Krusty Konservative

• Distractions? Or Are Democrats Really This Stupid?

  Number of comments: 1
  
  I don’t really know what to make of House Democrats filing two Labor Union bills yesterday. One of the bills, HF 530 would allow union workers to choose their own doctor if they get injured on the job. The other is the most contentious bill they [...]
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  Posted: March 05, 2009, 10:35am EST
  by Krusty

• Linn County Residents Raise Their Taxes

  Number of comments: 1
  Am I the only one who thinks that the residents of Linn County voting for a tax increase to help pay for the rebuilding effort after last year’s flood is a clear indication that their government has failed them? I’m sure that some people will argue with me and say [...]
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  Posted: March 04, 2009, 7:49am EST
  by Krusty

• Leftovers

  Number of comments: 15
  I’m packing things up today for the move, but have a couple of things to discuss.
  
  State Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald sucks at being the custodian of the IPERS fund.
  
  The Des Moines Register has a story today that says that State Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald missed the [...]
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  Posted: March 03, 2009, 9:24am EST
  by Krusty

• I’m out of here!

  Number of comments: 19
  This past Thursday was the 3rd anniversary of Krusty Konservative. Usually I make a big deal out of such things and toss around some of my stats. As I’ve said on past occasions, I’m always amazed at the number of people who read this blog and participate in the comment [...]
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  Posted: March 02, 2009, 7:54am EST
  by Krusty

• The Union Play List: u-Tunes

  Number of comments: 7
  I thought it might be good to recap the activities of this past week.
  
  On Monday, Democrats accepted defeat on the Prevailing Wage. They say they will be back.
  
  On Tuesday, the Unions attacked Principal Financial Group for belonging to a pro-business, non-partisan group called the Iowa [...]
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  Posted: February 27, 2009, 7:15am EST
  by Krusty

• Obama/Vilsack lash out against farmers, they would rather spend money on fat kids.

  Number of comments: 9
  Our esteemed former Governor and current Secretary of Ag had this to say:
  
  "If you had a dollar - one dollar - where would you put it?" Vilsack asked. "Would you give it to a child for more nutritious eating? Would you give it in a direct payment" [...]
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  Posted: February 27, 2009, 7:14am EST
  by Krusty

• Bruce Braley and Leonard Boswell – Iowa Job Killers

  Number of comments: 35
  Through Wednesday’s passage of H.R. 1105 – The Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009 - the U.S. House voted to kill a program that allows private sector collection agencies to help the Internal Revenue Service recoup old outstanding tax debts. I’m told that Federal Treasury Union Employees never liked the program [...]
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  Posted: February 26, 2009, 6:53am EST
  by Krusty

• Jindal is more than a flash in the pan.

  Number of comments: 17
  
  So there is a lot of chatter today about Bobby Jindal’s poor performance in delivering the response to Obama’s speech to a joint session of Congress. In the comment section a fellow krustacean asked if Jindal’s presidential aspirations ended last night. The answer is absolutely not.
  [...]
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  Posted: February 25, 2009, 3:46pm EST
  by Krusty

• It’s only Wednesday, and it’s been another bad week for the unions.

  Number of comments: 18
  First, in what many in the press called a “stunning defeat”, the first of four Big Union bills, Prevailing Wage, went down in flames. Despite the Big Lug twisting arms over the weekend, Big Union members sitting in the gallery and glowering down on Representatives during the debate, and the [...]
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  Posted: February 25, 2009, 8:01am EST
  by Krusty

• A pattern? I doubt it.

  Number of comments: 5
  Liberal group attacks Rep. Mertz.
  
  Unions attack Principal for being an ABI member and want Treasury to deny them TARP funds because they're member of a group that objects to the union agenda.
  
  Seems like if they don't like what you say, they'd rather' [...]
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  Posted: February 24, 2009, 1:55pm EST
  by Krusty

• The Unions assault on Iowa businesses enters a new phase

  Number of comments: 9
  I thought this was about jobs, good paying jobs, like the ones people who work at Principal Financial Group have…
  
  Guess again, it’s about the Union Bosses, and they are pissed off.
  
  Change to Win Iowa to confront the Principal Financial Group for their questionable involvement with Iowa [...]
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  Posted: February 24, 2009, 11:31am EST
  by Krusty

• Prevailing Wage Fallout - IPERS Fraud

  Number of comments: 5
  Culver’s Influence Not Enough to Pass Prevailing Wage
  
  Yesterday afternoon Kay Henderson had a column about her interview with House Speaker (for now) Pat Murphy. In it Murphy said that Governor Culver was working behind the scenes trying to influence Democrat legislators to support the legislation. As we [...]
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  Posted: February 24, 2009, 9:46am EST
  by Krusty

• Murphy’s Madness

  Number of comments: 11
  If the defeat of the Prevailing Wage legislation wasn’t enough, Speaker of the House Pat Murphy drew more attention to the situation by staging a sit in all weekend long in hopes to switch a no vote to a yes vote and pass the legislation. There is just one problem [...]
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  Posted: February 23, 2009, 9:13am EST
  by Krusty

• Rep. Larry Marek stands firm on his NO vote.

  Number of comments: 16
  Rep. Larry Marek told his constituents at his legislative forum this morning that he is firm in his opposition to the prevailing wage legislation. Krusty kudos to Marek for keeping his word.
  
  One has to wonder how long Speaker Murphy will hold the machine open and who will he [...]
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  Posted: February 21, 2009, 11:43am EST
  by Krusty

• Prevailing Wage Stuck at 50-46

  Number of comments: 39
  
  
  Reps. McKinley Baily and Larry Marek both voted no, and left the building.
  
  Voting Machine still open.
  
  One vote short of passage.
  
  Major blow to House Leadership.
  
  Speaker Murphy will keep the voting machine open until Monday at 1 p.m. meaning [...]
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  Posted: February 20, 2009, 6:13pm EST
  by Krusty

• Rep. McKinley Bailey folds…

  Number of comments: 23
  The young are always so impressionable…
  
  Bailey who was thought to be one of the few Pro-Business Democrats, looks to be the vote McCarthy and Murphy need to pass the prevailing wage legislation. Don’t worry; I’m sure he will be pro-business when the next campaign rolls around. Pathetic.
  
  [...]
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  Posted: February 20, 2009, 1:34pm EST
  by Krusty

• Prevailing Wage: Day Two

  Number of comments: 12
  
  
  I had a loyal Krustacean help me with the video, with the economy I had to outsource it…
  
  Yesterday the State House was going to start debating the prevailing wage bill at 9 a.m., then it was pushed back to the afternoon, then it was going to [...]
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  Posted: February 20, 2009, 9:28am EST
  by Krusty

• A Republican Come Back? Maybe…

  Number of comments: 23
  Michael Jordon did it, as did Lance Armstrong, Mario Andretti, and Brett Farve seems to do it on a yearly basis. They retire, and walk away from the game or sport in which they are dominate only to see those who try to fill their shoes fail miserably.
  
  If [...]
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  Posted: February 19, 2009, 12:35pm EST
  by Krusty

• Destroy the Rebuild Iowa Office

  Number of comments: 10
  Destroy the Rebuild Iowa Office
  
  So the other day there was a big hullabaloo over the fact that Culver responded to all the criticism over the Rebuild Iowa Office. Yes the Governor cut the salaries of the employees, but in my opinion those salaries are still out of whack. [...]
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  Posted: February 19, 2009, 9:29am EST
  by Krusty

• Technical Difficulties

  Number of comments: 8
  
  I don’t know what’s going on with the comment section in today’s post. Sometimes they don’t show up, other times they do but you can’t see the new comments. I have contacted blogger so we will see what happens. I guess I can’t complain too much [...]
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  Posted: February 18, 2009, 11:57am EST
  by Krusty

• The march toward communism continues…

  Number of comments: 19
  
  I don’t know what the deal is lately, but it sure seems that I’m getting under peoples skin. Maybe it’s being confined to the Krusty Konservative World Headquarters during these winter months, or maybe it’s because I believe there are some things worth fighting for. As [...]
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  Posted: February 18, 2009, 9:17am EST
  by Krusty

• Labor Pains

  Number of comments: 27
  The legislative session is about a third of the way through and already we have had a number of interesting issues come up. We have seen the idea of selling the Iowa Lottery for quick cash come and go a couple of times. There has been a healthy debate on [...]
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  Posted: February 17, 2009, 8:00am EST
  by Krusty

• What about Bob?

  Number of comments: 35
  
  Its been 21 days since Bob Vander Plaats announced his campaign for Governor; and while a number of other candidates have indicated interest, Vander Plaats remains the only official candidate in the field to date. Vander Plaats was clear when he announced his campaign last month [...]
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  Posted: February 16, 2009, 1:17am EST
  by Krusty

• Kevin McCarthy’s Night Court Comments Come True

  Number of comments: 35
  
  
  Shenanigans? Details of Rep. Burt’s Arrest Blacked Out
  
  It seems that the police report from Rep. Kerry Burt’s arrest is creating more questions than providing his constituents answers about what really happened early Wednesday morning. Even personal information that is typically released has been [...]
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  Posted: February 13, 2009, 9:33am EST
  by Krusty

• Pelosi Sends Mighty Mouse to Stimulate American Economy

  Number of comments: 3
  [...]
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  Posted: February 12, 2009, 3:13pm EST
  by Krusty

• Iowa State Busted for Being Stupid

  Number of comments: 6
  My Lord, first the Rebuild Iowa is messing around on Facebook all day.
  
  Culver’s Communication staff is busy trying to provide for the RIO office by attacking Rep. Rants on something he didn’t have any control over.
  
  Governor Culver has the Homeland Security Director [...]
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  Posted: February 12, 2009, 1:04pm EST
  by Krusty

• Democrat Legislator Busted for Drunk Driving

  Number of comments: 24
  A freshman state lawmaker from Waterloo has been arrested for operating while intoxicated in Polk County. State Rep. Kerry Burt, a Democrat from Waterloo, was arrested Wednesday at 2:34 a.m. in Ankeny for operating while intoxicated, according to a police report obtained from the Ankeny Police Department. Burt, a [...]
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  Posted: February 12, 2009, 12:24pm EST
  by Krusty

• Blog Wars – Krusty vs. The Des Moines Register, RIO, and Culver Press Shop

  Number of comments: 4
  Yesterday I posted about Rebuild Iowa staffers creating a Facebook fan club in support of their controversial boss Emily Hajek, another example of the lack of professionalism in the Rebuild Iowa Office. To my surprise last night, I noticed that the Des Moines Register political staff had a post [...]
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  Posted: February 12, 2009, 8:49am EST
  by Krusty

• The Rebuild Iowa Office staff has a little too much time on their hands…

  Number of comments: 28
  Sure we’ve talked about the obsessive salaries, the incompetence, and the 19 grand for new carpet, but it just keeps getting worse.
  
  Jacquie DiGiacinto, a RIO staffer has created a Facebook page called “Open to any one who thinks Emily Hajek is one amazingly cool person.” I wonder how [...]
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  Posted: February 11, 2009, 2:47pm EST
  by Krusty

• Pawns

  Number of comments: 13
  
  Olympia Snowe, Arlen Specter, and Susan Collins are pawns. Seriously can someone tell me why they are even Republicans? I don’t get it.
  
  Another thing.
  
  For my entire adult life the Democrats have been attacking trickle-down economics. To Republicans trickle-down economics provided tax [...]
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  Posted: February 11, 2009, 2:23pm EST
  by Krusty

• The Gas Tax Can Wait

  Number of comments: 11
  So you all know I absolutely hate the idea of raising the Gas Tax during these difficult economic times. That’s not to say that I don’t believe in investing in our roads and infrastructure. If you listen to any of the legislators who support the gas tax increase you would [...]
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  Posted: February 11, 2009, 10:19am EST
  by Krusty

• 8 Cents a Gallon! GAS Attack!!!

  Number of comments: 22
  
  HSB 164 was introduced today by the House Transportation Committee.
  
  The bill would increase taxes on gas and diesel fuel by 4 cents when the bill is signed, and then by an additional 4 cents on Jan 1, 2010. I’ll have more on this [...]
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  Posted: February 10, 2009, 2:22pm EST
  by Krusty

• Iowa a Monarchy?

  Number of comments: 33
  
  
  Congressman Steve King is the latest to indicate that he might run for Governor in 2010. King joins perennial candidate Bob Vander Plaats, Secretary of Ag Bill Northey, State Auditor Dave Vaudt, businessman Bruce Rastetter, State Representative Rod Roberts, and syndicated blogger Krusty Konservative [...]
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  Posted: February 10, 2009, 9:21am EST
  by Krusty

• Big Labor Week

  Number of comments: 11
  Big Labor is going to be the focus this week in the State Legislature. While we celebrated the defeat of Fair Share and the expansion collective bargaining agreement is years past, they keep coming back, and they will continue to do so until their wish list is enacted.
  
  This [...]
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  Posted: February 09, 2009, 9:01am EST
  by Krusty

• Jeff Boeyink to serve as RPI’s Executive Director

  Number of comments: 12
  
  Earlier today RPI Chairman Matt Strawn sent an email to the State Central Committee and other Republican leaders in the state letting them know that he will be forwarding Jeff Boeyink’s name to be his ED. Boeyink brings a ton of experience from his time with [...]
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  Posted: February 07, 2009, 9:38pm EST
  by Krusty

• Michael Steele in Legal Trouble

  Number of comments: 11
  Yesterday RNC Chairman Michael Steele fired most of the 100 people who worked at the RNC. Today, Steele finds himself in legal trouble which could lead to him being removed as Chairman.
  
  The Washington Post has a story about Steele’s campaign spending. Its not just your typical run of [...]
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  Posted: February 07, 2009, 12:13am EST
  by Krusty

• President Obama, the campaign is over…

  Number of comments: 18
  If you watch the 10 o’clock news or nightline you have undoubtedly seen the ad by Americans United for Change which urges Senator Grassley to support Obama’s stimulus package and “reject the failed policies of the past.” Below is the ad:
  
  
  
  I think the ads are well [...]
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  Posted: February 06, 2009, 9:06am EST
  by Krusty

• Rod Roberts Considers a run for Governor

  Number of comments: 21
  Sorry I that I’m a little late posting about Rep. Rod Roberts running for Governor. It seems with each new day or week another Iowa Republican lets it be known that they are interested in running for Governor in 2010.
  
  A week or so ago Bob Vander Plaats [...]
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  Posted: February 05, 2009, 3:01pm EST
  by Krusty

• Unbelievable: Dems Gone Wild

  Number of comments: 7
  Rebuild Iowa or Carpet the Office?
  
  A week ago the coffee shops were abuzz about the CEO of Merrill Lynch, John Thain, spending more than a million dollars to redecorate his office, including $131,000.00 for a rug. Well it seems like Iowa has its own John Thain; her name [...]
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  Posted: February 05, 2009, 8:47am EST
  by Krusty

• Lead or go Home

  Number of comments: 9
  We elected our elected officials to go to Des Moines or DC to represent us, to do what’s right for our district, state and country. For the most part they do a good job, while partisan politics sometimes occurs, I think it’s safe to say that they all want to [...]
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  Posted: February 04, 2009, 9:27am EST
  by Krusty

• The Gas Tax

  Number of comments: 13
  If you want to see my blood boil, just send me some a news story or show me a clip from Iowa Press of a Republican in the state legislature agreeing to raise the gas tax if their Democrat counterparts decide to act on the issue. While I agree that [...]
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  Posted: February 03, 2009, 8:57am EST
  by Krusty

• The Democrat Train to Nowhere

  Number of comments: 7
  
  On Friday I had a post about Rep. Kraig Paulsen wanting the state to disappropriate some $300k for an Amtrak station in Dubuque, Murphy’s home town which doesn’t even have Amtrak service. Then today the trusty Krusty research staff reminded me that some Iowa Dems think [...]
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  Posted: February 02, 2009, 8:41am EST
  by Krusty

• Michael Steele to Lead RNC

  Number of comments: 0
  The RNC election was a wild ride to say the least. The race say the lead changes between former Chair Mike Duncan who led after the first ballot, then Michael Steele lead after the 3rd, and Katon Dawson with the lead after the 4th.
  
  In a surprising move, conservative [...]
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  Posted: February 01, 2009, 10:13pm EST
  by Krusty

• Michael Steele to Lead RNC

  Number of comments: 54
  The RNC election was a wild ride to say the least. The race say the lead changes between former Chair Mike Duncan who led after the first ballot, then Michael Steele lead after the 3rd, and Katon Dawson with the lead after the 4th.
  
  In a surprising move, conservative [...]
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  Posted: January 30, 2009, 3:31pm EST
  by Krusty

• First RNC Ballot

  Number of comments: 119
  
  
  168 voters (including proxies)
  Simple Majority needed to win.
  
  Mike Duncan: 52
  
  Michael Steele: 46
  
  Katon Dawson: 28
  
  Saul Anuzis: 22
  
  Ken Blackwell: 20
  
  
  Picture is from Patrick Ruffini via his Twitter page, the KK budget doesn't' [...]
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  Posted: January 30, 2009, 10:46am EST
  by Krusty

• Krazy Train

  Number of comments: 6
  Krazy, but thats how it goes…
  
  House Republican Leader Kraig Paulsen called on Speaker Pat Murphy to freeze spending on all Pork Projects like the Amtrak station in his home town of Dubuque since Amtrak doesn’t even service that community.
  
  The money for the station has been [...]
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  Posted: January 30, 2009, 9:23am EST
  by Krusty

• I’m running for Governor

  Number of comments: 27
  
  After careful consideration, I’ve decided form an exploratory committee to run for Governor of the great state of Iowa. I know, I know you thought I was running for U.S. Attorney against fellow blogger Gordon Fischer, but we all know you don’t campaign for that position, [...]
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  Posted: January 29, 2009, 9:06am EST
  by Krusty

• Yepsen worries that financial crisis could lead to Culver having a stroke

  Number of comments: 20
  In this morning’s press conference Governor Chet Culver bristled at David Yepsen’s question about whether or not he would have to come back and make more cuts.
  
  Again, another must read from Yepsen. [...]
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  Posted: January 28, 2009, 2:22pm EST
  by Krusty

• Giving Credit where Credit is due…

  Number of comments: 11
  One of the most difficult things for me to do is communicate with my readers are some things that go on in the State Legislature. Sure I can shed some light here and there and fill in a back story on occasion, but I’m not there, I’m not in the [...]
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  Posted: January 28, 2009, 11:10am EST
  by Krusty

• Give me a break...

  Number of comments: 11
  Waiting on Culver’s budget proposal, I’ll have more on that tomorrow.
  
  In the mean time here are a couple things that make me scratch my head.
  
  Iowa Independent – Independent my A$$
  
  So we all know that the Iowa Independent is written by liberal bloggers, and [...]
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  Posted: January 28, 2009, 8:56am EST
  by Krusty

• Culver suggests 6.5% Budget Cuts

  Number of comments: 21
  Last night Governor Chet Culver announced that his budget proposal will cut most state programs by 6.5%. The governor said that he wanted to spare public safety, workforce development, human services, disaster relief, the teacher quality program, and early childhood education from a full 6.5% cut.
  
  Why?
  
  [...]
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  Posted: January 27, 2009, 8:27am EST
  by Krusty

• Progress Report

  Number of comments: 10
  There are some weeks when I wonder if it’s even worth blogging anymore. I think all bloggers go through periods like this, and it’s bound to occur to those of us who post original content on at least 260 days a year. We do so because it’s our passion, and [...]
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  Posted: January 27, 2009, 11:00pm EST
  by Krusty

• BVP: Retrofit or Restoration

  Number of comments: 26
  Politics can be a tough business, but it is especially true for anyone who has ever put their name on the ballot. Thick skin and resolve are important attributes for any candidate, but especially true for a candidate making their 2nd or third attempt at running office.
  
  The question [...]
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  Posted: January 26, 2009, 12:43pm EST
  by Krusty

• Vander Plaats Announces 2010 Campaign

  Number of comments: 41
  
  Tomorrow morning (Monday) Bob Vander Plaats will announce his 2010 campaign for Governor on the Jan Michelson Show on WHO Radio. Vander Plaats will also appear on the Steve Deace show in the afternoon. I have also been told that two special guests will be joining [...]
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  Posted: January 25, 2009, 9:58pm EST
  by Krusty

• Chet: Good at drinking, bad at providing leadership

  Number of comments: 48
  
  My staff placed me in a padded cell yesterday after they figured out that I wasn’t about to cool down over Culver’s plan to see the lottery. During my confinement, a tasty story about Governor Culver appeared on the Politico.
  
  “The governor of Iowa, [...]
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  Posted: January 23, 2009, 1:10am EST
  by Krusty

• Limited Time Offer

  Number of comments: 1
  
  Do you have too much credit card debt? Are those bill collectors calling you at all hours of the night? Krusty Konservative can help.
  
  If you are an Iowan making $40,000 you are pre qualified to receive $274,000.00 right now! Think of what you could [...]
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  Posted: January 22, 2009, 7:56am EST
  by Krusty

• Yepsen: Iowa Lottery Scam is a Done Deal

  Number of comments: 3
  Grab the pitchforks!
  
  David Yepsen writes in his column today (a Krusty Must Read BTW) that the Lottery Scam is a done deal, and its just a matter of time before the deal is done. He points out that Iowa would be giving up 2.8 billion dollars [...]
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  Posted: January 22, 2009, 7:08am EST
  by Krusty

• Getting to know Chet

  Number of comments: 0
  How does the old saying go? You can learn a lot about someone from looking at their checkbook register. I think that’s true, you can see what organizations, churches, and charities they support, and what else they spend their money on. Well the same is true in politics; you can [...]
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  Posted: January 22, 2009, 6:54am EST
  by Krusty

• Odds and Ends

  Number of comments: 2
  Odd – Iowans for Tax Relief scheduling a press conference in Des Moines at the same time of former legislator Mary Lundby’s funeral in Cedar Rapids.
  
  Look, I know the world doesn’t need to stop because of her funeral but it’s also good to show some respect whether you [...]
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  Posted: January 21, 2009, 2:53pm EST
  by Krusty

• You are either with us or against us.

  Number of comments: 26
  Yesterday Governor Chet Culver’s 2008 campaign disclosure finally showed up on the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board. There are a couple different aspects that require discussion. I’m going to start with the easy stuff first.
  
  Culver raised $1,037,791.00 last year.
  Culver spent $546,292.49 in an off year.
  
  [...]
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  Posted: January 21, 2009, 1:43am EST
  by Krusty

• One Word: Ambiguous

  Number of comments: 8
  My reaction to President Obama’s inaugural address is split. On one hand it had plenty of lofty rhetoric which is to be expected in a speech of this stature. On the other hand, George W. Bush could have given the same exact speech. As a Republican looking for clues on [...]
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  Posted: January 20, 2009, 12:36pm EST
  by Krusty

• Rest in Peace

  Number of comments: 4
  Another State Legislator from Cedar Rapids has passed away. This morning Rosemary Thompson who served in the Iowa House from 1995-2000 passed away. Thompson filled the House seat vacated by Mary Lundby when she ran for the State Senate. [...]
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  Posted: January 19, 2009, 8:45am EST
  by Krusty

• A time of Hope

  Number of comments: 11
  I think it is very appropriate that today we honor the life and accomplishments or Martin Luther King, Jr., and tomorrow they eyes of the world will watch our country inaugurate its first African-American president, Barack Obama.
  
  One might expect an old krusty konservative hack like me to sit [...]
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  Posted: January 19, 2009, 8:42am EST
  by Krusty

• Rest in Peace

  Number of comments: 18
  
  Former State Legislator Mary Lundby passed away this morning. You can read the Register’s story here. While some grimaced at some of her political beliefs, her style of politics is something we could use more of here in Iowa and across the country. There was [...]
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  Posted: January 17, 2009, 12:10pm EST
  by Krusty

• Krusty for US Attorney

  Number of comments: 31
  
  I know you just spit up your hot chocolate when you read that, but I’m not joking. If I assert myself, go to law school, and pass the bar before the next Republican is sworn in as President, it could be a definite possibility, especially if [...]
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  Posted: January 16, 2009, 1:34pm EST
  by Krusty

• Iowa Dems want to sell the Lottery

  Number of comments: 16
  An Iowa casino operator wants to “lease” the Iowa Lottery for the next 49 years and it seems very evident that Speaker Murphy, Senator Gronstal, and Governor Culver are sold on the deal. The offer from Dan Kehl would pay more than $200 million up front and then allow the [...]
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  Posted: January 16, 2009, 8:13am EST
  by Krusty

• I’m Twitterpated

  Number of comments: 6
  So yeah, you can now follow me on Twitter. I guess you can thank new RPI Chairman Matt Strawn for that. You see Strawn sent a “tweet” and I wanted to read it but ended up with my own Twitter page, then somehow people began following so I felt pressure [...]
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  Posted: January 15, 2009, 8:49am EST
  by Krusty

• Don’t worry about the details, its easy.

  Number of comments: 32
  
  After listening to Governor Culver’s Condition of the State speech I’ve had a very simple question stuck in my head. How many families out there are sitting around the kitchen table at night talking about building a huge addition onto the house as a way to [...]
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  Posted: January 14, 2009, 1:14am EST
  by Krusty

• The Condition of our State: DIRE

  Number of comments: 23
  We all know the hardships facing our state, but what really puts Iowa in a dismal position is the fact that we our governor is incredibly weak and obviously in over his head.
  
  Iowa is facing some of the most serious challenges in its history, yet our Governor ‘s [...]
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  Posted: January 13, 2009, 12:20pm EST
  by Krusty

• Programming Note

  Number of comments: 9
  
  Governor Culver will give his Condition of the State speech this morning. I will be posting after his speech. I can’t wait till he opens with the false premise that the condition of our state is strong, we all know the troubles that we are in. [...]
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  Posted: January 13, 2009, 9:27am EST
  by Krusty

• More on Saturday’s RPI Elections

  Number of comments: 33
  It seems that some people are a little miffed that a “Dark Horse” candidate emerged in the race for Co-Chair and also won. Most people like an unobstructed view of the road ahead of them, but the world of politics is the last place one could look for such a [...]
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  Posted: January 12, 2009, 8:20am EST
  by Krusty

• Strawn, Kurtenbach, Randall and Schickel– Oh My!!!

  Number of comments: 56
  Matt Strawn was elected Chairman, I’m told he received 10 votes to Carroll’s 7.
  
  Jim Kurtenbach was elected Co-Chairman – This is a great development.
  
  Matt Randall was elected to be the RPI Treasurer – Again, awesome.
  
  Bill Schickel was elected to serve as the committees Secretary [...]
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  Posted: January 10, 2009, 11:39am EST
  by Krusty

• RPI Chair Election Open Thread

  Number of comments: 20
  
  
  What say you? The Register thinks it will be Strawn. [...]
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  Posted: January 10, 2009, 8:49am EST
  by Krusty

• Governor Culver works overtime on his beer belly…

  Number of comments: 32
  his condition of the state speech, and state budget will just have to wait….
  
  With the economic outlook of our state in shambles, there is no doubt that Governor Culver’s condition of the state speech is probably going to be a downer. Nonetheless, this is probably the most [...]
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  Posted: January 09, 2009, 11:43am EST
  by Krusty

• It’s almost over…

  Number of comments: 16
  In a just a few short hours members of the State Central Committee will arrive in Des Moines for this weekends meeting. While the vote will take place tomorrow morning, the last minute arm twisting takes place tonight in the nooks and dark hallways of the RPI headquarters. If I’m [...]
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  Posted: January 09, 2009, 10:24am EST
  by Krusty

• State of the Race

  Number of comments: 81
  Strawn and Carroll in a tight race. I think at the end of the day we are going to end up with both of these men serving in official roles in our Party. Pate’s entrance into the Co-Chair race is an interesting move as he is the only announced candidate [...]
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  Posted: January 08, 2009, 8:47am EST
  by Krusty

• The Other Chair Election – RNC Chair

  Number of comments: 18
  This past Monday American’s for Tax Reform hosted a debate held between the six candidates who want to head the RNC. Grover Norquist moderated the event, and he did an outstanding job. I had a trusted Krusty Korrespondent there who provided me with some insight.
  
  The similarities between the [...]
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  Posted: January 07, 2009, 10:35am EST
  by Krusty

• Dear Gopal

  Number of comments: 27
  Yesterday, Gopal Krishna let it be known that he is not running to be Chair of the Republican Party of Iowa, and never has been a candidate. He also took a little time to call his colleges on the State Central Committee immature and that the reason he would [...]
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  Posted: January 07, 2009, 9:33am EST
  by Krusty

• Presumptive 2012 Iowa Congressional Districts

  Number of comments: 43
  
  With the 2010 campaigns currently stuck in neutral, I decided to make a different type of prediction this year. While I certainly have my eye on a few gubernatorial possibilities like Mark Pearson and Matt Whitaker, neither have made any moves that would indicate that a [...]
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  Posted: January 06, 2009, 9:07am EST
  by Krusty

• Without a Vision the Party will Perish

  Number of comments: 54
  With the Republican Party of Iowa electing a new chairman this coming weekend, I’ve decided to postpone my prediction post. Don’t worry; it can wait a day or two. I think the selection of the leader of our party is far more important than me trying to accurately predict the [...]
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  Posted: January 05, 2009, 9:28am EST
  by Krusty

• No Go for Gopal?

  Number of comments: 53
  
  I was unable to attend the RPI Chair forum held in Des Moines today. From all reports it seems that the forum was very well attended and seen a positive thing for the party to organize. The photo above is from the Des Moines Register. [...]
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  Posted: January 03, 2009, 7:05pm EST
  by Krusty

• New Year Resolutions

  Number of comments: 0
  Blago Rocks
  
  Governor Blagojevich (Pay-Rod) is better than a reality show. His move yesterday to fill Obama’s Senate Seat was awesome. No I don’t think there is a chance in hell that Roland Burris will be the next Senator from Illinois, but you have to admire Pay-Rod’s audacity.
  [...]
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  Posted: December 31, 2008, 12:50am EST
  by Krusty

• GOP Chair Race

  Number of comments: 0
  I see that SCC member David Chung thinks I’m off my rocker when it comes to the SCC chair election. He refutes the possibility of a dark horse candidate, and thinks that I’ve been unfair to Gopal Krishna which has lead to all the negative comments on my blog.
  [...]
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  Posted: December 30, 2008, 10:18am EST
  by Krusty

• Chair and Co-Chair Candidate Forum Canceled

  Number of comments: 0
  I know many in the Iowa Blogosphere were disappointed that the RPI Chair and Co-Chair forum was cancelled. I think we all thought it was going to be a turning point in the race; its cancelation only benefited one candidate, the Dark Horse.
  
  I think the candidate forum was [...]
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  Posted: December 29, 2008, 8:58am EST
  by Krusty

• 'Twas the Night Before Session

  Number of comments: 95
  
  Santa Culver has been making the rounds delivering the following email to folks. Just in case you have not seen it yet, here you go.
  
  'Twas the night before session, when all through the House
  Not a member was stirring, no one there to grouse.
  [...]
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  Posted: December 24, 2008, 11:00pm EST
  by Krusty

• Tuesdays with Krusty

  Number of comments: 25
  
  Yesterday’s comment section was disgusting. It’s good to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the candidates for RPI chair, it’s another thing to launch into personal attacks and kindergarten antics. Some of you need to grow up. I really question if some people really want a [...]
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  Posted: December 23, 2008, 8:52am EST
  by Krusty

• Waiting on the Dark Horse

  Number of comments: 70
  On Saturday the Des Moines Register did a story about Chairman’s race. It’s just another story that paints the Republican Party of Iowa in a poor light if you ask me. The article states that we are looking for “stability.” Again, I couldn’t disagree more. We need a new [...]
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  Posted: December 22, 2008, 9:24am EST
  by Krusty

• Culver’s first draft of his letter sent to state employees.

  Number of comments: 51
  Dear Fellow AFSCME Member,
  
  Over the last few weeks, I have ordered all state departments to reduce spending. This will have an effect on state employees, and the services you provide Iowans. I want to take this opportunity to tell you directly why I took these actions, and what [...]
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  Posted: December 18, 2008, 5:57pm EST
  by Krusty

• Governor, You are elected to lead in times of crisis, not play the blame game.

  Number of comments: 15
  
  Below is the letter Governor Culver sent to state employees. Once again, he blames George W. Bush for our state's problems, not the Democrats out-of-control spending of the past 2 years.
  
  Dear Fellow State Employee,
  
  Over the last few weeks, I have ordered all [...]
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  Posted: December 18, 2008, 4:06pm EST
  by Krusty

• Kondolences

  Number of comments: 2
  
  Former State Representative Barbara Finch has died in an auto accident.
  
  Please keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. KCCI has the story. [...]
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  Posted: December 18, 2008, 12:41pm EST
  by Krusty

• Iowa’s Financial Bailout: Sell the Lottery

  Number of comments: 11
  Just a few months ago when the national and world economies collapsed, Iowa Governor Chet Culver, and the Democrat Leaders in the State House and State Senate assured us that Iowa’s economy was still strong and that thanks to the Democrats we have a balanced budget, $600 million dollar cash [...]
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  Posted: December 18, 2008, 9:25am EST
  by Krusty

• Can/Should the new RPI Chair serve two masters?

  Number of comments: 71
  With the Kim Lehman fiasco finally behind us, the original argument used against her and Steve Scheffler in their bids to become our representatives at the National Convention, are now in play for the race for chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa.
  
  Gopal Krishna is on the board [...]
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  Posted: December 17, 2008, 9:20am EST
  by Krusty

• Vilsack to be Named Secretary of Ag

  Number of comments: 8
  
  Congrats Tom, but I thought you were in line to be our next US Senator?
  
  While I question his Ag credentials (he’s a town boy/attorney/state senator/ governor) having the SOA from our state is a big deal.
  
  I wonder is Poohsack will [...]
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  Posted: December 16, 2008, 5:39pm EST
  by Krusty

• The Dark Horse

  Number of comments: 61
  
  
  While the Blogosphere is white hot with discussion about the Chairman’s race for the Republican Party of Iowa, the way I see it, no candidate is close to garnering the nine votes required to be elected. At best one of the candidates may have five [...]
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  Posted: December 16, 2008, 9:27am EST
  by Krusty

• There is more to leading the Party than being well versed in BlogSpot, Twitter, and YouTube.

  Number of comments: 70
  There is no doubt in my mind that the Republican Party in Iowa needs to do a better job in communicating its message to voters, and communicating with its county organizations and activists. Last week it seemed to me that many of my collogues in the Iowa Blogosphere went a [...]
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  Posted: December 15, 2008, 9:24am EST
  by Krusty

• Harkin: Liberal Elitism at its Best

  Number of comments: 21
  
  Tucked away on the Des Moines Register’s website is a story about the plane carrying Ruth Harkin that skidded off the runway at the Waterloo airport on Friday. Harkin was in Black Hawk County for a Board of Regents meeting at the University of Northern [...]
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  Posted: December 13, 2008, 2:20pm EST
  by Krusty

• 2010: Make or Break for Iowa Republicans

  Number of comments: 47
  There was a lot of talk after the devastating elections of 2006 that the 2008 contests were of critical importance. While I thought they were important, I have long thought that the 2010 elections will determine if Iowa is a blue, red or purple state.
  
  Even with gains in [...]
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  Posted: December 12, 2008, 8:45am EST
  by Krusty

• Iowa GOP Chair Race

  Number of comments: 57
  By now you have probably figured out that I don’t think Gopla Krishna should be elected to be the Chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa. How this liar is still even an option is beyond me.
  
  So with that out of the way I want to assess [...]
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  Posted: December 11, 2008, 10:10am EST
  by Krusty

• Trouble with the Truth

  Number of comments: 22
  
  Last week we all took a little time to look back at Gopal Krishna’s first go around with the Republican Party of Iowa. If you weren’t around then or didn’t read my posts on the subject you just have to know it wasn’t what some would [...]
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  Posted: December 10, 2008, 9:47am EST
  by Krusty

• Marriage on Trial

  Number of comments: 24
  The Iowa Supreme Court begins hearing a case that could bring gay marriage to Iowa. Battleground has a link to where you can listen to the proceedings. To be really honest I feel pessimistic about this trial. I think it has to do with how quickly the moral foundation [...]
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  Posted: December 09, 2008, 8:44am EST
  by Krusty