Iowa Primary Predicted to Steer Campaigns for 2010 Elections

A District primary Republican forum, to be held in Pocahontas, Iowa, is quickly becoming the focal point for the clash between the Iowa political establishment and the Tea Party groups that have become such a powerful force to be recognized by Iowa Democratic and Republican leadership.

GOP primary opponents Tom Shaw of Laurens, Iowa and Steve Richards of Algona, Iowa will meet on Friday to debate real issues concerning those in support of the traditional values generally found in most Democratic and Republican households in District 8 of the Iowa House. From the information I have gathered on this event, I have no doubt this primary will be full of excitement for all those who choose to attend this highly anticipated event.

The Des Moines Register stated,

“Shaw is also the darling of the Tea Party activists in the area, while Richards is seen as a more establishment Republican.”

My thinking in today’s political environment is that being called an “establishment Republican” might be considered by many Iowan’s as being the same thing as a “Progressive Republican”, which seems to be the unpopular dominating influence over Iowa’s current political environment in both the Democratic and Republican parties.

Previously, Richards ran as a GOP candidate, during the 2008 election cycle, against Iowa House District 8 Democratic incumbent Delores Mertz. During my research of the candidates I found it interesting that Mertz, Richards’ 2008 Democrat opponent, was the candidate who received an endorsement by Iowans for Tax Relief instead of Steve Richards. Richards also received an “F” rating from the National Rifle Association (NRA) during his 2008 campaign for his history of taking stances against supporting the 2nd Amendment. Tom Shaw, on the other hand, has been highly supportive of the 2nd Amendment and the rights provided by this hot button part of the U.S. Constitution. The 2nd Amendment and abortion issues have been viewed by some political candidates as “Too Hot to Touch Issues”.

I had a chance to speak with Tom Shaw about the upcoming event, and when asked why he had originally chosen to run as an Independent, Shaw responded,

“Originally I left the Republican Party because I felt like too many of the Party’s leadership were willing to abandon the traditional values found in the Republican platform. The platform is the voice of “We The People”.

“Newt Gingrich wrote a book called “Real Change”. And even Gingrich criticizes the Republican Party of becoming a party of consultants rather than taking on the everyday challenges of being real leaders.

“I made the decision to return and run as a Republican as I have watched the actions of some elected Republican leaders fighting, in our State House, to protect our values and I wanted to be able to team up with them to return Iowa to it’s core traditional values.”

Tom continued to explain his reason for running on Republican ticket:

“The issues are too great and I did not want to confuse the voters with a campaign as an Independent Candidate”

The Iowa Independent provided more insight on Tom’s choice to run on the Republican Party ticket:

“Last month he changed his mind and came back to the Republican Party, saying his change of heart stems from the Iowa Family Policy Center (IFPC) and state Rep. Kent Sorenson, R-Indianola, publicly endorsing Vander Plaats, and in doing so, vowing never to support his chief rival for the party’s nomination, former Gov. Terry Branstad.”

When asked for their opinion on this primary, Iowa Carry’s reply was that they could not provide any direct opinions of the candidates, but they are paying close attention to the event and it’s outcome.

Although, this event is an event based around Republicans, I have been hearing a great deal of concern from Democrats over the progressive movement having hijacked their party, as well. Many of the Democrats I have spoken with tend to have the same core traditional values that many Republicans have and are only separated from many of their Republicans on a few small issues or simply on the party name their family has supported for years.

Other stories of interest:

1. Breaking News: Iowa to Rally Against President During Visit to Iowa City
2. The New Year, 2010, Will Be “The Year of the Patriot”
3. New Year’s Resolution for Tea Party – Clean the Senate and House 2010
4. The Patriots Are Beginning to Stand Up… Enter Parker Griffith
5. Your Iowa Taxes Pay a Lobbyist to Remove Your Right to Bear Arms (Corrected)