Ed Fallon's Next Step

By Himself

WHAT AM I UP TO NEXT?

I’ve been slow to respond to that question for two reasons.  First, breaking down the pieces of a statewide campaign consumes a tremendous amount of time.  We’ve made great progress, but still have work to do to upgrade the database, improve the management of our e-mail list and restructure the website.  This work will continue to involve a limited amount of our attention over the next few weeks.

Second, it’s taken numerous meetings and phone calls with candidates, their staff and Party officials to decide which candidates I’m able to best assist, and what kind of assistance I’m able to provide.  Since June 6, my co-workers, volunteers and I have already done a lot for several candidates, including Chet Culver, Denise O’Brien, Selden Spencer and Mark Nolte. 

So, between now and the November 7 general election, while I’ll continue to work on the logistics of managing my campaign’s resources, helping other candidates will be my primary focus.

DENISE O’BRIEN

I’m especially excited about Denise O’Brien’s candidacy for Secretary of Agriculture.  Denise is a solid progressive.  Her extensive, hands-on experience as both a farmer and an organizer make it clear that she will be a strong voice for more diverse, sustainable agricultural policies.  Her campaign will continue to receive a big chunk of my time and effort.

CHET CULVER

I will also continue to do what I can to help Chet Culver.  To date, I have spoken on his behalf at several public events, identified potential contacts among my supporters and provided input on issues.  Chet and I will continue to disagree on some key issues, but there are more areas of agreement than disagreement, and that gives me hope and encouragement.

There are two key reasons behind my decision to actively support Chet.  First, in conversations we’ve had over the past two months, Chet has pledged, if elected, to address both campaign finance reform and the need for legislation to control urban sprawl.  That means a lot to me, and I know these two issues are important to many of you as well.

Second, I am reasonably confident that I will have the ear of Governor Culver.  I don’t see Governor Nussle taking much interest in the viewpoints of Citizen Fallon.  The opportunity to be an advocate for the issues important to me and my supporters could be significant in a Culver administration.  They will be virtually nonexistent in a Nussle administration.

OTHER CANDIDATES

I have helped with three events for Selden Spencer, who is running for Congress in the Fourth District.  I will do what I can for the other Democrats running for Congress and statewide office as well (see “Upcoming Events,” below).

There are also some solid progressives running for the Iowa House and Senate, and I’m enthusiastic about the opportunity to have an impact in their races.  This includes Mark Nolte (Washington), Elesha Gayman (Davenport), Mark Davitt (Indianola), Ako Abdul-Samad (Des Moines), Don Shoultz (Waterloo) and Sally Vitimvas (Silver City), among others.  That list will continue to grow over the next few weeks.

WHAT’S NEXT AFTER NOVEMBER 7?

I sincerely can’t answer that question at this time.  While I’m committed to continuing my fight for justice and staying involved in Iowa politics, it’s impossible to say what the next phase of that commitment looks like until after the general election.  But you will be among the first to know!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Havelock (Pocahontas County).  Friday, August 18th from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.  Fundraiser for Selden Spencer at the only bar in town.  Selden will be there.  I’ll speak briefly and perform for 45 minutes on guitar and accordion.  Contact John Ryan at (712) 335-4438 for details.

Newton (Jasper County).  Thursday, August 24th from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.  Fundraiser and barbeque for Leonard Boswell at the shelter house in Woodland Park (1st Street N and N 19th Avenue).  I’ll speak briefly and perform a few tunes with local musicians.  RSVP to Nancy Parrott at (641) 792-7350.

Ankeny (Polk County).  Saturday, August 26th at noon at the Best Western Metro North (133 SE Delaware Avenue).  During lunch at the Iowa Farmers Union annual meeting, I’ll receive the Friend of the Family Farmer Award.  The meeting runs from 1:00 on Friday until Saturday afternoon.  Contact the IFU office at (800) 775-5227 for details and registration information, or the visit their website at www.iafu.org.

Ames (Story County).  Tuesday, August 29th from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.  Meeting with ISU Democrats in the Memorial Union at Iowa State University (room to be determined).  Contact Gavin Aronsen at (515) 681-5163.

That’s it until next week.  Thanks for reading!

Ed