QCI WORLD EXCLUSIVE STATE CHAIR RACE POST (snicker)… we’re not that important...***STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES AS THEY DEVELOP... LIKE DRUDGE... BUT CRAPPIER...
UPDATED: 12:02PM - Updates in Red...
Hey QCI-ders… just when we’re having fun with the Smack Down, some real scoop shows up. Thank you for all of your participation and loyal reading of this crappy blog. It’s funny… ever since I started this thing… people send me stuff…. I get calls… I get press releases… even invited to participate on conference calls. But breaking late yesterday, I got some scoop on the top story of the Right of Center blogs… the race for the new Chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa. Here’s what’s out there…
THE CANDIDATES – Here’s the names being talked about: Danny Carroll, Matt Strawn, Matt Randall, Paul Pate, Gopal Krishna and Ted Sporer.
ANOTHER MEETING? I hope things were more calm than some others that have been held in the past… sure enough it was. So… a meeting of State Central Committee members was assembled last week to discuss a new State Chairman. According to some people close to the situation, some SCC members were invited… and some were not. We can only speculate that the ones not invited were votes they couldn’t count on… but that’s just us thinkin’. A slate was presented to the group assembled. Gopal Krishna would be Chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa and Ted Sporer would be Co-Chair of the party.
When presented… obviously they did the whole, “Who’s in?” To get a whip count. Now remember QCI-ders, it only takes 9 to win the Chair’s race. Per sources, there were some members of the assembled group that left the meeting. Stating that they could not be on board with this slate and/or are looking in a different direction. The remainders… stayed as they were getting lobbied… or “armtwisted” as someone close to the situation told me. These folks who are under pressure, are either uncomfortable about the slate or are still undecided.
*SATURDAY’S MEETING – Now… here’s where it gets interesting… I’ve been told that the slate presented is confident enough of their whip count (which means number of votes they have in the can for the uninitiated)… that they may force a vote at this Saturday’s State Central Committee Meeting. As I was told, “I think they have the votes to run the table.”
*Scratch that thought on the "run the table" plan... maybe. I have been told you must give a 10 day notice for a chair election. Has a notice been given?
HIGH RANKING OFFICIALS ARE MONITORING THE DEVELOPMENTS – From a reliable source, there are two “high ranking” Republican officials who are concerned and monitoring the State Chair situation… both have said they have no horse in the race… but are very concerned about the state of the party and its rebuilding process. Per another source… it’s a couple of Republicans “who’s opinion would be respected with all factions.” There are other party leaders (who haven’t been vocal) that are contemplating chiming in… keep your ears open on this one.
DARK HORSE? While this race is heating up… there’s a dark horse rising… it’s Paul Pate. He has sent some information out to County Chairs (as you have probably read in comment sections across the LBC)… and they Counties are chirping. But are the votes there?
WHERE’S DANNY? Sunshine and friends at Battleground talked about this a while ago… (and they are still talking per the comment section) where’s the talk now? I found it interesting as I sifted through emails and listened on the phone… his name wasn’t even brought up. Does this mean he’s out? No… not at all. Keep an eye on it.
A REASON FOR HOPE - Of all the chatter being tossed. I find a reason for optimism. The chatter in this race has been thoughtful and positive behind the scenes... from accounts I have gathered... there's some statemenship in the discussions. Activists and ringleaders are serious about a true rebuild of the party. They want to get it right. So whatever happens... it looks like we could have a smooth transition... and real unity... which usually hasn't happened in the past when we circle the wagons. So here's a little cheers to those in the discussions... Let's hope all involved keep it that way.
NOW WHAT? That’s a good question. Does the Krishna/Sporer slate have the votes to “run the table” Saturday? What about the other candidates? Is this all a bunch of Barbara Streistand being fed to the World’s Crappiest Blog? Could be… there may be a few details missed or exagerated… but from the stuff I’m hearing… it’s been decently consistent. Thoughts?
25 comments:
Personally Grant I hope that they are feeding you a load.
While Krishna and Sporer may have some good ideas I don't think that the membership throughout the state would support them. If we think back to the state convention there was an uproar over Krishna going to national. Then Sporer jumped in to support Krishna after which the discussion turned to an anti-Polk County bash.
Don't get me wrong, I like these two guys, but I think that they are the wrong ones to lead the party at this time.
I want to know who G$ supports.
A removal and replacement in one swift move ala Gopal as treasurer? Not sure if that was legal the first time but it certainly isn't legal for Chair. But with this SCC who knows they were hoodwinked once so nothing would be a suprise this time.
I wonder who Frenchy supports.
I would think Steve Scheffler's memory would be better than that.
As previously stated Gopal was removed from being a National Delegate and then a backdoor attempt to get him reinstated was also blocked. He is totally unacceptable to the grassroots outside ICA and Polk County. His communications skills are zero- if you have any doubts ask about his elephant/ rabbit analogy he used on prospective Nat. Convention delegates. He would have to fund the party personally for the money would totally dry up.
Sporer? He was first to jump to Gopal's defense at the Convetion and his rant was the reason Gopal lost the election. The State Convention responded to the idea that they were tired of Polk County running RPI.
These two are a divisive force and will not rebuild the Party but rather further alienate large sections of it. SS must realize he must move to unite not divide it further now that he has power. If he does not then his tenure will be one term and he will have no one to blame but himself. Ask Kim Lehman what the price is for thinking you have been annointed and can do no wrong.
I predict the next Chair will be someone whose name is new to these blogs - someone that will move to unite and resurrect the Party elected by a coalition.
SS's count of 9 votes must unclude Kim Lehman - at what price will he pay to get her support? Why is he so silent on that issue?
As someone from the 4th district, I am very familiar with Bill Schickel and I think he would make a great chairman. Bill is well liked, even tempered and has won in Democrat heavy area. With all the craziness that was going on during the convention, both him, Matt Randall and Isiah did a great job keeping order.
I think that you have a great feel for this race. I have heard nobody who has supported the Gopal/Ted ticket in the grass roots. I have actually heard many who at he county level will withdraw from the party if they are elected. Of those listed, Danny Carroll is the most solid. His peers look up to him, he is a born leader. He does not have to be touted and made a leader, he just is one. Everyone around him recognizes that fact (that is why he was Speaker Pro Tem in the house). Danny has sent out a list of his goals and objectives for an agenda and is very thorough. Those who know Danny will do the right thing.
Danny Carroll is the best pick for State Chairman. He is a great communicator and he is well respected. He will bring new ideas to the table that will unite and energize the party. Danny will do a great job!
Danny Carroll is a nice guy but frankly just doesn't have the potential to be the kind of turnaround chairman we need. He's a rich man's George Eichorn. Seriously, a defeated state representative is the best we can do? I'm not sure coming off two consecutive losses is a mandate for making him the face of our party. I'll give him this much though, he's not from Polk County and that is a bonus.
Who are the other choices again?
And for those of us who don't quite follow your generational pop culture references could you maybe do a quick glossary styled explanation of your terms? WAR, Rack 'em etc.
Danny is hardly a George Eichorn for the rich man. I don’t think we should bash him for losing on a very difficult district. If you’re going to suggest that anyone who has ever lost a race is unfit for leadership then we may as well throw out anyone from a difficult district our county. The fact is Danny lives in one of the most difficult districts in the state to win and in spite of that, he won the seat and held it for over a decade. Do you think Michael Steel is unfit for leadership because he couldn’t win a US Senate seat in Maryland? If we make winning a tough seat in a nearly impossible year a prerequisite for leadership we are indeed doomed to become a regional party and a permanent minority.
Lot's of 'em knocked down by anon 6:14
I'd heard the scoop on a Gopal/Ted ticket early in the week. THAT is a trainwreck. I'm a 4th District County Chair and would have an extremely tough time continuing to serve with Gopal/Ted providing leadership. I agree with John's sentiments on Bill Schickel - a totally stand-up guy (but I don't believe he's in the running). I don't know that much about Matt Randall. From what I hear about Danny Carroll, he just might be the guy.
If Gopal Krishna is elected Chair of RPI...you can rest assured that you will have MULTIPLE counties from across the state end ANY and all association with RPI in any manner shape and form.
Ask yourself these questions..
1. Just WHAT elections has Gopal Krishna had a hand in winning? He's never run a campaign..never worked in the grassroots.
2. How has Gopal been a uniting force within the party? This past year, Gopal managed to alienate activists from across this state with his actions in regards to the Permanent Organization Commitee at State Convention and then the effort to try to make himself a National Delegate.
Now for you folks over in the 4th District..you need to take a SERIOUS look at Paul Pate.
Pate's got a background that's exactly what WE need right now.
Pate's a former county GOP chair in Linn County..helping to lay the blueprint that got MULTIPLE Republicans elected in Linn County.
He then ran himself and was elected to multiple terms in the State Senate.
Then, he ran statewide and won, serving as our Secretary of State...helping to not only ensure voter security, but also made the Sec of State's office a tool of economic development.
He's a successful small business owner and continues to be a trusted leader who's able to unite people towards a common goal.
Right now..we need someone who will be able to REBUILD our Party and make it stronger..not someone who wants this position to only serve their own self-interests.
We need someone who has the experience in winning tough elections and has the ability to bring together Republicans of all varieties together towards our common goal...WINNING ELECTIONS.
That leader is Paul Pate...
I have read a lot of the threads and would like to give my two cents. First after just running a successful campaign and wining a seat in the house. I have to say that Danny did not fail to address the absentee ballot problem. The problem does not lie with Danny but in the party the D's (Obama) started paying people to canvass in June. In my area they had 4 full time people working to get absentee ballots. There is no way a Statehouse candidate can compete with that. Second of all when everyone else was lagging behind in fund raising as a statehouse candidate Danny out fund raised everyone that was running against a incumbent so who ever said that Danny cannot raise money did not have there facts straight. Third in a race like Danny's the candidate cannot be blamed alone for his loss the house leadership has a bigger part to play in that as they decide on commercials and mailers and can actually do more harm then good sometimes. And finally more important then the chair knowing how to win a race like the people touting Mr Pate is someone who can bring the different fractions of the party together and start a process that someone can come in and take over. I see Danny as the best person for this he has relationships and respect from all the fractions. I see him as a great transitional person to heal the party.
I'm going to join the Danny Carroll camp on this one. Who better to help us understand the machine we are up against than someone who has experienced it first hand? He learned the hard way what needs to be done to have a winning party again. He would be an experienced voice in politics but a fresh voice to the Committee. I believe he is exactly who we need to lead.
JB,
HawkeyeRepublican forgot to mention that Paul Pate also was recently Mayor of Cedar Rapids (2nd largest city in Iowa) and became President of the Iowa League of Cities representing over 940 municipalities across the state.
Now to your point about Danny Carroll taking on the machine and experiencing defeat from it. Yes, he got beat by it once, but then failed to learn from it and lost AGAIN. Fool me once....
Pate on the other hand has NEVER lost to a democrat.
Furthermore, he even challenged a moderate republican Mayor of Cedar Rapids (Lee Clancy now a registered D) who had just endorsed Al Gore over Gov. Bush and had passed a pro-gay rights provision into the city's civil rights charter. On top of that Lee Clancey booted the vets off the city's VETERANS commission.
Now this community is rampant with Dems and the Gazette just endorse gay marriage a week ago.
Pate is a rock solid conservative who can win against this kind of environment. Did everybody catch that? WIN.
Isnt that what we need or am I missing something?
For those keeping score:
State Senator
Secretary of State
Mayor of Cedar Rapids
President of Iowa League of Cities
Small business owner
Never lost to a democrat
Not from Polk County!
Lastly, the bar has been set dreadfully low by recent chairman. Its time we raise the bar and get someone that can win!
I think its important that we not place a Huckabee lacky or a shill for Romney in the chair position.
JB and Anon 10:15
Go look at Carroll's numbers from 2006 and this year..
He LOST ground from 06 to this year!
For example..in Mahaska County..one of the most CONSERVATIVE counties in the state...Caroll barely won in 2006.
This year..he LOST in Mahaska County..while McCain won easily in Mahaska
The absentee ballots beat in him 06..so you would think that Caroll would have learned from it..and put an even bigger emphasis on absentee ballots during his campaign. Didn't happen.
Anon..you say the House leadership "decides commercials and mailers, etc"...a candidate HAD better be the one deciding what commercials and mailers, etc are being done on his behalf.
You also talk about the ability to bring different parts of the party together...Paul Pate quite frankly has been doing that his ENTIRE career.
From being a county party leader, to a State Senator, Secretary of State, Mayor of Cedar Rapids..small business owner..
Who in our party has a BETTER record of succes than that?
Hawkeye Republican obviously has no clue as to how Chris Rants ran things if he thinks that individual candidates got to have much if any say in their advertising.
And, thanks to Rants, didn't Danny's funding for ads dry up shortly before the election because Danny had the almighty gaul to questions Rants' ad choices?
If you are a Pate fan, that fine. Just don't tell lies about a good man like Danny.
Thank you for the suggstion that I should review my numbers. According to the numbers for this year, Danny only lost in absentee ballots. He won on the actual Election Day. Additionaly, he gained some ground in Oskaloosa. I would say based on that, he did learn from the 2006 Election.
Again to my point - he understands what we're up against. He saw that Election Day is not day that matters anymore. Elections are won (and lost) in the month leading up to that Tuesday in November. His race is a textbook example.
By the numbers -
2008 totals (excluding absentee)
Carroll 4755
Palmer 4368
That's a victory for Carroll on Election Day and a demonstration of the shift that has taken place in Election. AND an example of the machine he was up against.
How about Danny's fundraising?
According to the Iowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board, total CASH raised for the 2008 cycle (May, July & October reports) was $116,518.00. I believe the DSM Register did an article saying he raise the most money out of any challenger. Remember that he received LESS funding from Rants when Carroll turned down HIS idea of good campaign advertising.
How did his opponent compare?
$120,692.00. Danny only had $4000 less than an incumbent who received a large amount of money from activists that considered Danny a threat to the homosexual agenda. Multiple news stories reported on Palmer's out of state campaign contributions. I’m still waiting to hear what Palmer has to say about it.
Danny managed to raise a very significant amount of money as a Republican in Democratic district, running in a time where R's were extremely unpopular. He did so with very little help from the RPI or the House Majority Fund. That is a testament to Danny's local support and the strength of his grassroots organization.
Don't be deceived by a lost election. Elections are full of small victories along the way and can ultimately be used for the greater good of the party.
It takes a bigger man to accept defeat and learn from a loss. That is what I am looking for in the leader of my party.
Anon 12:10--If a candidate doesnt know what commercials or mailings are being done on his behalf..that's not very smart. A candidate for political office is ultimately responsible for any advertising/mailings being done on his behalf.
JB..when it comes down to it..candidates are responsible for the tactics their campaign uses...not LMF..not Chris Rants..
Carroll should have been very aware that absentee ballots were used very effectively against in in 2006..and should have planned appropriately in 08.
You say "it takes a bigger man to accept defeat and learn from a loss".. You see that's just it...we've been losing..and losing..and losing for far too long now.
We haven't elected a Republican Governor since Branstad..we've lost both the majority in the State Legislature.
There comes a time when you have to stop "accepting defeat" and embrace a winning mentality.
The game has changed JB..we can't simply expect Republican votes will just magically show up en masse on Election Day.
The Democrats are using the absentee ballot machine to get those independents and even soft Republicans that we need to win tough elections.
When registration numbers in Iowa right now are against us by what 150,000..we need every vote we can get to win.
Danny Carroll is a good man..I just don't believe that he's the right leader at this time for our party.
Hawkeye-
With that, we will have to respectfully disagree. Danny is the right man for the job.
Danny DID take control of his campaign. He told Rants "no" which is why he lost a major source of funding. Please be careful not to criticize when you do not have all the facts in order.
You have misunderstood me - not accept defeat as a party, but accept it personally and then learn from the experience. He has a lot to offer the party. One candidate cannot be expected to fight the absentee ballot machine alone. If you look into the absentee ballots coming from the Grinnell area, you'll see they mainly come from Grinnell College. I welcome your advice on how Danny could have pulled more Republican votes from the College without the support of the party this good man was representing.
Danny did plan for the absentee ballots, which is why he won on Election Day. The opposition also planned - they pulled in nearly twice as many as the previous election. Where was the Republican Party in all of that? Do you think Danny's opponent is solely responsible for the democratic absentee ballots in District 75? No. Those are a result of a more organized party that better supported their candidate.
We do agree on one thing - Danny is a very good man.
JB is right hawkeye...Danny did work an absentee program that out registered the Dem Machine in Mahaska by 200 absentees. The problem is not Danny's lack of absentees, it was failed leadership. Danny gave Rants imput on ads and Rants didn't like it and pulled a major network buy that was worth a lot of money and probably votes. Danny did raise a lot of money, so much that if you look at his in kind to the party, he gave them $30,000. Your points are invalid. Danny far exceeds your criticism of him. If you support Pate, that is fine tout his credentials. But don't tear Danny down with lies and false information.
You guys are hilarious. Telling others to not spread lies and false information when that's all your running on.
Hawkeye is right, candidates are responsible for campaigns. Buck stops here.
And if Danny had such an awesome absentee ballot program, then er, um...why didn't it work!?
I'm not sure who I support yet for chair. I really like Danny and he might be the right person for the job. I don't think that losing his own election necessarily disqualifies him from being the Chair. Look at people who have won office and lead our party. Some of them, major duds.
But that being said, let's stick to the facts, and not just what you think may have happened.
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