Great News! I can't believe it! A highly respected poll puts Democratic challenger Dave Loebsack ahead of long term incumbent (and the original 'catch and release') Republican Jim Leach!
Here is a email I just got from the Loebsack campaign:
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Released Thursday by RT Strategies and
Constituent Dynamics, the poll shows Democratic
challenger Dave Loebsack ahead of Republican
incumbent Jim Leach by one percentage point. They
list the 2nd District race as one of the most
competitive United States House races in the country.
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Jim Leach is the original "catch-and-release" Republican. He votes 'liberal' when his party has votes to spare on an issue. When his vote is needed he is there for his party. This was most evident a year ago when Jim Leach's vote was the deciding vote allowing the particularly odious budget to come the floor for a vote. The vote on that issue was 217-216! This so-called "moderation" plays well in a heavily Democratic district. So well that Leach has been sent back for 30 years.
But the act is finally wearing thin here. While IA-02 has always had a Democratic edge, it also has an independent streak and has shown it by voting for Leach.
This time however Dave Loebsack has taken up the challenge against Leach. Dave Loebsack is a Political Science professor in foreign affairs at Cornell College. Leach has always been considered a bit of a foreign policy expert, but Loebsack's credentials negate this perceived advantage.
On domestic policy Dave is a true democrat. He has already announced his intention to support the one-payer health care bill, minimum wage and the Kyoto Treaty. Dave is a solid supporter of all progressive values. He was one of the first to voice support for Russ Feigold's resolution of censure on Bush's illegal wiretapping.
As for Iraq, Dave has a step-son and a daughter-in-law who are now or have been in Iraq. So his position comes from the heart. And his position is withdrawal starting in five minutes.
Here is a clip from a recent debate between Loebsack and Leach:
http://www.dailyiowan.com/...
This is a victory we need. Sending Leach packing would send a HUGE message. This has been a true grassroots campaign. But Dave really needs some help to finally put Leach away. So I am begging in his stead. Please go to his website or ActBlue to help us out! (help me finally get a real representative).
http://www.loebsackforcongress.org/...
https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/8795