Sand needs to declare how he will address the "emptying out" of Iowa's countryside, particularly its youth who now exit in hordes to a handful of urban counties.
Placing some state bureaucrats in rural places is a good idea.
But vitalizing the family-scale farm sector and main street commerce requires creative policies (plus state-federal collaboration) and high energy.
Thanks again for such an informative post. Both candidates are admirable and capable.
But, as someone who has supported Sand for quite some time, I must admit his response to Conway was a disappointing surprise. I’m sure he wanted to dodge the bullet Conway fired his way in a “never complain, never explain” way.
But he eventually will have to address the issue with Democratic audiences who believe, for the most part, in rights for everyone. Even the transgendered.
Rob Sand, in my humble opinion, is the real deal. He is smart, empathetic, thoughtful, caring, focused. He has a vision and a game plan. And yes, he is married to a woman from a wealthy family. Does money alone disqualify an entire family, let alone a wife, from being considered? No, look at what they donate a significant amount of money towards - the betterment of the city of Des Moines. Also, Rob is NOT from Des Moines, but small town Iowa - real big deal for rural Iowans for some mysterious way. I am sure Julie Stauch is a fine person and can run a campaign, but she is not known outside of political circles. I am 72 years old and follow Democratic politics fairly closely and I never heard of her. It will take too much time and money to introduce yourself to the residents of Iowa. And, lordy, Iowans love to know their candidates like they are next door neighbors. ROB SAND is that next door neighbor you can wave to, smile, say "hi" and that will be returned, perhaps with even a pat on the shoulder and a helping hand!!! Thank you!!
Thanks for another deep dive Laura. I am glad we have two credible candidates for the primary. My hope is that Julie Stauch and Rob Sand will bring about some good conversations which will inform and inspire voters. Wouldn’t that be refreshing?
To me, looking from outside Iowa, it seems like the hardest thing Sand will need to do is balance being critical of Trump/Republican lawbreaking with his work with everyone/ crossover brand. Sand might want to stay focused on local and state issues, but I find it hard to imagine that some of the administration’s actions don’t start filtering into the campaign. (Grassley’s and Ernst’s town halls had a lot of energy)
I simply don't know how Laura Belin keeps the pace she keeps and provides the depth and breadth of information and insight for Iowans and even for national readers. But I am immensely thankful she does. Proud that my husband and I have been paid subscribers to Bleeding Heartland for several years. A few dollars a month is an investment well worth it. This is a must read for anyone interested in the political and governing future of our state.
This gubernatorial campaign will determine whether Iowa can ever recover from the most devastating decade of governance in our history. The Republican Party (that’s what they’re still calling themselves) under a governor and super majority legislature, has defiled and degraded every noble attribute that once made us the envy of our nation, and the pride we held for ourselves. Prejudice, separation between church and state, reverence for public education, healthcare, environmental protection and civil liberties have been replaced by authoritarian ideology and political chauvinism. All of which openly threatens our civility, society and the values that formerly defined us.
However, we must guard against the temptation of playing oddsmakers, concerning who has the highest probability of success based upon traditional criteria. Largest financial resources, most widespread name recognition, glib retorts or attractive physical attributes or appearance. We must carefully vet the details of their policies and yes, political sensibilities, strategies, character, practices and sophistication, all to ensure we have a leader with the resolve to make tough choices, to imbue our people with the values that our motto states on our flag.
We must not forget the disastrous consequences of what another administration like the last one will cost us. We may not get another chance.
Sand is good; he can also come across as a bit smug. I'd like for him to be more forthcoming on issues, as he no doubt will. I like both of them for their emphasis on the smaller cities, towns, rural parts of the state. They need to know that Dems haven't forgotten them--or if we have, that a new day is coming. I like her problem-solving approach. How else can we deal with vouchers except head on? Can that thing be repealed? I would think even some of the GOP regret it and without a GOP governor, we hope, maybe they won't vote as a whole. Same with abortion (if it can't be repealed then soften it?). Sand is proud of how he has made efficiency, honesty and the law his mantra while in office. Great. But what experience has he had with the difficult issues facing the state? I'm looking forward to debates.
Sand needs to declare how he will address the "emptying out" of Iowa's countryside, particularly its youth who now exit in hordes to a handful of urban counties.
Placing some state bureaucrats in rural places is a good idea.
But vitalizing the family-scale farm sector and main street commerce requires creative policies (plus state-federal collaboration) and high energy.
Thanks again for such an informative post. Both candidates are admirable and capable.
But, as someone who has supported Sand for quite some time, I must admit his response to Conway was a disappointing surprise. I’m sure he wanted to dodge the bullet Conway fired his way in a “never complain, never explain” way.
But he eventually will have to address the issue with Democratic audiences who believe, for the most part, in rights for everyone. Even the transgendered.
Rob Sand, in my humble opinion, is the real deal. He is smart, empathetic, thoughtful, caring, focused. He has a vision and a game plan. And yes, he is married to a woman from a wealthy family. Does money alone disqualify an entire family, let alone a wife, from being considered? No, look at what they donate a significant amount of money towards - the betterment of the city of Des Moines. Also, Rob is NOT from Des Moines, but small town Iowa - real big deal for rural Iowans for some mysterious way. I am sure Julie Stauch is a fine person and can run a campaign, but she is not known outside of political circles. I am 72 years old and follow Democratic politics fairly closely and I never heard of her. It will take too much time and money to introduce yourself to the residents of Iowa. And, lordy, Iowans love to know their candidates like they are next door neighbors. ROB SAND is that next door neighbor you can wave to, smile, say "hi" and that will be returned, perhaps with even a pat on the shoulder and a helping hand!!! Thank you!!
Thanks for another deep dive Laura. I am glad we have two credible candidates for the primary. My hope is that Julie Stauch and Rob Sand will bring about some good conversations which will inform and inspire voters. Wouldn’t that be refreshing?
Love this reporting.
How did Sand approach the “No Kings” protests?
To me, looking from outside Iowa, it seems like the hardest thing Sand will need to do is balance being critical of Trump/Republican lawbreaking with his work with everyone/ crossover brand. Sand might want to stay focused on local and state issues, but I find it hard to imagine that some of the administration’s actions don’t start filtering into the campaign. (Grassley’s and Ernst’s town halls had a lot of energy)
I don’t see any indication that he went to any of the No Kings protests.
I simply don't know how Laura Belin keeps the pace she keeps and provides the depth and breadth of information and insight for Iowans and even for national readers. But I am immensely thankful she does. Proud that my husband and I have been paid subscribers to Bleeding Heartland for several years. A few dollars a month is an investment well worth it. This is a must read for anyone interested in the political and governing future of our state.
This gubernatorial campaign will determine whether Iowa can ever recover from the most devastating decade of governance in our history. The Republican Party (that’s what they’re still calling themselves) under a governor and super majority legislature, has defiled and degraded every noble attribute that once made us the envy of our nation, and the pride we held for ourselves. Prejudice, separation between church and state, reverence for public education, healthcare, environmental protection and civil liberties have been replaced by authoritarian ideology and political chauvinism. All of which openly threatens our civility, society and the values that formerly defined us.
However, we must guard against the temptation of playing oddsmakers, concerning who has the highest probability of success based upon traditional criteria. Largest financial resources, most widespread name recognition, glib retorts or attractive physical attributes or appearance. We must carefully vet the details of their policies and yes, political sensibilities, strategies, character, practices and sophistication, all to ensure we have a leader with the resolve to make tough choices, to imbue our people with the values that our motto states on our flag.
We must not forget the disastrous consequences of what another administration like the last one will cost us. We may not get another chance.
Sand is good; he can also come across as a bit smug. I'd like for him to be more forthcoming on issues, as he no doubt will. I like both of them for their emphasis on the smaller cities, towns, rural parts of the state. They need to know that Dems haven't forgotten them--or if we have, that a new day is coming. I like her problem-solving approach. How else can we deal with vouchers except head on? Can that thing be repealed? I would think even some of the GOP regret it and without a GOP governor, we hope, maybe they won't vote as a whole. Same with abortion (if it can't be repealed then soften it?). Sand is proud of how he has made efficiency, honesty and the law his mantra while in office. Great. But what experience has he had with the difficult issues facing the state? I'm looking forward to debates.
I haven't gotten the news coverage as the other two Democrats, but I'm in the race!
Please check out my platform at www.WildWillpower.org: it is being updated daily, and is finally taking shape.