In the nastiest congressional primary race I've ever seen, tonight's the put-up-or-shut-up moment for the Fallon campaign. I cannot imagine how either one of them could ever call to congratulate one or the other after the nasty campaigning and name-calling that's taken place.
I admit, I've gotten a little tough on Ed at the desmoinesregister.com. But I've had good reason. Our battle is pretty personal.
I used to support Ed Fallon when he was in the Iowa House. I sent him campaign contributions and joined his grassroots 1000 Friends of Iowa organization. I sat and watched him play the guitar at Mass at the Catholic Worker House on 8th and Indiana, one of Des Moines' poorest neighborhoods. I helped him and his friends plant a garden at the Worker.
The warm friendly feelings all came to a screeching halt one day while I was working for the Al Gore in 2000. I read a newspaper article that revealed as true a rumor that I simply could not believe. A sitting Iowa democratic legislator was supporting Ralph Nader. I could not even comprehend this decision. I sat down and wrote him a letter. I wish I had a copy, but I'm sure Ed remembers it.
"I will never support you again. Ever."
And I mean it. Ed Fallon often makes irrational decisions while crusading for his causes. The only problem is, Ed lives on the edge of the forest and cannot see the trees. He lacks the vision to see the big picture. I hope not too many people made the mistake of voting for him. It would not surprise me if he abandoned others in his quest to stand out from the crowd. He can't help it. But it's not good for Iowa.
Fyi, I know countless good partisan progressive D's who were torn between Nader and Gore. Some very high in the IA D party food chain. Times were different then. Gore was different then.
The results are coming in. Looks like Boz has it. Congratulations!
For my part, I had no strong feelings about Boz prior to this primary. Never a big fan, but did not hold his moderate stances against him. We need both moderates and progressives in our party. After this primary, I despise the man. You are right, a nasty campaign. The worst primary I have observed up close and personal. Talk about showing your real values. If the general election was held tonight, I could not cast my vote for him. After a few months, I will likely be a good D and be able to hold my nose and vote for him.
I just hope his supporters will hold his feet to the fire and make him become the progressive he all the sudden during this primary claimed to be. Even if that won't happen, at least we got a few decent votes out of him during the primary. Thanks to Ed for that. And thanks to Ed for running an issue-based campaign.
Posted by: RF | June 3, 2008 9:08 PM | Permalink to Comment