Norman: Grassley raises $950,000 with no apparent rival

[goobergunch]

By JANE NORMAN
Register Washington Bureau
10/19/2003

Sen. Charles Grassley raised close to $1 million in three months for his re-election campaign, a large sum that certainly reflects the Iowa Republican's prominence in Washington, D.C. But if he seemed to have a challenger, he probably would have reported twice that amount.

Grassley, the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, which appears to have jurisdiction over everything in sight, raised $950,000 from July 1 through Sept. 30, according to campaign-finance reports filed with the Federal Election Commission.

So, apparently, he's been able to fit in a few fund-raisers around his legislative schedule.

Grassley took in $574,000 in contributions of $200 or more from individuals, and $309,000 from political action committees. With no opponent yet breaking the surface, thrifty Grassley has also had to spend little, so his costs during the quarter were $193,000, leaving him more than $5 million in the bank.

more...http://www.dmregister.com/opinion/stories/c5917686/22537687.html

[Padraig18]

1. Hmmmm

I wonder why?

On a tangent, Grassley is one of the few Repuke senators who don't frighten me to the marrow of my bones. I've actually seen him speak sensibly on numerous issues.

[Prodemsouth]

2. I don't understand how a state that has Harkin can also have Grassley

Is it his plain spoken manner that Iowa likes? He is still a right winger - just pulls away every now and then-kinda like a slightly kinder gentler Buchanan. Love to hear from Iowa Dems/duers on why he does not have challenger.

[ISUGRADIA]

13. Grassley knows how to work the press

he's a conservative but not a hater. Picked up on Pentagon spending and support of whistle blowers as issues and has got good press from them. Plus he comes back a lot to the state, has a good staff, and is not prone to taking extreme stands. Kind of similar to a Dick Lugar of Indiana in a way, kind of bland but makes him popular.

Plus he raises $$$$ to prevent any candidate from thinking about running on the Dem side.

Harkin has always been a lot more controversial in his statements and vocallly partisan. That's why he always has a tough race every 6 years.

Grassley should win with 65%+ of the votes.

[blessedleader]

3. I'm in Iowa. . .

And I certainly don't mind Grassley, he's not afraid to speak out. . . The paper usually publishes his and Harken's comments, and if all Republicans were like Grassley, we'd be better off.

But. . I'm not extremely partisan and I can't hate a guy just because "he's still a repug"

[Padraig18]

4. Is my impression of him correct?

I view him as a paleo-conservative with a strong populist bent.

[blessedleader]

6. probably

Republican in the Boy Scout tradition, might be how I'd describe him. : - D

[Padraig18]

9. I thought so

He just lacks that 'scary' element so many of the RW Repukes have. :hi:

[jiacinto]

5. Grassley's seat is safe

Only perhaps Leonard Boswell could give him a competetive race and I don't see him doing that.

[wrkclskid]

7. Grassley uses his Finance chairmanship

To give Iowa pork, pork, pork. He also stands up for such liberal ideas as rural healthcare and aid for small farmers (him and Harkin team up a lot.) Because of this, he is very popular in Iowa and is porb one of the safest senators in the country.

[JohnKleeb]

8. Why thats good

I'd prefer a democrat but at least Grassley isnt a corporate pig,

[Classical_Liberal]

10. Grassley is corporate though not a pig

He just strays on military industrial complex issues, but that is only because Iowa has hardly any military industrial complex.

[JohnKleeb]

11. gotcha

I wouldnt know personally but he doesnt sound as evil.

[DemDogs]

12. Grassley outspoken and protects his state

So this is not too surprising. It would be better if a Democrat was elected but this is a tough seat to win from Grassley.

[9119495]

14. Only Vilsak could give hime a run

Our governor is quite popular even though we're out of money (Repub Legislature). I don't think he wants to risk loosing though. I think he will be Harkin's replacement in four more years--if not in the next democratic administration--EPA, HHS?