Dave Inbody, one of the Founding Members of DFIA, has started up a new Iowa political action committee.  Although we are required to say that DFIA has no official relationship with Dave's PAC and that DFIA does not endorse the PAC, Dave has put a lot of time and effort into getting this intriguing PAC off the ground, so we asked him to tell us about it.

New State PAC Created to Support Legislative Candidates

Fundraising requirements and character assassinations have led dedicated, community leaders to opt out of political life and cause voters to turn away from the process.  The departure of well-intentioned people has left our society in the hands of those with less altruistic designs.  Howard Dean's presidential campaign gave volume and depth to a new voice.  A large number of people concerned about where the country is heading are struggling to find a means to impact its direction.  Dean's campaign showed that campaign fundraising no longer needs to rely on large contributions from the same tired sources.  There is a better way.  He inspired a grassroots movement to raise money at its base in small segments.  Howard Dean has asked us to carry the torch forward and shine it in our own communities.

In an effort to assist this movement in Iowa, a group of us have formed Citizen Whip, a new state political action committee.  Our focus is to gain a Democratic majority in the Iowa House and Iowa Senate.  To do so, we need to win five house and five senate seats currently held by Republicans.  Following in the Dean campaign's footsteps, we seek to raise an average of $100 from 1,000 donors.  This will provide $10,000 to each of ten Democratic challengers, five in the House and five in the Senate.  We are choosing high caliber candidates in extremely competitive districts for whom our additional support could be the difference between victory and defeat. 

A website, www.citizenwhip.com, will be rolled out at the five Democratic district conventions this Saturday, April 24th.  The site will allow contributors to donate to our Top Ten candidates, as well as any additional Democratic candidates who are committed to bringing the concerns of their constituents to the state legislature. 

If this is to succeed, we need your help.  You were the heart of the Dean movement.  You have been inspired to get involved and stay involved in the process. You know what is at stake.  Spread the word about the PAC and support those incredible candidates fighting to return the government to the people of Iowa.

Dave Inbody, Johnston