks were out in full force recently at the NH GOP Convention:

Concord, NH - On Saturday, September 30, New Hampshire citizens saw the greatestoutpouring of grassroots support for Senator John McCain since McCain's 2000primary victory in the state. Activists, part of a nationwide network known asthe Draft McCain Movement, came from as far away as Indiana and as close asBoston to rally public momentum for a McCain presidential run with an outreacheffort at the New Hampshire State Republican Convention.

"No other prominent contenders for the 2008 GOP nomination had grassrootsefforts there, while we had 8 volunteers from across the country," said Szrom."The scale of and response to our presence shows that Americans want McCain,more than anyone else, to be their next president."

Head out to the IA College Republican Rock Out on Saturday if you get a chance. It's at Drake we hear with speakers in the afternoon.

McCain Blasts Clintons

2006-10-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

John McCain who worked with Bill Clinton on the 1994 N. Korean Agreed Framework comes out with the gloves off. McCain's credibilty is sky high and he has really landed a blow to all the Cintonoids out there seeking to re-establish Clinton's legacy.

Watch him on Fox's Hannity and Colmes from last night:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,219747,00.html

McCain's Endorsement Earns Schickel Some Good Earned Media

2006-10-07T13:12:00.000-07:00

Good local earned media for State Rep. Bill Schickel:

MASON CITY — State Rep. Bill Schickel, R-Mason City, is one of 13 Iowa legislators who have agreed to be advisers to U.S. Sen. John McCain, a potential presidential candidate in 2008.McCain’s political action committee is expected to make a formal announcement today.Schickel said the legislators have agreed to advise McCain and his staff on ethanol and other issues important to Iowans.

Asked if his role as an adviser meant he was endorsing McCain’s presidential candidacy, Schickel said, “It is what it says it is — an advisory position.”McCain was in Mason City earlier this year on behalf of Schickel, who is running for re-election to the Iowa House.

This is part of the attraction and power that signing on to a pre-Presidential Campaign has. Schickel who is up against Democrat Alan Steckman this fall has earned some good media out off this deal and hanging onto the coattails of a popular leader helps out alot too.

13 Iowa Legislators Have Boarded Straight Talk America

2006-10-05T18:57:00.000-07:00

The AP reports (no link available) that thirteen Iowa legislators have signed on to support John McCain. The legislators represent a kaleidoscope of Republicans. There are legislators from across the ideological spectrum to include:

Sen. Larry McKibben, R-Marshalltown; Sen. John Putney, R-Gladbrook; Sen. Pat Ward, R-West Des Moines; Sen. Mark Zieman, R-Postville; Rep. Rich Anderson, R-Clarinda; Rep. Dave Heaton, R-Mount Pleasant; Rep. Steve Lukan, R-New Vienna; Rep. Mike May, R-Spirit Lake; Rep. Bill Schickel, R-Mason City; Rep. Doug Struyk, R-Council Bluffs; Rep. Dave Tjepkes, R-Gowrie; and Rep. Walt Tomenga, R-Johnston.

Rod Roberts, a solid social conservative and a man who the folks at Straight Talk Iowa Style know, has signed on to support McCain:

''We greatly appreciate SenatorMcCain's support of our Republican candidates,'' said Rep. Rod Roberts, a Carroll Republican who is an assistant leader in the House. ''I look forward to continue working with SenatorMcCain to maintain control of the House of Representatives.''

McCain signaled his intention to fight the ground war hard in Iowa:

''I am honored to have support of these fine legislators,'' McCain said. ''Their connection with the grassroots community in Iowa will make a big impact on efforts to elect Republicans in 2006.''

McCain had already signed up Sen. Chuck Larson Jr. of Cedar Rapids and veteran activist David Roederer. Roederer headed President Bush's re-election campaign in Iowa in 2004 and has managed campaigns for former Gov. Terry Branstad.

Signing up early supporters shows McCain is committed to campaigning in the state and assembling a grassroots organization.

This is a key part of the winning the early states. It sends a signal to voters and local activists that their local legislators, the ones that voters know best, support McCain. And while a good number of legislators alone will not win a caucus, it will help when organizing and recruiting local county chairmen and team leaders. Going into the home or office of a potential county chairman with a local legislator is a very effective recruiting technique.

Update:

One Iowa legislator has decided to jump off the Straight Talk Express. Rep. Dave Heaton's name was inadvertantly placed on the press release:

"I want to make it clear that I have made no choice as to which potential Republican presidential candidate I will be supporting in 2008. I did have the opportunity to meet with Senator McCain recently. I have a great deal of respect for the Senator, but I am not endorsing his candidacy at this time." From Heaton press release.

Dave's name was mistakenly put on the list becuase of cut paste who knows... Some staffer at STA will have a sore butt on Monday.

Have a good weekend, Go Hawks!

McCain Comes Out Swinging for Whalen

2006-09-29T21:23:00.000-07:00

John McCain stepped right into the middle of the 1st CD race here in Iowa and came out swinging for Mike Whalen. According to the Cedar Rapids Gazette Online John McCain took serious issue with Bruce Braley's plan to cut off financial support for our troops in the field:

"Defunding" the war in Iraq to force the president to bring troops home "is not a sensible or reasonable option" and likely would result in the loss of more American lives, Sen. John McCain said today.

McCain joined 1st District Republican candidate Mike Whalen, who called Democrat Bruce Braley's call for Congress to cut off funds for the war "a pretty radical position."

McCain, a former Navy pilot who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam, agreed.A likely candidate for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination, McCain said he understands the frustration of Braley and others who oppose the war. However, the reality is that American troops are in Iraq and "if we cut off the funds we would see the loss of more brave young Americans and we have an obligation to do whatever we can to prevent that."

Democratic Congressional Candidate Bruce Braley is the same guy who on Iowa Press repeated the often cited DNC talking point that we need to support our troops by providing them with body armor and other tools, then goes on to say that we should cut off that same funding stream. (BTW every soldier in Iraq has body armor today and has since at least late 2003. Many soldiers are complaining that they have to wear too much body armor, i.e. shoulder and groin protectors, which unduly inhibit range of motion and agility during the close in fight).

In typical Democratic fashion Braley waffled on the issue when he saw the handwritting on the wall (James Q. Lynch staff writer for the Dem Gaz couches it as "modify"):

Braley has sought to modify his position, most recently saying it's time to turn the fighting over to the Iraqis."I believe that it is time for a change in Iraq," he said at a rally with veterans earlier this week. "We need to turn the fighting over to the Iraqis and form an exit strategy to bring our troops home."

McCain rejected that, too, saying it would be wrong to leave "without having some function government and functioning military in Iraq so they can eventually have a free and democratic society."It's obvious to "almost all observers," McCain said, that pulling U.S. troops out of Iraq now would result in chaos there and throughout the Middle East."And I also want to point out, if we leave chaos in the region it won't be the end of the conflict," McCain continued. "

When we left Vietnam, they didn't want to come after us. I think if we leave Iraq it will become a greater haven and training ground for terrorists and we will be fighting them someplace else."So I reject the idea that we should cut off funding," the Arizona senator said.

John McCain understands that this is the biggest issue of our time and that this election cylce will be perhaps the most important of the Bush Administration if not the next decade. Big Shout Out to McCain for driving the Straight Talk Express up Braley's backside.

Have a great weekend and send a check to Mike Whalen at:

http://www.mikewhalen.com/donate.html

Iowa Poll Good News for McCain

2006-09-26T07:45:00.000-07:00

We've been out working at our real jobs so we apologize for being a little slow on the uptake. Honor does require us to show you the results of the most recent Iowa poll, which by now you have probably already seen.

The Des Moines Register reported Sunday that Senator John McCain would defeat four lead Democrats in a head to head match-up. What's striking about the Iowa poll is that it is not new news. McCain has been beating Dems in national head-to-head polling for the past six to eight months. This poll validates the notion that Iowa accurately reflects the nation's mood in regards to it's respect for John McCain.

On the Republican side, the Iowa Poll's findings that Giuliani and McCain are finding a receptive audience here are consistent with national polls pointing to them as strong contenders should they jump into the presidential race.

Further:

"I like McCain. ... He could side on a Democratic issue if it was in the nation's best interests, but he's still very Republican," [Brian] Vaudt said.

Straight Talk Iowa Style beleives that John McCain will have a solid platform to start from after the '06 elections. The next step is getting his boots on the ground and working the people.

Dave Roederer: McCain Iowa Chairman

2006-09-22T18:11:00.000-07:00

John McCain's Straight Talk America PAC has announced that Dave Roederer will serve as his Iowa Chairman.

We are pleased to announce that David Roederer will be joining Straight Talk America as the Iowa Chairman of the PAC. He will help guide Straight Talk America’s efforts to help elect Republican candidates up and down the ballot, especially in Iowa.

David Roederer is the managing partner of StrataVizion, Inc., and recently served as the Economic Development Coordinator for Iowa State University. He has held various positions in state government and the private sector, including Chief of Staff and Legislative Liaison to Governor Terry Branstad, and two and a half years working in Saudi Arabia designing a national law enforcement agency for a Lockheed Martin company.

Mr. Roederer has been involved in campaigns at all levels of government. He chaired the Iowa Bush-Cheney 2004 Campaign, as well as serving as Chair of the Lamberti for Congress Committee and the Vaudt for State Auditor Committee. Among his community board activities, Roederer currently serves as the Executive Director of the Iowa Chamber Alliance working with Chambers of Commerce throughout Iowa.

“I am honored David is sharing his considerable talents with Straight Talk America,” Senator McCain said. “He has proven to be a devoted Republican and I look forward to working with him to determine how Straight Talk can best help our Party’s candidates in Iowa as the 2006 elections draw closer.”

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to assist Senator McCain’s Straight Talk America PAC,” Roederer said. “Senator McCain has demonstrated unwavering commitment to electing Republican candidates, and I look forward to helping him achieve his goals this November.”

This is great news for McCain supporters in Iowa. Dave's selection sends a message to the grassroots supporters out there that McCain intends compete hard in Iowa. This also sends a signal to the Republican base that John McCain is serious about addressing your concerns in order to earn your votes.

Grassley: "only one stands out right now...McCain..."

2006-09-17T17:24:00.000-07:00

Words are powerful and admittedly Senator Grassley's recent comments regarding John McCain's Presidential aspirations should be interpreted as more than just a mere characterization or prognostication.

During an interview on Iowa Press, Iowa's premier political talkshow, Grassley said:

“Only one stands out right now, John McCain because of his efforts to pursue it.”

Grassley went on:

“He’s coming into Iowa strong,” Grassley said. “I believe the thing that would appeal the most to Iowa Republicans is his fight for openness in the appropriation and budgeting process in Washington D.C.”But, he added, that the nomination is not McCain’s yet.

Grassley sprinkled in his trademark prairie pragmatism on McCain's need to run strong:

“John McCain’s got to prove that he can get a broad base of Republican support, particularly among conservatives. If he can show that he may be anointed but today he is not anointed,” Grassley said. “And I don’t think he is on the process of being anointed yet.”

Grassley added that he believes McCain can beat U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, considered a likely contender for the Democratic nomination.

Grassley also gave his take on McCain's choice to not run in Iowa during the 2000 campaign:

Grassley said that shouldn’t affect him because Iowa caucusgoers have forgotten about that.

While Straight Talk Iowa Style cautions folks not to read too much into Senator Grassley's remarks at such an early juncture, we believe Iowans will be encouraged by Senator Grassley's remarks causing them to give John McCain the "hard look." We also believe in the power of words and thoughts when spoken by trusted leaders. The folks out there will certainly give more credence than not to such words after hearing Grassley say that John McCain "stands out."

Stars Fell on...McCain

2006-09-14T13:33:00.000-07:00

In another sign that John McCain is establishing his early organizational network, he has invested heavily in Alabama. Traditionally Alabama has not been a player in Presidential Elections until this year when the state legislature moved its primary date from June to February. State party officials are encouraged:

"I think pushing up the primary date has made Alabama a player in presidential politics," said Tim Howe, executive director of the Alabama Republican Party.

In anticipation of his Presidential Campaign McCain has been making a sizable investment in the state:

U.S. Sen. John McCain's political action committee has spread around $117,500 to Alabama Republicans, the most aggressive financial strategy in the state from a potential 2008 presidential candidate so far and proof that the earlier primary is attracting national attention.

McCain also signed on Alabama Attorney General to co-chair his PAC Straight Talk America (photo above).

Last month, McCain named Alabama Attorney General Troy King the state chairman of his PAC. The PAC has given $10,000 each to King's and Gov. Bob Riley's campaigns; $5,000 to Luther Strange's bid for lieutenant governor; $5,000 to Jefferson County Commissioner Bettye Fine Collins; $5,000 to U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus, R-Vestavia Hills; and dozens of contributions to local legislative candidates.

In an encouraging sign, McCain's organization has been scooping up donations at the grassroots level. And while not the sole indicator of success, McCain's financial success certainly is a positive trend for building the grassroots network:

The campaign cash already is flowing in multiple directions. More than 300 Alabamians have cut individual checks to McCain's PAC, according to Straight Talk America financial records; McCain's PAC has given to Alabama candidates and party committees; and McCain's October appearance will generate thousands of dollars for Jefferson and Shelby Republicans.

Here's an Iowa Angle on the story:

"Just having the candidates active in the state benefits everybody," said Zac McCrary, a spokesman for the Alabama Democratic Party. "They'll employ people in the state and buy media time, and to the extent any candidates give time and resources to county or state parties, that is a benefit, too." Iowa's Vilsack, for example, donated $2,500 to the Alabama Democrats' County PAC.

While we can't and don't really want to speak to Vilsack's success in Alabama we certainly see a strong Southern operation being built by John McCain establishing a toehold in Alabama.

We Remember

2006-09-10T20:46:00.000-07:00

Lest we not forget.

McCain and Republicans Held in Favorable Esteem by America

2006-09-08T18:22:00.000-07:00

John McCain and a host of Republicans are held in high regard by America in the latest Quinnipiac poll.

Earlier this month the Wall Street Journal conducted a poll which identfied the war in Iraq as the most important issue on the minds of Americans going into the midterm elections. (Over 53%).

The top three politicians with the most favorable ratings are all Republicans with strong national security credentials. When these polls are viewed in conjunction with one another, and viewed in the context of the Administration's most recent efforts, one is led to the most plausible belief that Americans hold in high regard those who have strong national security credentials.

Further, because the top three are Republicans and have strong national security credentials one is led to the conclusion that the Nation not only trusts Republicans with leading the War on Terror but that in November they will lean towards supporting the party that can keep this nation safe.

McCain and John Thune

2006-09-06T14:57:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting story about the relationship between John McCain and South Dakota dragon slayer Senator John Thune, the guy who beat Tom Daschle in 04.

Word is that McCain and Thune have spent some considerable time together most recently on an 18 hour plane ride to Iraq, where they become very chummy, several months ago and have become buds through the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Recently Thune announced that he was bringing McCain to his homestate of South Dakota to speak at a venue which routinely draws more than 1300 people each year.

Look for Thune to play a part in helping McCain become President and win Iowa. One rock star helping another could be a potent combination for success. (Yes that is a prediction that Thune will endorse McCain should McCain run.)

Here's the Straight Talk Iowa Style tie-in:

Northwest Iowa is bombarded by the Sioux Falls, South Dakota media market and NW Iowa caucus goers are comfortable with Thune. He's on their televisions nightly and during election season. (This bleed over is similiar to what happens in Sioux City to NE and the QC to IL markets) We know this because we see him all the time.

Straight Talk Iowa Style remembers when John Thune came to several counties during the caucuses on behalf of George W. Bush, the crowds loved his surrogacy speech. In particular there were several appearances made by then-Cong. Thune and Cong. J.C. Watts on caucus night in Lyon and Sioux counties. With Thune's expanded role in the national GOP election and fundraising operations look for Thune to be courted heavily by 08 contenders.

Straight Talk Iowa Style is Up on MySpace.com

2006-09-05T11:55:00.000-07:00

Folks:

We are up on MySpace.com now.

Check us out at: http://www.myspace.com/mccainiowa08

McCain on Top in Hotline WH08 Rankings

2006-09-02T11:51:00.000-07:00

The Hotline has issued it's monthly White House 08 rankings and John McCain is on top again. They say Mccain needs to do the following:

[]identify and remove the roadblocks that kept him from the nomination in '00. His brain trust has dedicated its waking hours to this task. Not enough money? McCain builds a broad donor base. Lack of Southern support? McCain methodically courts southern politicians and donors. Lack of credibility with the activist elite? Opinion drivers join McCain's PAC. Opposition from social conservatives? McCain goes out of his way to be civil and accommodating.

Hotline based its rankings on the following factors:

These rankings are based on a number of factors, including organization, money, buzz and polling. The candidates in our two top spots are the ones who are doing well in all four attributes. As always, these rankings are done in coordination with Hotline Associate Editor Marc Ambinder.

Straight Talk Iowa Style has been receiving reports that tell us McCain is ramping up the organization builidng efforts from the top down. Iowans will have to wait till after the mid-terms to see any further action and rightfully so.

From Other Blogs (Weekend Reading)

2006-09-01T14:59:00.000-07:00

Pat Hynes, a McCain Blogger, posts on Anklebitingpundits.com about McCain's 24 year Pro-life voting record and how Mitt Romney has waffled on the issue. Again, and we have posted on this before, moral clarity is a prerequisite to running for President.

Read it about here.

McCain beefs up his Alabama campaign team by reccruiting that state's Attorney General to serve as his campaign chair there.

Read it here.

Have a good, long weekend.

Happy Birthday John McCain!

2006-08-29T18:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday John McCain!

As John McCain turns 70 his schedule heats up.

Clearly Mccain is fit to be president. He's a 70 year old who spent 5 years being tortured in a POW prison cell. That would put a few years on you too. Not only is he physically fit, his character has been forged in the crucible of combat and extreme torture.

Straight Talk Iowa Style knows that John McCain has the moral clarity, and physical fitness, neccessary to handle the most important issue of our time, waging war on terrorists.

A Long Way From Iowa...

2006-08-29T08:07:00.000-07:00

John McCain's stature in the United States is having an effect on British politics. McCain will be in Bournemouth, England next month to speak to the British Conservative Party. Martin Kettle at the Guardian Unlimited posits the following:

This fact alone [McCain's presumed Presidential Candidacy] ought to remind us that there is something in this deal for McCain too, and not just for the Tories. McCain is running very hard and seriously for the Republican nomination. Gone is the insurgent anti-establishment candidate who gave Bush such a run for his money in 2000. Today McCain aims to be the candidate of the Republican establishment he once derided - and with that aim in mind it does him no harm at all to be taken seriously and admiringly by Britain's revitalised conservatives.

Read about it here and here and here as well.

Straight Talk Iowa Style disagrees that John McCain "derided" the Republican establishment. We would agree that he has an independent style. McCain's rock solid record on the budget and his moral clarity on fighting terrorism indicate that he is "in line" with the Republican establishment.

Chuck Larson Interview on Fox's Big Story

2006-08-28T18:44:00.001-07:00

Chuck Larson, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa and an Army Reserve Major who completed a yearlong tour in Iraq was interviewed by John Gibson on Fox's Big Story. Larson clearly articulated why John McCain is the early favorite among many in Iowa:

John, No. 1 — it's good to be with you today — but for a couple of different reasons, No. 1, Sen. John McCain is a fiscal hawk. Secondly, he is a social conservative, with a 24-year pro-life voting record. But from my perspective, the most important issue, whether it's 2006 or 2008, is going to be national security and the global War on Terror. And Sen. McCain recognizes that we must win this war for our own nation's security.

Watch the complete interview here.

Straight Talk Iowa Style likes Chuck Laron's credentials. We know that he served in Iraq and has seen with his own eyes what type of threat this nation faces. That counts for alot with us here in corn country. Also, his support means that many in the Bush 00 and 04 camps are probably not too far behind. If anything this interview was part of the subtle campaign roll-out planned for Iowa over the next few months.

Look for McCain to be back in Iowa to help Nussle and several other candidates who are in a "tight" before Election Day. Maybe McCain will even positively influence some of these races. Straight Talk Iowa Style has noticed that John McCain has been very aggressive in his support for candidates across Iowa and the rest of the country for that matter. Probably much more so than then-Gov. Bush in 99. This type of support will have a definite impact at the local level when it comes time for local legislators to start recruiting volunteer organizers in their districts after the 06 elections.

Draft McCain Movement Needs Your Help!

2006-08-28T18:04:00.000-07:00

The Draft McCain Movement is seeking your assistance. In June they pressed their cause in Des Moines at the State Party Convention. Hoping to persuade delegates to support John McCain for the 2008 GOP nomination, Charlie Szrom (above), Draft McCain Movement Chairman, told delegates how John McCain represents the values that most conservatives and most Americans hold dear: support for our troops' efforts in Iraq and a commitment to cutting wasteful government spending, among other principles. (We seem to remember that they were the only organized grassroots support group in attendance.)

Now the McCain Movement is traveling to Concord New Hampshire to press the cause with delegates at their state's Republican Convention on September 30. Specifically, the McCain Movement wants to plaster the New Hampshire convention with T-shirts, buttons, literature, and if enough support exists, purchase local media.

Stop by the Draft McCain Movement site and lend a hand if you can.

Red State Straw Poll

2006-08-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

Go vote for John McCain at the RedState Straw Poll right now!

McCain's Support Evident

2006-08-26T08:41:00.000-07:00

WaPo writes about John McCain laying the groundwork for an inevitable Presidential Campaign and his newfound support within the Republican Party:

But doing it they are. And no one more assiduously, nor with more apparent success, than McCain, who has vaulted to the front of the GOP field. Early polls indicate he gets twice as much support as any other likely Republican candidate except Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, who runs close behind. Even in liberal, blue-state strongholds such as Massachusetts, McCain runs even with or better than the two most recognizable Democratic names, Hillary Clinton and Al Gore. As a former Navy pilot who was shot down over Hanoi and spent more than five years as a prisoner of war, he's got impeccable military credentials and stature, and a reputation for bipartisanship and fierce independence that appeals to a broad spectrum of voters. He's also got star power: Turn on your television most days, and you'll find McCain on one of the morning talkfests or on "Larry King Live," "Imus" or "Hannity and Colmes."

McCain has found success from both ends of the Republican party. Long-time Bush donors are lining up to help McCain:

Still, the detente has paid early dividends for McCain in important battleground states. Ana Navarro, a Republican activist in Miami, says big-time donors loyal to the Bush family are signing up to contribute to McCain. Ronald Weiser, a Michigan real estate developer who was Bush's state finance chairman in 2000, told me he's now backing McCain. Even Sam and Charles Wyly, two Texas businessmen and longtime Bush supporters who funded $2 million in attack ads against McCain in 2000, have given McCain's political action committee $20,000 (the PAC announced recently it was returning the donation because the brothers reportedly are under investigation for possible tax infractions).

The Grassroots superstructure is also being built:

"We'll be in good shape," says Weaver. "We'll have a 50-state structure by early next year, as opposed to a three-state structure last time. The house will be ready. Hopefully, we'll have an occupant."

That Grassroots support is clearly evident at the stops he's making:

It shows. As a purple dusk descends behind his head, he launches a stump speech with a bit more edge when he gets to Iraq. "Look, we should acknowledge the fact that we made some serious mistakes in Iraq and Rumsfeld was responsible for them -- I'll give you a little straight talk -- because we didn't have enough troops there. And the military guys knew it, and I knew it. But we still have to win, and we still have to prevail."

After the speech, the crowd mobs him for handshakes and photographs. A Vietnam vet in biker's gear and a braid in his hair is sobbing. A World War II veteran rises out of a wheelchair to shake McCain's hand. They give him presents: an Upper Peninsula flag, a hunting knife and a pair of antlers from a white-tailed deer.

"America" is playing on the loudspeaker. McCain's handlers try to clear a path to the car, but neither the candidate nor the crowd is ready to let go. It takes 20 minutes for Weaver and Yob to drag him from the scene.

Yob likes what he sees. "This guy can do what Ronald Reagan did for us. I'm just waiting for the starting gate to open."

McCain also relishes the moment. "That was really an amazing thing," he says later, as the plane takes off for another campaign stop, another hotel room, another fundraiser. "Did you see that old guy in his wheelchair? Oh, God, it was wonderful."

We are on it.

2006-08-24T20:11:00.000-07:00

John McCain has been in the news the entire week and we predict he will be front and center for the next few years...

Alot of stories that we are trying to wrap our Straight Talk heads around and we will get to them shortly. We still want to post about Meet the Press, McCain's willingness to commit more resources to the fight on terror, and how fit he is.

We will get it done. Between this and preparing for the big Corn Show up in Northwest Iowa this weekend we have been swamped.

McCain Well Received in Poweshiek County

2006-08-23T06:36:00.000-07:00

Kay Henderson at the Radio Iowa Blog reports that while stumping for State Rep. Danny Carroll, John McCain was well received by Poweshiek County Republicans.

McCain launched into the "meat" of his speech -- it was brief -- then fielded questions. He may have been saying these things in much the same way since 1999, but McCain hasn't been saying them here in Iowa and the audience reaction was positive. Mid-way into his speech in Grinnell, McCain interrupted himself right after he'd talked about Iraq and the world situation to invite all the veterans in the room up front to take a picture with him. The crowd applauded as the pictures were snapped.

Straight Talk Iowa Style believes the MSM story line about McCain missing Iowa in 00 has lost steam and credibility. The premise that Iowans would just turn away from a Presidential candidate because he didn't' have enough money to campaign here in 2000 is dismissive of Iowans and how serious they are about giving candidates the hard look.

Bush Team Merging into McCain Team Cont...

2006-08-21T11:18:00.000-07:00

John Broder at NYT latches onto what Straight Talk Iowa Style has noticed for some time now. The Bush Team is migrating towards McCain.

Senator John McCain is locking up a cast of top-shelf Republican strategists, policy experts, fund-raisers and donors, in a methodical effort to build a 2008 presidential campaign machine, drawing supporters of President Bush despite the sometimes rocky history between the two men.

This trend is encouraging and says that alot of people at the top recognize what we see here in corn-country; that John McCain would make a fine President.

Friday Snipits (or Weekend Reading)

2006-08-18T07:23:00.000-07:00

We've decided to roundup the snipits of news that we didn't get to this week.

First, McCain wins the Corn Poll at the Iowa State Fair. Notice where Romney finished.

Second, McCain is signing up political talent around the state and nation. Read about it here and here. This matters because there is a finite amount of resourceful, well-connected political operatives who make things happen in every state. It's also interesting to grouse about who is doing what.

Third, the Dollar Dance is on. Many are commenting on the competition between Mitt and McCain for the big dollars it takes to run a Presidential campaign. Read it here and here and here.

McCain Reaffirms Commitment to Ethanol

2006-08-17T12:09:00.000-07:00

During a morning stop in Council Bluffs John McCain reaffirmed his committment to ethanol production:

"I strongly support ethanol as a alterative fuel. We are too dependent on foreign oil, as we all know. Some of those sources of oil are in danger. I don't support subsidies, but I don't think we will need subsidies. I don't see the price of oil going below $75 a barrel," McCain said.

Read the whole story here and watch the grin and grip video while you are it.

Read about the tremendous amount of private capital flowing into ethanol production here and here and here.

Reagan 80/20 Rule and John McCain

2006-08-17T08:19:00.000-07:00

The Radio Iowa Blog has a transcript of John McCain's Q & A with reporters regarding his Presidential aspirations. Specifically, McCain addresses questions about his conservative credentials here:

Q: Senator, you talked in the past -- you're a conservative, but you've talked about being a centrist and trying to unify the whole country and appealing to Democrats and Independents -- does the Caucus here, dominated as it is by conservatives, make you have to fight against that natural impulse to reach out?

McCain: I don't know, Mark. I think that most people attribute our low approval ratings of cognress to our inability to get anything done, that we've not really accomplished anything and that as you well know, as least in the senate, requires at least some level of bipartisanship because of the 60 vote requirement. I think most Americans are wanting us to work together on certain issues and I will, if I run, speak with pride over the things that I've been able to do in a bipartisan fashion and I understand and appreciate the bitterness in American political climate today. I watched the Lieberman thing, the Joe Schwartz election. I pay close attention to them but I still, every poll and every indicator that I see -- people want us to work together on issues that transcend partisan politics.

The premise of the question is flawed. It presumes several things: first that being a conservative means you can't get anything done. That is far from the truth. Conservative victories in the Congress have been numerous, including the confirmations of Alito and Roberts to the Supreme Court. The second presumption is that just because McCain "reaches out" to others he is not a Conservative. The effects of reaching out to others leads to getting things accomplished for America.

This is why Straight Talk Iowa Style claims that John McCain fits squarely into Ronald Reagan's pramatic ideolouge model. The Reagan 80-20 rule is demonstrative of this claim. Republicans may agree on things 80 percent of the time and not the other 20 percent. That's what you have here and that is why John McCain is the guy who can get things done for America.

When Burt Day Speaks We Listen

2006-08-16T09:21:00.000-07:00

Here's McCain yucking it up at the Iowa State Fair Grounds.

(AP Photo)

Burt Day, Republican Elder and long time go-to-guy, had some great on the ground common-sense words that really serve to counteract the Iowa 2000 story line pushed by the main-stream-media yesterday. The QC Times has it here:

Burtwin Day, a retired banker and former Iowa Republican Central Committee member from Grinnell, said he doesn’t believe Iowans will hold a grudge against McCain because he skipped the caucuses .“I think he’s a very viable candidate,” Day said. “The real partisan people might have a question about that. Every election is a new election.”

And while McCain hasn't fully embraced the role ethanol must play in our National Security Strategy he is getting warmer:

On ethanol, McCain said high oil prices and convincing evidence of climate change have changed his mind about the value of ethanol. But he still opposes using federal tax breaks to help the industry. “I don’t support any subsidies,” McCain said. “But I am a strong supporter of ethanol because I don’t see any scenario where the price of oil is going to go back down again.”

Long-range strategic thinkers correctly understand that with ethanol it means fewer dollars are going to foreign countries that finance and support terrorism. The world paradigm shift that took place for certain on 9-11 is justification enough for McCain to have shifted his views on ethanol. We know that John McCain get's it. And we're glad to see that Burt Day shares the same observation.

Spending Out of Control: That's Some Good Straight Talk

2006-08-16T05:12:00.000-07:00

John McCain talks tough on the federal budget while eating pork at the Iowa State Fair:

“We are living in difficult times, there are many challenges and Americans are not happy,” McCain said. Congressional spending, he said, is “out of control” and solutions must come through a bipartisan effort.Asked why Social Security is in such dire straits, his answer was direct: “Because we have no guts. We need a national will to say ‘no’ to stop the robbing of this fund.”

Here's the Straight Talk from John McCain on how to fix it:

* “I start by vetoing spending bills. There is just too much pork-barrel spending and we must become fiscally responsible.”

* “I would work more closely with our military allies. We need their support in the struggle that is ahead.”

* “I would speak every two weeks to the American people. You need to know what is happening — about the war and the many serious issues we face.”

That's what Straight Talk Iowa Style is talking about plain and simple solutions that can work if we have the will. That national will stuff he's talking about... comes from strong leadership on the issues and the courage to act on them.

Straight Talk Express Pulls into Iowa

2006-08-15T18:04:00.000-07:00

The Straight Talk Express pulled into Iowa today. John McCain told Iowans point blank that there may be some hard feelings about 2000 but those were somewhat dismissed by the general impression that many who heard his speech had to say. Read about it here and here. An intresting comment that sums up Iowans attitudes in regard to the Presidential Election:

Bill Weeks, a retired businessman in Grinnell, said he was leaning toward supporting McCain but there was still some hostility in the state about his abandonment of Iowa in 2000. "I think there are people who will hold that against him," Weeks said. "But if he would spend some time out here he might surprise some people."

That comment by Bill Weeks, in addition to the focus group polling mentioned earlier, sums up Iowans' attitudes going into 08. This is nothing new and frankly is what we expect of ourselves here in corn country. Straight Talk Iowa Style has said it before and will say it again: No one deserves a pass to become President of the United States and John McCain realizes that:

"We haven't decided whether to compete here, but you could make the argument that it's very different from 2000," McCain said in Grinnell, where he appeared at a fund raiser for a Republican state legislator. "In 2000, I was the outsider and brand new and we could afford to pass up on Iowa," he said. "Certainly conditions are not the same as they were in 2000 politically."

In the next year leading up to the Iowa Straw Poll and the Caucuses Iowans will have an opportunity to look John McCain in the eye and shake his hand and hear what he has to say. We are confident that many, like Bill Weeks, will be focused on the future.

McCain does Well in Iowa Focus Groups

2006-08-15T12:38:00.000-07:00

Patrick Hynes at AnkleBitingPundits has a some great analysis in his post about recent focus group testing regarding John McCain and how Iowans view him. Very encouraging stuff for those of us on the ground here.

Republican pollster Frank Luntz is well known for his focus groups and his clever, sometimes imaginative, analyses of them. Luntz recently conducted focus groups of Republican voters in Iowa and New Hampshire “to find out what Republican primary voters will be looking for in a presidential candidate.” His results: John McCain and Newt Gingrich scored very high, Rudy Giuliani is beloved but faces issues problems, Mitt Romney faces religion problems, George Allen turns women off, and Bill Frist doesn’t appear comfortable in his own skin.

Straight Talk Iowa Style ran it's own neighborhood focus group this weekend and the results were mixed. Many of our neighbors are still on the fence and not ready to commit to any one particular candidate. McCain was spoken of well by our neighbors but no solid committments as of yet.

Our analysis is that for many bean-riding, cattle-feeding folks here in Iowa it way too early to tell. That's why folks like us need to get out there and start educating our neighbors why John McCain should be the next President.

McCain in Iowa Today: more to follow

2006-08-15T12:01:00.000-07:00

As reported on earlier John McCain is at the Iowa State Fair today.

We are working on bringing you pictures and stories feverishly.

McCain Organization Coming Together Nationally

2006-08-11T06:35:00.000-07:00

The Analysis Department here at Straight Talk Iowa Style has commented on the encouraging moves made by the McCain Team in putting together a solid national campaign organization.

Before the weekend starts we want to recap where the McCain organization stands today in IA, NH and SC.

August 1, we commented about the solid team put in place here in Iowa and the team being put in place in New Hampshire.

August 2, Lance Tarrance, noted political consultant, signed on to the Straight Talk Express.

August 8, Former South Carolina Attorney General Charlie Condon and former Carol Campbell Chief of Staff Bob McAllister both agreed to Co-Chair McCain's Straight Talk America PAC.

August 10, Henry McMaster, Attorney General of South Carolina, signed on to Co-chair McCain's Straight Talk America PAC.

Several plausible conclusions can be drawn from the recent moves. First, South Carolina is crucially important to John McCain and understandably so. Second, McCain wants to capitalize on his past success in New Hampshire and leverage the state's open primary to his advantage. Third and most importantly, McCain will run hard here in Iowa to maintain that front runner status.

After the mid-term elections look for the organizational ground game to start in earnest in the three key early states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

Neighborhood Comments on Today's Foiled Terror Plots

2006-08-10T17:50:00.001-07:00

The folks in the Straight Talk Iowa Neighborhood tonight were plain and simple in their comments about the terror plots foiled by the leadership of Prime Minister Tony Blair and President Bush. This doesn't require brilliant analysis or critical thinking. Just alot of moral clarity.

Some quotes from our neighbors tonight:

"Thank God for Bush!"

"What in the hell are those people [Islamofascists] thinking?"

"One more reason why we need to take the fight to them."

Straight Talk Iowa Style knows that we can't wait to defend and deter terrorism from occurring in this country. WE have to take it out at its source. We appreciated that last comment from one of our neighbors tonight.

One more reason why the next President of the United States has to be a man committed to killing terrorist where they live.

If You Haven't Heard McCain will be at the Iowa State Fair on the 15th

2006-08-10T06:43:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard by now, John McCain will be at the Iowa State Fair during the afternoon of August 15th. Come down and look this guy in the eye, shake his hand, and get a picture with him. Check him out and see if he could be a guy you want to be the next President of the United States.

Also, for those of you who are already McCain supporters email us and get your FREE Straight Talk Iowa Style T-shirt. Wear it to the Iowa State Fair, get a pic with McCain in it and post it on this sight. You can reach us at: McCainIowa08@hotmail.com

Was John McCain the Real Winner in the CT Senate Primary?

2006-08-09T13:14:00.000-07:00

Powerline has a note regarding the fallout from last night's CT primary race. Glen Reynolds writes:

McCain's appeal to independents and to some Democrats -- the appeal that enables him to run ahead of Clinton in some polls conducted in liberal states -- may not withstand a tough race following two more years of (what may well be) difficult sledding in Iraq. But last night suggests that, at least at this juncture, many on the left side of the center will not reject a candidate they like and respect merely because he's on the "wrong" side of the single issue of the war.

Straight Talk Iowa Style knows that John McCain appeals to many more people in this country other than just Republicans. That unitary appeal will be the common trait we beleive many Americans will be looking for in 08 given the somewhat devisive, yet absolutely neccessary, need to defend ourselves from global terrorism.

American Perceptions of John McCain

2006-08-09T06:19:00.000-07:00

According to Gallup, Americans perceive John McCain to be a man of character who takes principled stands on the issues.

Read the in depth Gallup poll numbers and analysis here with your morning coffee:

John McCain will be at the Iowa State Fair on August 15!

2006-08-08T09:37:00.000-07:00

Senator John McCain will be in Iowa on August 15 and 16, here are the details.

August 15th:

Noon-1pm
Fundraiser for State Rep. Danny Carroll
The Old Glove Factory
733 Broad Street
Grinnell

Afternoon at the Iowa State Fair (Straight Talk Iowa Style will be there!)

6pm-7pm
Fundraiser for State Rep. Bill Schickel
Home of Dan & Deb Latham
704 E. State St.
Mason City

August 16th:

8am-9am
Fundraiser for Rep. Doug Struyk and candidate Scott Belt
Iowa Western Community College Cafeteria
Council Bluffs

McCain Visit to Iowa: Exciting Info to Follow

2006-08-08T06:30:00.000-07:00

Straight Talk Iowa Style has learned that Senator McCain will be in Iowa on August 15th and 16th.

If you are interested in getting a picture with Senator McCain at one of his events and would be willing to wear the newly designed Straight Talk Iowa Style T-Shirt while doing so please let us know. In the next day or so we will have the t-shirts up and ready to be sent to those of you who want them (a limited amount of course).

Here's the Straight Talk Iowans:

1) In the next few days this site will have the information about Senator McCain's upcoming trip to Iowa.

2) We will overnite you a free Straight Talk Iowa Style T-shirt to your home (Iowa addresses only).

3) You wear the t-shirt to the event where McCain will be and have your picture taken with him.

4) Send your digital pics to MccainIowa08@hotmail.com and we will publish them.

In addition to meeting a war hero and fine American we will publish them on this site and officially start the McCain Buzz.

Ethanol will Fuel the Presidential Election in 08

2006-08-07T06:28:00.000-07:00

Straight Talk Iowa Style believes that ethanol will be a driving force in determining who will be the next President of the United States. Certainly, it will be a major factor in determining who wins the Iowa GOP Straw Poll and consequently the Iowa Caucuses. An article published this weekend and written by Ben Lieberman of the Heritage Foundation is what we believe will be the first of many regarding Presidential politics and ethanol.

John McCain, who is perceived as the front runner for the GOP nomination in 08, will have to compete hard in Iowa and win if he wants to maintain that status. President Bush, then Governor Bush, had the same issue to deal with going into the Iowa Straw Poll and the caucuses. GWB decided to solve this problem by making a strategic political move that was brilliant. He was able to garner the endorsement of every Republican Congressmen and Senator Grassley before the Straw Poll. This gave GWB huge momentum going into the August straw poll and the winter caucuses resulting in enormous wins.

According to informed sources the ethanol issue was the hang-up for several Congressmen in Iowa. GWB had to agree to fully support ethanol production in order to earn their support. If memory serves us right this was not a sure thing for then Governor Bush. Up until that time he had what we remember to be several conflicting statement regarding his support for ethanol. In the end GWB agreed to aggressively support ethanol production thereby locking up every Republican Congressmen and Senator Grassley before the organizational ground game started in earnest.

Now it's no secret that John McCain has been a tepid supporter of ethanol in the past, however, we believe that he is more than justified in fully supporting ethanol production. Here's why:

1) A new world paradigm has emerged after 9-11 and fundamentally changed America's strategic priorities around the globe. Those same countries who are supporters of terrorism are also oil producing countries. So it follows that reducing our dependence on foreign oil is vital to our National Security strategy. Nation-states like Iran (supporters of Hezbollah) and Venezuela (owner of CITGO, and an emerging supporter of terror-supporting nations) profit the most from American oil consumption.
2) Let's stop lining the pockets of Middle Eastern terror supporters and start filling the pockets of America's farming and agricultural industry.
3) Investing in ethanol production is an investment in American national security, the environment, and in the end means more jobs for Main Street Americans.
4) The free market has started to embrace ethanol. With the banning of MTBE and increased demand for an evironmentally-friendly substitute, Wall Street has been pumping billions into new ethanol production facilities across the United States.

Good politics is good policy.

McCain 5-2 Odds: We'll Take'em

2006-08-05T07:20:00.000-07:00

The Caucus Cooler lays out its political odds for the Iowa Caucus and gives John McCain 5-2 odds. The Cooler explains their odds here.

The McCain campaign team has been putting together many of the Bush 00-04 team members and after after the November elections you will see a full rollout of the McCain organization here in Iowa. Along with the Bush professionals will come many of the county chairs and team leaders needed to take the straw poll a year from now.

The Team here at Straight Talk Iowa Style will have much more to say about the Iowa Straw Poll process and the Iowa Caucuses in the future. Until then...we will take the Cooler's odds.

The Difference is Clear

2006-08-05T06:56:00.000-07:00

Many liberals view the War in Iraq and the Global War on Terror as political football or as an obstacle to greater political gains here at home, while Republicans view the threat this nation faces as a real probelm that needs to be solved. That contrast was on display during Senate Armed Services Committee hearings on Friday.

The following exchanges between McCain and General Abizad and then between Hillary and Sec. Rumsfeld are illustrative. Read them here.

Like Father, Like Son II

2006-08-04T05:13:00.000-07:00

The Arizona Republic salutes the courage of Jimmy McCain and his father in this morning's edition. On a side note: the article refers to Jimmy as a future officer, however, the Veterans Department here at Straight Talk Iowa Style wanted our readers to discern the difference between officers and non-commissioned officers.

Young McCain is enlisting and that means he will be on track to become a non-commissioned officer. Yet, at any time he can always apply to become a commissioned officer, like his brother will become and what his father was.

Read it all here.

A BIG salute and shout out to Veterans this Friday morning!

...and he's a war hero

2006-08-03T16:27:00.000-07:00

This nation is eternally indebted to our combat veterans. John McCain spent 5 1/2 years in a POW prison cell and now Newsday's James Pinkerton says that is why the American people are looking up to him in a time of war. In his column voters look up to war heros, Pinkerton says:

[]it's no accident that Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) is the 2008 front-runner right now, both for the Republican nomination and for the presidency itself. As everyone knows, he was a Navy carrier pilot before being shot down over Vietnam and spending 5 1/2 harrowing years as a POW. To be sure, war-hero status is not enough by itself; plenty of other Vietnam vets, including POWs, have fallen by the political wayside in recent decades. But at the same time it's indisputable that the core of McCain's appeal is his war record.

We here at Straight Talk Iowa Style think the reasons for John McCain's core success in the polls go beyond his service to this nation. We move beyond Pinkerton's comments and claim that a war record alone is not enough to satisfy the hopes and dreams of everyday folks. Americans want to know that you are going to look out for them, not only in terms of defense, but with pocketbook issues, social values and strong leadership. It is because McCain is with the American people on these issues, in addition to his tremendous service record, that he enjoys popularity with the electorate.

McCain has Gravitas to fill Top Spot

2006-08-03T11:31:00.000-07:00

From now until Election Day we will hear about who's got the "right stuff" to become President. An observant and loyal reader has alerted us to an article by NRO editor Kathryn Lopez that follows this line of inquiry, read on:

The vice president usually has an edge going into the primaries because he’s close enough to the president to associate himself with the credibility that comes with being leader of the free world, and just far enough away to distance himself from full responsibility for unpopular presidential decisions. But in the absence of a Cheney 2008 charge at the White House, a substitute VPOTUS-like candidate has emerged. I don’t know if running as the VPOTUS-like candidate will work for John McCain, but it has its advantages. The key thing? While having some pretty extreme differences here and there, he can latch onto something reassuring at a time of war: experience and continuity.

Straight Talk Iowa Style knows that this nation needs strong, proven leaders capable of fighting our enemies when we are at war. Do you trust John F. Kerry to fight the war on terror? Maybe Hillary Clinton, or John Edwards hardly.

But McCain is hardly the heir-apparent and the staff here at STIS thinks rightfully so. No one should get a free pass to become President of the United States. We're confident that John McCain knows this and is going to fight hard for every vote regardless of his challenges. Lopez states:

[]McCain has his challenges securing a right-wing fan base. As a recent Esquire piece made clear, he’s not all that chummy with conservatives, especially religious ones, who are key to winning GOP primaries.

Our analysis is that McCain looks like the "VPOTUS-like candidate" because he is ready and more importantly the American people think he's ready.

John McCain will be in Iowa this month

2006-08-03T07:41:00.000-07:00

Senator McCain will be in Iowa later this month!

Details are not immediately available, however the Straight Talk Iowa Style Intelligence Resources Department will be hard at work getting you the details.

Read about the plethora of candidates coming to Iowa here and here and here.

Lance Tarrance now on board the Straight Talk Express

2006-08-02T09:01:00.000-07:00

From the Hotline:

Respected Republican strategist Lance Tarrance Jr. has signed on with Sen. John McCain's Straight Talk America PAC as senior strategist. McCain: “I am delighted Lance will be lending his considerable talents to Straight Talk America. He has been a longstanding central player in electing Republicans to office, and I am grateful Straight Talk will benefit from the strategic experience of such a distinguished professional.” Tarrance: "I appreciate Senator McCain’s commitment to maintaining a Republican majority through the 2006 election cycle, and I am glad to be a part of his effort."

Tarrance is one half of RT Strategies, with Dem Thomas Riehle. The two produce the Cook Report/RT Strategies poll. The firm has no campaign clients this cycle.

The architect of the GOP's "Southern Strategy" is now on board Team McCain. In 2000 Tarrance presented the idea of a GOP "Hispanic Strategy." The implications of such a move could keep the GOP in power for decades, but more importantly it allows the only party with solutions and ideas to continue bringing opportunity and possiblity to all Americans.

McCain On Top

2006-08-02T06:27:00.000-07:00

A compilation of polling data at Polling Report.com showing John McCain on top in a head to head with Hillary Rodham Clinton. Scroll down to the to the second question listed on the page. It's a list of candidates and their favorability ratings. Note where John McCain is and then where several other candidates are that have been showing up alot in Iowa lately.

At first glance we see that John McCain is looking solid even with what has been a less than favorable summer for the GOP.

Hat tip to the Hotline

2006-08-01T13:14:00.000-07:00

A BIG shout out to the Hotline today for mentioning Straight Talk Iowa Style. They are driving our stats way up there. Alot of readers logging on from the Capitol Hill servers today after the Hotline mention...now get back to work! Those are our federal dollars paying you to read this blog!

The only thing a man really owns in this world is his name: A correction and apology

2006-08-01T11:29:00.000-07:00

An alert reader has notified us that in the last post Mr. Gronewald's name was mispelled and transposed with the wrong first name.

We thank that reader and send Matt Gronewald a public apology.

Bush Team merging into McCain Team

2006-08-01T09:05:00.000-07:00

One of the trends that Straight Talk Iowa Style has had it's eye on for several weeks now is the alignment of the Bush Campaign Team with the McCain Team. This alignment has been occurring in the key pre-Super Tuesday states, Iowa, New Hampshire and overtures have been made in South Carolina.

Here in Iowa Chuck Larson has signed on to lead McCain's efforts along with some other notable operatives from '00 and '04 including: Craig Schoenfeld, Matt Gronewald, and sources say Becky Beach.

While it looks like efforts in New Hampshire are in the preliminary stages, McCain's team has been securing key operatives from the Bush '04 campaign. The Nashau Telegraph reports that:

The New Hampshire primary is still a year and a half away, and McCain says he won’t make a decision about running for president until November. In the meantime, he is putting together a team of supporters that is a campaign staff in all but name. In many cases, McCain is drawing the support of people who did not support – or outright opposed – his last presidential run.

In New Hampshire, that effort has already yielded some results. Earlier this year, McCain’ s political committee signed up Susan Duprey, who served as George W. Bush’s New Hampshire finance director in 2000.Chuck Douglas, a former Republican congressman and New Hampshire Supreme Court judge, is another recent addition to McCain’s team of political advisers.

Douglas, well-known in state conservative circles, said he was attracted to the Arizona Republican by McCain’s record on government spending. He said McCain’s fights against waste in the federal budget make him the most reliable fiscal conservative of any potential Republican presidential candidate.

These early moves sound good...from the top down. Now it's time for the grassroots, those of us down here in the corn and bean fields to rise up and meet these folks halfway. Team Straight Talk Iowa Style is encouraged that solid and knowlegable politicos are signing onto the Straight Talk Express.

2006-07-31T18:46:00.000-07:00

Patrick Hynes' article, Hurting the Ones You (Ought to) Love, in the American Spectator touches on the reasons why Straight Talk Iowa Style could not fully endorse Ryan Sagger's premise on which the STIS opined in a July 30 posting.

Hynes, who if you haven't heard is working for Straight Talk America, concludes his analysis of Sager's article by stating that:

Yet despite their political impotency, the libertarian Right appears bent on bringing down the one political movement that has tolerated its know-it-all-ism and has in fact dragged it into the halls of political power along with it, rather like a ball and chain: the Christian Right. It is beyond arguing that a Democrat Congress would ever grant a hearing to small government libertarians come budget time. Under a Republican majority, made possible by the rise of politically active conservative Christians, the libertarian Right has had every opportunity to appeal for smaller government. That its appeals have been -- and continue to be -- unpersuasive cannot be the fault of Religious conservatives.

The analysis team here at Straight Talk Iowa Style agrees with Hynes' penultimate statement, that active conservative Christians have made Republican majorities possible and rightly so. That is why it is our contention that John McCain's Reaganesque philosophy is poised to fuse traditional GOP voters and the Purple Mountain voters together in 08.

Thanks Caucus Cooler

2006-07-31T14:35:00.000-07:00

A shout out to the Caucus Cooler for mentioning Straight Talk Iowa Style today!

Like Father, Like Son

2006-07-31T11:54:00.000-07:00

Time.com reports that John McCain’s son will enlist in the Marines and possibly be headed to combat after finishing boot camp:

In the way that happens more frequently in fiction than in life, a McCain family drama is replaying itself. As a prisoner of war, Senator McCain declined an offer of early release by his Vietnamese captors, extending his stay at the Hanoi Hilton by almost four years and nine months. During that time, his father continued to approve air strikes against Hanoi, knowing his son was there. Now comes Jimmy McCain, putting himself in the line of fire even as his father calls for more troops to be sent to war.

Team STIS says SEMPER FI to Jimmy McCain!

Technical Stuff

2006-07-31T11:18:00.000-07:00

Team Straight Talk Iowa Style took a quick look at our stats today and noticed some traffic coming from viewers over on the East side of the state. Thank you! While content is still in the development stage, like any new undertaking, we intend to start moving this effort forward quickly.

Also, the intern here forgot to open up comments to anyone except bloggers. Team STIS has taken the leash off and opened up comments to anyone who has something to say.

So start commenting!

One other thing...a pesky disclaimer: this blog is not paid by or for or associated with the Straight Talk America PAC...however we both share the same goal!

RE: Revisting America's Purple Mountains

2006-07-30T06:01:00.000-07:00

The team here at Straight Talk Iowa Style has been analyzing Ryan Sager's recently published analysis of the changing electorate in the Western United States. Sager wrote an article entitled Revisting America's Purple Mountains in this month's edition of Atlantic Monthly. The whole story is not available online however, we have linked to Sanger's web page in which he recaps his premise:

While after the 2004 election, plenty of people took note of the fact that a shift of 60,000-odd votes in Ohio would have handed the Electoral College to John Kerry, less remarked upon was the fact that a shift of a similar magnitude in the Southwest would have done the same trick. Fewer than 70,000 votes among Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico -- with their collective 19 electoral votes -- would have swung the election just as surely as Ohio's 60,000. And with George W. Bush having won by margins of 5 percentage points, 3 points and 1 point, respectively, these were swing states by any definition of the term.

In fact, it's looking more and more likely that the eight states of the Southwest and the broader interior West -- Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming -- are on their way to becoming the next great swing region in American politics. As the Republican Party tilts on its South-West axis, increasingly favoring southern values (religion, morality, tradition) over western ones (freedom, independence, privacy), the Democrats have been presented with a tremendous opportunity. If the Republican Party doesn't want to lose its hold over all of the West, as it lost hold of once-reliable California more than a decade ago, its leaders are going to have to rethink their embrace of big-government, big-religion conservatism.

While the Team here does not fully endorse Sager's analysis, we conclude that the trends he points out bode well for Senator McCain in the 08 Presidential Election. Why?

John McCain is the guy who can bring that rugged individualism back to the national stage which Western voters desire. He's certainly no fan of activist government and the citizens of Western states can support that. And while freedom, independence and privacy are GOP positions of strength, voters will want to know that the GOP standard-bearer in 08 will hold true to those ideals. McCain can. Whether it's his record of military service or fighting against pork barrel spending he can do it.

Inaugural Posting

2006-07-29T17:55:00.000-07:00

Straight Talk Iowa Style is excited about entering the blogosphere and bringing John McCain supporters from across Iowa together. Let's get started!

STIS has been deep in the bean fields for the past few days and so the inaugural posting here will be light. Utah Governor John Huntsman has endorsed Senator McCain.

Chris Cillizza reports in the Washington Post that:

Huntsman has agreed to serve as a co-chairman of McCain's Straight Talk America political action committee. He will help coordinate politics and policy for McCain in Western states. "John McCain's understanding of America's role in the world is unparalleled," said Mike Mower, a spokesman for Huntsman. "His knowledge of the West, leadership and independence are indispensable to our nation's well-being."

Read it all here.