Johnson County Dems

Johnson County Dems Monthly Meeting: No On Sales Tax, Morgan Announces Re-Elect Bid

The monthly mini liveblog with the Johnson County Democratic Central Committee. We'll see who's representing for the campaigns this month.

But as per Johnson County tradition, the speakers wait through the routine business (the audit report, the budget, the parade signup sheets). We occasionally make exceptions for prominent guest speakers; if any presidential candidates want to attend we'll accommodate their schedules.

The Coralville Northwest Junior High cafeteria ceiling is decorated with painted panels done by past students. Some are quite dated -- "Seoul Korea Olympics," "Foghat World Tour 1978." A Snickers bar dated 1976 appears to be the oldest. (Discussion can get a bit dry at times.)

With much mirth Nick Johnson is elected to fill a vacant central committee seat.

Dave Leshtz of the Loebsack crew is here. Loebsack gets an in absentia hand for the no vote on the Iraq supplemental. Full schedule of district events, new congressional website launching soon.

Linda Louko of "The 49" speaks; their next project is caucus-process education. (The 49 is a local group, named for the 49% that didn't vote for Bush.)

Discussion of the local option sales tax that Iowa City's discussing; Regenia Bailey from the Iowa City Council is here and notes her opposition. Everyone wants to top one another on emphasizing their opposition. Committee unanimously votes to reiterate opposition to sales tax -- "it's in the platform", says Mike Carberry to end debate, among many others.

Finally the speakers.

Dodd has a field organizer on the ground in Johnson County. Opening Cedar Rapids office this week, Iowa City soon.

Nakhasi from the UDems. Working on setting up an Iowa City presidential debate focused on higher ed issues. 11/17. Stay tuned.

Regenia Bailey discusses her own campaign. Notes retirement of Iowa City manager Steve Atkins -- that hiring process is sure to be a hot hot hot Iowa City issue as the summer progresses. School Board member Patti Fields also speaks on her behalf.

Sarah Swisher and the Iowa For Health Care crew: watch for the purple shirts at every possible event and at your door.

Mike Carberry is now with Iowa Global Warming, a coalition of environmental groups. Watch for them at candidate events too -- indeed, Mike and his video camera have already been sighted on the trail (John Edwards in Washington the other week).

Mike Wright, at large Iowa City Council candidate, rolls out his campaign for the Dems, gets a hand for helping the Stop Wal-Mart effort the other year. Gets another hand for opposing sales tax.

Dennis Roseman announces the Progressive Iowa Network conference this Saturday in Iowa City. Public Library, 9-3. More info here at Blog for Iowa.

Local Tom Carsner and staffer Lennon Bronsema is up for Edwards. HQ is open at 213 Burlington St. Edwards in Johnson County June 16.

Alex Ingham, the Richardson staffer on the ground in Johnson County: Office open in Cedar Rapids, candidate in state June 22 for state HQ opening.

Justin Killian from the Clinton staff: his big items are the staff change and this weekend's visit to other parts of state. Local organizing meeting June 24. Local office 353 E. College.

Chris Liddell-Westefeld and Dean Fluker from Obama staff: Their hot thing is Walk For Change -- they're doing a mass doorknock this Saturday. Local office 393 E. College.

Corey Goerdt with Wake Up Wal-Mart. He was with the Braley campaign. United Food & Commercial Workers are funding this. They want to push health care and discrimination onto the campaign plate. Look for their frowny faces at every possible campaign event.

Finally, to a weary crowd of die-hards, School Board member Aletia Morgan announces for re-election.