Congressman Jim Leach (R, Iowa) 1st (R) to help out on DSM

[kansasblue]

http://www.politicalaffairs.net/article/articleview/1719/1/32

Congressman Jim Leach (R, Iowa) has informed Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D, California) that he will co-sponsor her Resolution of Inquiry into Bush Administration communications with the U.K. about Iraq at the time of the Downing Street Memos. Leach is the first Republican member of Congress to publicly support a demand for an inquiry into the Bush Administration's pre-war claims.

[blm]

1. We should go after Walter Jones and Coble in NC to sign the DSM letter.

And Hagel for Kerry's Senate DSM letter.

Especially since Hagel is ON the Intel Committee.

[Imalittleteapot]

2. Give courageous Leach some thanks and encouragement.

go here and click on Send Message:

http://www.congress.org/congressorg/bio/letterslist/?id=250

[katsy]

3. I used to think emails from congress.org

were delivered to congress.

Many years ago, after sending a few out from that site, I started getting back email from the people I was emailing. They started blocking email from sites other than their own.

I don't know if that's still the case, or if all the Reps were blocking mail from that site.

To be sure you get an email through, go directly through the congressperson's website.

[IA_Seth]

5. Bullsheet

I would rather lick the soles of my shoes, but thanks.

Once again Leach is ponying up to his "moderate" image when he feels the heat back at home.

Dave Loebsack, his opponent for '06 had previously pledged his support to this and once again, monkey see, monkey do.

I say we send him letters telling him that its too damn late for him to save his ass. He is a Republican, and a sell out, and I would much rather see us sending letters of encouragement (and donations for that matter) to his solid opponent!

At least thats what I think.

[rurallib]

6. I asked Leach about this at one of his town meetings last week

He blew me off with a remark that "that is an opinion of someone in Great Britain". I asked if Leach if it wasn't important for us to know if we were misled into this war. He again replied that it was an "opinion" and then moved to another question before I could follow up.
I can't help but wonder what happened between then and now. Must've heard it's time to distance one's self from W.
I remain skeptical of his motives since this is the kind of game he plays all the time. Comes down on both sides of an issue.
I base this on his manuvers in the eyhics committee, the budget, the energy bill etc, etc.

[Debi]

8. Don't think for one second this is courage

Think of it as a political move...he's weakend his standing with the Bankruptcy Bill and CAFTA and has to get back in the good graces of Democrats who supported him because of his vote against IWR (which was also a political move). Don't thank him, be wary of him.

[pstans]

4. I heard Randi Rhodes say this today

She said that Republicans are realzing they Bu$h doesn't have any coattails to ride anymore and if they want to get reelected they better listen to the people they represent. I think this is so true for Leach. If Bu$h's approval rating nationwide is 36%, I am pretty sure that it is lower than that in Leach's district.

[dloebsack]

7. Leach and the Lee resolution

Folks,

First, let me say that I think it is wonderful that Leach has signed on to this resolution. As I stated in an earlier post, we need the investigation called for in this measure.

Second, last week members of the Johnson County DFA met with Leach's lead staffer in eastern Iowa (a former student of mine at Cornell) about this matter. It was reported to me that he told the group not to expect Leach to add his name to the list because Leach would be afraid that by doing so he would lose what influence he may have on Bush and the rest of the foreign policy team in Washington. My question at that moment was: What influence? Jim Leach has no effect whatsoever on Bush or the right-wing leadership in congress.

Third, while I hope his signing on to the resolution begins a process whereby more Republicans AND Democrats join those already behind this effort, I am not optimistic that that will happen.

The bottom line, I believe, is that it does not matter how many times Jim Leach votes with us. He remains a REPUBLICAN whose very presence in the House contributes to the right-wing dominance of the majority and the agenda and outcomes of that body. The ONLY way to change matters is to elect a Democrat. I hope I can count on your support.

Thanks and take care.

David

[Bluzmann57]

9. Well Mr. Loebsack

I can't vote for you as I live in the first district, bur I'll support you if indeed you get the nomination from second district Democrats. Don't forget, we have a soon to be vacated seat up for grabs next year and Gluba or Dickinson or Braley could use your support too. All Blue in eastern Iowa sounds pretty good. And welcome to DU by the way.

[Debi]

10. Hey, Bluzmann

I think Loebsack is THE candidate in the Second District - which means we can support him NOW w/out anyone in our district getting pissy! The Second District should have always been Democrat (even with redistricting) and Leach only held on to his seat by hoodwinking voters into thinking he was a Moderate republican (when actually all he's done is vote against his party when his vote wasn't needed for any bill to pass).

You actually have more experience than most of us since Leach was your representative for ages....any help you can give Loebsack I'm sure will be appreciated!

Any exciting news on municipal races in Scott County?