Dear Senator Harkin,
We are 25 days from an election. At the Jefferson-Jackson dinner you talked about how important this election is, and how we need to send Becky Greenwald and Rob Hubler to Congress, and return Bruce Braley (IA-1), Dave Loebsack (IA-2),and Leonard Boswell (IA-3). In your own race, nobody has ever heard of your hapless opponent, he has no money, and he is going to lose big. So I have to ask, why are you sitting on a campaign warchest of more than $4 million? Why aren't you doing everything you can to turn Iowa blue?
If you wanted to, you could donate half a million to the DCCC and tell them to spend it on these races. You would have enough left over to squash your opponent six years from now, as you have done every time the GOP ran someone against you. Rumor has it that there is a support group for the former members of Congress you have defeated.
You could be the most influential and beloved Democratic politician in Iowa history if you reach out and give meaningful help to Greenwald and Hubler. I know you have done a few fundraisers, and I'm sure that's appreciated. Your PAC has chipped in $2500 each. But it is not enough. Not in a year when the Democrats have a gale-force wind at their backs, and a once in a generation opportunity to change the direction of the country. Hubler's opponent, Steve King, only has $243k cash on hand as of his October report. Latham, Greenwald's opponent had $832,388 in June and has been pouring it into TV from what I can see. Your PAC has given more money by far to Democrats in safe seats in other states than to these crucial races in Iowa. John Kerry sent me an email a while back announcing that he was donating $1 million to Senate campaigns. He is leading by example. He is going to win his race, and so are you.
On the other hand, if Hubler and Greenwald lose, you will be remembered for inexplicably clinging to a huge campaign account that you don't need, while watching this opportunity slip away. I just don't understand why you would risk that.
And you are not alone. There are races around the country where the Democratic senator or congressman is expected to coast to victory, and yet they are not sharing the wealth with challengers who could make it possible to enact progressive legislation without attaching it to a $700 billion bailout. Our congressional incumbents could donate 10% of their campaign accounts, as DesMoinesDem suggested, and make a difference.
What difference would that be? Well, for example, do you want to have this guy roaming the capitol for another two years?
Or would you rather have Rob Hubler voting to support your renewable energy legislation?
Or Becky Greenwald voting with you on health care?
Senator Harkin, you have done so much for Iowa. Iowa Democrats regard you as a kind of patron saint. But to whom much is given, much is required. I am asking you to help Rob Hubler and Becky Greenwald. Do it for Iowa. It's the right thing.
Sincerely,
2laneIA