A Penguin in the Orchard

Iowa Politics

It sure will be nice to watch TV tomorrow evening without the mudslinging.

Tonight, it looks like Iowa has re-elected it’s Democratic governor, Tom Vilsak. Despite the minor beefs I’ve had with his tech policies and practice, I’m happy with his re-election. The alternative was an aide to the previous governor who couldn’t have been more over the top in his Republican philosophy.

Also re-elected was Senator Tom Harkin. He’s gaining seniority in the Senate which means, of course, comitteeships and influence. He’s been a great advocate of farmers and the disabled, both of which mean a great deal to me.

And, the Associated Press is calling the Jim Leach - Julie Thomas race. My longtime acquaintance Congressman Leach will be staying in Washington. Despite my long-held Democratic beliefs, I’m happy with his re-election. He even carried Johnson County, possibly the strongest Democratic county in Iowa. With the University of Iowa, Johnson County is heavily influenced by a liberal arts college and a liberal urban spirit. I think it says much about his integrity that he’s won the confidence of Johnson County residents.

Nationally, it’s looking like a wash. I, like most, am most interested in Minnesota and Missouri. But it looks like it’ll be long after my lids are closed before those results are in.