I will not be supporting Blouin for the ticket -- I simply cannot resolve his position on women's rights and think he would sell out the women of Iowa to win the seat. Right now I'm leaning toward Judge, but I'm not firmly in her camp yet.
As an FYI, here is an email from Judge which was sent out this morning. When and if I receive messages from the other candidates, I'll post those as well.
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Monday, September 26, 2005
Dear Friends,
My decision to enter the race for Governor was not an easy one. My husband, John, and I thought long and hard about it. I know that the race will be extremely expensive and that a lot of unkind and untrue things will be said about me before it is over. Despite those facts, I decided to run because Iowa needs a strong leader with the vision to move the state forward and the character to make a decision and stick with it. I have the experience, vision, and character to lead. I am the only candidate for Governor who brings to this race knowledge of health care, private business ownership, agriculture, legislative leadership, and state government administration. I have received such encouragement from so many Iowans already, and I want to work with you, and all Iowans, to make our state’s future as bright as possible.
During my years as Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture, our efforts expanding agriculture-based initiatives have created thousands of new jobs for Iowans. As Governor, I will build on the progress we have made, both in our cities and in the small towns that so desperately need our help.
Agricultural leadership and a strong economy are compatible with environmental protection. I have always been committed to ensuring that agriculture is environmentally-friendly and neighbor-friendly.
As a state senator, I worked hard on legislation to regulate the construction and expansion of hog confinements. I insisted on setting standards for monitoring hog confinements and encouraged comprehensive nutrient management plans, to make certain our water is protected. The progress has not been easy, but today the livestock industry is safer and more neighbor-friendly than it was when my work began.
In the past six years, as your Secretary of Agriculture, I have implemented programs to improve water quality, as well as enhancing and protecting our natural resources. We have built wetlands in six Iowa counties, and have over thirty more underway. We have constructed grass waterways and buffer strips, and we are implementing land management practices that reduce the amount of fertilizer applied to farm fields. We are making progress, and as Governor, I will use that experience to continue down that same path of improving our state’s rivers, lakes, and streams.
This race is about the ability to get things done, to make the right decision, and to demand results. I am determined, I am experienced, and I do not back down. I want to be your Governor to provide opportunity for all Iowans and to continue the leadership Tom Vilsack has brought to this state. We can have a prosperous future. Iowa’s best days are still ahead. I have what it takes to lead, and I would be honored to have your support. Please join my campaign by making a contribution of $250, $125, $50, $35, or whatever you can afford by going to
https://www.pattyjudge.com/contribute/. Your contribution will make a difference for my campaign, as we communicate our message of hard work, responsibility, and opportunity to voters throughout Iowa.
I thank you in advance for your generosity, and I look forward to standing with you as we make our hopes for Iowa reality.
Sincerely,
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