Three GOP State Legislators Fall in Primaries

By Sam Garchik

Mainstream Iowan pointed me to this article in the Register. How interesting!  The GOP lost three incumbent Iowa State Senators in the primaries to conservative challengers. 

Maggie Tinsman (a pro-choice Republican Senator opposed to an amendment to ban gay marriage) of Bettendorf lost to David Hartsuch by 71 votes, while two house incumbents, Joe Hutter, also of Bettendorf, and Paul Wilderdke, of Woodbine, also lost.

The Register claims that Iowans for Tax Relief lead the charge against the incumbents. Democrat Matt McCoy had no trouble beating Gary Randa to keep his name on November's ballot for Iowa Senate District 31.

So what does this mean? Conservative GOPers running in socially moderate places like Bettendorf stand a good chance of being beaten by Democrats and progressives. Choice is a much bigger issue to Democrats than Republicans, particularly in places like Scott county, which, apparently, turned out well for Braley (not sure on this, so let me know if you can confirm or deny).  Also, I strongly hope that Democrats can field candidates to run against these open seats, as no Democrat to date has declared against the new GOPers.

One of the defeated incumbents is going to run as an independant, whcih means the GOP will be split, and chances are better yet for a Dem pick up.

One more thing. You're doing a great job at the Blog for America poll, but you've got to keep it up. Loebsack was as high as 3, now he's down to 6. Braley is climbing; he's now at 11. Make sure you vote for one or the other. We are talking big dollar donations and fundraising letters here.

And this just in:.

John Edwards is coming back to Iowa to campaign for Braley and Loebscak. Email me with details on his visit, if you can.