Yes. Yes.

I've already been phoned by another state rep encouraging me to run. And yesterday, I attended the County platform Committee meeting and got some pressure there, too. The platform committee meeting really opened my eyes. The only person who is contemplating challenging the republican rep. was there and he told me that he'd gladly give up the notion and support me. this was because the platform committee really didn't know jack-squat. If I hadn't been there, they would have been voting for things that they had no understanding of. I had to explain what "black sites" were, what single-payer health coverage meant, what the line-item veto was and why it was bad. In just the little exposure that I've had, I've made quite a stir. i figure if I run, i already stand a really good chance of winning. Democrats will be at the polls outnumbering republicans 2 to 1 and I'll be the only democratic challenger.

Yes. Yes.

I've already been phoned by another state rep encouraging me to run. And yesterday, I attended the County platform Committee meeting and got some pressure there, too. The platform committee meeting really opened my eyes. The only person who is contemplating challenging the republican rep. was there and he told me that he'd gladly give up the notion and support me. this was because the platform committee really didn't know jack-squat. If I hadn't been there, they would have been voting for things that they had no understanding of. I had to explain what "black sites" were, what single-payer health coverage meant, what the line-item veto was and why it was bad. In just the little exposure that I've had, I've made quite a stir. i figure if I run, i already stand a really good chance of winning. Democrats will be at the polls outnumbering republicans 2 to 1 and I'll be the only democratic challenger.

Fantastic! It's only a matter of time before they crown you queen!

Seriously, this is great news!
Is it weird of me to say I'm very proud of you? :

Heyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy... I could propose a holiday to commemorate the Farmer's Holiday!

So much for corporate sponsors

No Kiddin'

Update: I have all of the paperwork. I need 50 signatures in a week. I'm calling the lady at the county courthouse tomorrow to get a list of all of the registered dems in my county. Registered dems are outnumbered by registered republicans almost 2 to 1. Also, the guy I'm challenging has run unopposed for two election cycles. So he's accumulated $35,000 in campaign funding over the years. It's gonna be hard, but I'll give it my all. I think If i can get some Air America hosts to have me on, we might be able to raise quite a bit. it's a good story... young guy going into a heavily republican district that hasn't seen democratic leadership since the early 80's.

Check Dr. Deans people at Democracy for America.
They make cases like your's their mission, part of the 50 state strategy.

http://www.democracyforamerica.com/

Grassroots political organization founded by Howard Dean. Dedicated to recruiting, training, promoting and funding progressive candidates at all levels of government.

No Kiddin'

Update: I have all of the paperwork. I need 50 signatures in a week. I'm calling the lady at the county courthouse tomorrow to get a list of all of the registered dems in my county. Registered dems are outnumbered by registered republicans almost 2 to 1. Also, the guy I'm challenging has run unopposed for two election cycles. So he's accumulated $13,000 in campaign funding over the years. It's gonna be hard, but I'll give it my all. I think If i can get some Air America hosts to have me on, we might be able to raise quite a bit. it's a good story... young guy going into a heavily republican district that hasn't seen democratic leadership since the early 80's.

50 sigs? if you can't get them, i wouldn't vote for you either!

just kidding...
See you at the national!

I won't be able to afford going to the national. I'll be saving my pennies.

The whole story of how you got where you are is a very interesting one, TJ. Any of you literary types have the ability to shop it around to some progressive mags?

TJ is farto

I think that's great! I think that's great! A job you'd get paid for....Mrs POAC must be pretty exited too.

Easy there, killer, it's just Iowa state Congress! At least let me go federal before we start talking about my predestined inevitable position as Supreme Regional Emperor of the Hemisphere.

And yes, oh yes, it is inevitable.

Right you are, Queenie. I'll polish the crown. - Might be a refreshing change to have a queen with a willy!

Unfair! Her Maj does have a willy.

Her grandson.

So she does! Wasn't thinking straight for a minute there!

Straight Willie?

I think that's entirely your business Sky!

I think that's great! I think that's great! A job you'd get paid for....Mrs POAC must be pretty exited too.

Actually, I and my entire family are so very proud! My family is very active political family locally. We all grew up talking politics, following politics, etc. My 81 year old mother and 71 year old father are already on the campaign trail getting signatures from several well respected dems for the support of TJ.

Actually at times I think they could both burst with pride!

I am already looking at what our next steps are... debates? never heard of hear before.... town hall meetings? never been done on a local level....

It's gonna take a good campaign as this area is wholly republican! Repub's that are not happy with the current administration..... but repubs non the less.

Templetonforcongress.com

When will you start collecting contributions?

Great question. As far as I can see from the government forms. We need to file the Templetonforcongress papers, declare the organization (not a non profit or pac...l but just an organization) and then declar that we will be putting "paid for templeton for congress" at the bottom of all literature....

After all of this...and putting up a few bucks to open a Templeton for congress account at a local bank. THEN... and only THEN can we start the collection process.

the laws seem to state (if I am interpreting them right...) that we have to declare prior to fundraising.... or prior to having debt at or over 750.00. My brothers an attorney...so I need to check with him yet.... but that is how I am interpreting the reg's until I find out differently

TJ just registered the Templetonforcongress web addy.....

The funny part is, if I lived there, I'd probably vote for the Republican!

But I'll support POAC. He's honest, he's intelligent, and he'll listen to his opposition.

Perhaps Jubal... perhaps....

But until you live in a BFE... and realize that only the big dogs at the an electric company are making decisions for you.... and the only reason that they are in the position is because of cronyism....and that they constantly vote against indian rights...and recognizing indian soveriegnty...(sp)

you may just change your mind......

You never know. It's hard to figure out these days. I don't think I walked away from conservatism, but sometimes it seems conservatism is walking away from me. Getting so I don't much give a damn about the labels.

Actually, I and my entire family are so very proud! My family is very active political family locally. We all grew up talking politics, following politics, etc. My 81 year old mother and 71 year old father are already on the campaign trail getting signatures from several well respected dems for the support of TJ.

Actually at times I think they could both burst with pride!

You never know. It's hard to figure out these days. I don't think I walked away from conservatism, but sometimes it seems conservatism is walking away from me. Getting so I don't much give a damn about the labels.

You never know. It's hard to figure out these days. I don't think I walked away from conservatism, but sometimes it seems conservatism is walking away from me. Getting so I don't much give a damn about the labels.

Lib.

Labels don't matter, content matters.
Live consciously: Vote your conscience.
TJ, I'll get the crown out of the porn-brokers in plenty of time for the coronationing, OK?

Do you by any chance have more than one window on your desktop at the moment?

Now is our moment for real change in district 3. For 12 years the republicans have held the only position on our ballot, unchallenged by a democrat. I’m more than willing to answer the call for change and to fight to be your representative in the Iowa State House. It’s not going to be easy. Democratic voters here are outnumbered nearly 2 to 1. Additionally, since the incumbent has run unchallenged for two terms, he already has thousands of unused dollars in his campaign coffers. We are just beginning. It’s going to be a tough up-hill battle but we have truth and evidence on our side. The failed and flawed republican ideology has come full course and republican voters are disheartened and showing up at the polls in record lows, while the democrats’ caucus numbers beat the republicans by double and even triple in some areas. Now is our chance to break a very unfortunate series of elections.
While the republicans traditionally court Big Business and the big money men of the area, I want to hear from you: the consumer, the laborer, the farmer, the small business owner, the retiree, the home-maker. While republicans push the agenda of big business and coerce their constituents to follow, I want you to lead me. I will do everything I can to represent you.

Any suggestions?

Other than free beer for all your campaign volunteers, can you be a little more specific?

Once I'm on the ballot.

Any suggestions?
Spell checkers?