Rant against a Democrat

[DU9598]

There is a contested primary election pitting incumbent State Sen. Matt McCoy against Gary Randa. I am very frustrated by this primary election for quite a few reasons.

I am supporting Sen. McCoy, but in most instances I am not opposed to a good primary (like the Governor's race, although I wish it were less negative). However, Gary Randa's campaign is, IMO, a stealth candidacy that could really hurt the Democrats' great opportunity to build a solid majority in the state senate.

In the last two days I have received push polling from the Randa campaign against Sen. McCoy from paid telemarketers who apologized to me when I told her that I thought her discussion of Sen. McCoy's sexual orientation was over the line and offensive to me personally. On top of that the Randa campaign is putting up its yard signs on every public street corner in my neighborhood and even put a sign in my yard next to my McCoy sign. I am at least glad that they did not take down my McCoy sign. These activities are a legitimate not part of a contested Democratic primary, IMO.

I am also opposed to Gary Randa and here is why. He is basically a republican running in the Democratic primary because the district is overwhelming Democratic and the party's nominee will easily win in November. Randa is running on "family values", ie, running against our gay state senator. Randa responds that he has a gay son, but is opposed to "special treatment" for gays and is strongly against gay marriage. (What a great dad, making his son a second class citizen!) Randa was registered as a republican up until 2002 (glad he changed party, but wish he would change his political philosophy too) Randa is pro death penalty. Randa also worked for the Wolford Group who swindled thousands of DSM residents out of their life savings and their homes. (Wolfords are currently awaiting several decades in prison following a guilty verdict in Iowa District Court)

Sorry for this rant, but I sure hope that all DSM residents in Matt McCoy's district see through this challenge to his seat and will join me in supporting Sen. McCoy's relection. If we have a Democratic majority, we need to make sure we have real Democrats.

[EST]

1. I find your "rant" a very thoughtful and considered essay,

not really a "rant" at all. I do not consider the "big tent" philosophy of the dem party not nearly big enough, nor should it be, to include turncoat republicans, evil spawn they be.
Party purity is anathema to some, but allowing that sort of liar, so crooked that they will, willingly, become a stealth candidate and attempt to subvert the good and healthy things that define a democrat, is the single biggest thing we have to guard against. When I see someone pleading for party unity, so as to welcome the majority of DLC agents, it sickens me.
Please keep up the good work and do all you can to stop the invasion of whacked out repukes, willing insurgents, who see their own band of criminals sliding down the tubes and are attempting to bring their hate and fears into the last sane, somewhat cleaner group of intelligent patriots.

[Debi]

2. Your post is not the first that I have heard of Randa's 'family values'

garbage - if he's so much for 'family values' is this how he is teaching his children to treat people who have a different sexual orientation then their own? Only if you are like ME can you be considered REAL!! Has McCoy's sexual orientation becoming public changed his political opinions or voting record in any way? Hasn't Matt remainded steadfast w/the Party through all this time? What garbage to use against an individual just to get to sit and vote in Des Moines (what else will Randa do to get what he wants?)

I hope your 'rant' became an LTTE in time to let Randa's campaign know how you feel. I also hope you'll be working for McCoy in the next couple of days!!

d.

[Broke Dad]

3. McCoy brings some of this on . . .

McCoy brings some of this on himself. Long before his sexual orientation was an issue, he was drawing union challengers in the primary because his lips were firming planted on the Ruan corporate backside. McCoy's attendance has always been poor. . . he is constantly juggling a number of hats, and if he misses a couple of dozen votes, his attitude is "Oh well." Then there is the issue of him claiming one address while owning a custom built house at another address. The list of south side little gripes against McCoy goes on and on. That's why he is one of the few Democrats who draws a primary challenger every time he comes up for election. But, the guy can raise money, was an Eagle Scout, his family ran a well respected local hardware store and he turn on the charm. McCoy just needs to act like he wants the state senate job after he's won the election.

BTW, he wants Boswell's congressional seat so BAD he can almost taste it!

McCoy's sexual orientation is a non-issue.

[Debi]

4. Thanks for the info - since I live up in Black Hawk I don't know so much

about his daily issues. Only heard good things about him up here. McCoy considered a run against Grassley early, early on and realized that would end his political career. He needs to make sure everyone at home loves him before he runs in an arena bigger than the one he's in now.

[ISUGRADIA]

5. MCCOY WINS IN A LANDSLIDE!

MATT MCCOY 4522 ( 76.71%)
GARY RANDA 1352 ( 22.93%)
WRITE-IN 21 ( 0.36%)

30 of 30

[DU9598]

6. Big Sigh of Relief

No, will Mr. Randa support Sen. McCoy in the general election? I doubt it. It won't matter in this district.

BTW - a little research showed that Mr. Randa's campaign manager Mike Vasquez donated $500 to Jeff Lamberti (R). What a Democrat!