2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Iowa Grassroots Leader To Head Taxpayers For Brownback

Iowa Grassroots Leader to Head Taxpayers for Brownback
George Davey led successful effort opposing the "Project Destiny" local tax hike

DES MOINES - The Brownback for President Campaign today announced that George Davey will chair the new Taxpayers for Brownback coalition. Davey was the leading force behind NoLocalOption.com, the successful grassroots effort against "Project Destiny," a proposed regressive tax shift in Polk, Dallas and Warren counties that was defeated by 85 percent of the vote earlier this month.

"I am very pleased to support Senator Brownback and his balanced message of tough border control and critical fiscal and economic reforms," said Davey. "Sam's proposal for optional Social Security personal savings accounts would give people the choice of saving for their own retirement with real assets they would own, while making certain that America's seniors receive their benefits on time and in full. I support Senator Brownback's optional, discounted flat tax because it is the best proposal for all taxpayers. High taxes without any options hurt low-income and military families, in particular, and Sam's rewarding solution would allow us to decide which method--the existing code with its deductions, or the new flat rate--would be best for ourselves and our businesses.  If the money stays in Washington, so will the corruption, and Sam's proposals will take the money away from the politicians by putting it in our pockets, strengthening families and this indispensable nation."

"Davey's grassroots activism shows what Americans can do when they come together to voice their opinion on how their taxpayer dollars should be used," said Brownback. "I am honored to welcome George Davey to my expanding team of grassroots conservatives here in Iowa."

The Brownback for President campaign recently announced Faith and Values, Catholic, and Homeschool grassroots leadership teams leading up to the Ames Straw Poll on August 11.

Brownback Campaign Announces Homeschool Coalition

Brownback Campaign Announces Homeschool Coalition
Parents praise Brownback's longstanding support for home educators

DES MOINES – The Brownback for President campaign today announced the Homeschoolers for Brownback Coalition. Iowa home educators Mark and Marie Scherbaum of Marion will chair the coalition.

"Sam Brownback understands the unique role that parents play in the lives of their children and he believes that parents should have the freedom to homeschool their children," said Marie, a mother of five and member of the Marion Home School Assistance Program. "For years, Senator Brownback has been a consistent advocate of parent's rights and expanded access to educational opportunities for home educators, and there is no better champion than Sam Brownback for the fundamental family values we cherish so dearly."

"I appreciate the support of Mark and Marie Scherbaum and their leadership of the Homeschoolers for Brownback Coalition," said Brownback. "I will continue to stand up for the rights, values and opportunities of homeschooling families."

In recent weeks Senator Brownback has announced Iowa Catholics for Brownback and his Iowa Faith and Family Leadership Committee.

Brownback Announces Iowa Catholics For Brownback Team

Brownback Announces Iowa Catholics for Brownback Team Catholic leaders from around the Hawkeye State unite behind Brownback

DES MOINES – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today announced his Iowa Catholics for Brownback Leadership Team.

"We are proud to stand with Sam Brownback, a fellow Catholic, as we spread his pro-life, whole-life message across Iowa," said Iowa Catholic businessman Don Lamberti, who will chair the committee. "In 23 days, thousands of Catholics from around Iowa will support Sam at the Ames Straw Poll as his momentum continues to build in Iowa. Sam Brownback is the best candidate to uphold and defend Catholic values in the public square."

"I am honored to receive the support of the Catholic community here in Iowa," said Brownback. "As Catholics, we are called to build and support a culture of life and to defend marriage and promote human dignity. I have fought for many years to support these principles and I will be a steadfast advocate for them as president."

Senator Brownback has been endorsed by nationally-known Catholic leaders such as Fr. Frank Pavone, Dr. Jack Willke, Norma McCorvey, Steve McEveety, Tom Monaghan and Bobby Schindler.

The launching of Iowa Catholics for Brownback comes two weeks after the announcement of his Iowa Faith and Family Leadership Committee, which is being led by former state representative Chuck Hurley.

Members of Iowa Catholics for Brownback will organize support for Senator Brownback in Iowa for the Ames Straw Poll on August 11 and the caucus in January.

The entire committee, which includes more than 140 members, is listed below.

Chairman:
Don Lamberti, Ankeny

Members:
Scott & Lorraine Bailey, Earlham
Allan & MaryAnn Logan, Davenport
Dan & Andrea Logan, Bettendorf
Steve & Christie Logan, Davenport
John Logan, Davenport
Scott & Susan Hurd, Roland
Jim & Rosemary Wilson, Ames
Ken & Theresa Welch, Madrid
Anthony Welch, Des Moines
Jack Williams, Des Moines
Diane Cortese, Des Moines
Jennifer Chaplin, Des Moines
Joe Vorwald, Indianola
Charles & Maryann Wadle, Des Moines
Bob & Susan Downey, Clive
Rachel Downey, Clive
Joe, Marilyn & Hunter Lane, West Des Moines
Jim & Rita Becker, Muscatine
Worth Hartzell, Des Moines
Wm. Jon & Rose Yost, Urbandale
James, Stephanie, Katherine, Jimmy, Robbie & Kimberly Becker, Waukee
Charles, Cathy, & Mike Bergman, Beaverdale
Trinh & Dzung Le, Des Moines
Rick Garneau, Des Moines
Christine Kirkman, Des Moines
Rob & Jere Coppola, Windsor Heights
John Murray, Storm Lake
Joe & Jo Kobes, Des Moines
John & Debra Putbrese, Des Moines
Hugh & Veronica O'Hagan, Urbandale
Tricia Pietig, Urbandale
George & Carol Remer, Battle Creek
Brian Rosener, Bronson
Pat Anderson, Cedar Falls
Charles Daugherty, Cedar Rapids
Patricia Daugherty, Cedar Rapids
Theresa, Jerry, Josiah & Joel Lydon, Cedar Rapids
Judith Colgnhoun, Cedar Rapids
Scott Gilbert, Cedar Rapids
Dean Rothchild, Cedar Rapids
Bob & Patti, Kyle & Kelli Klaus, Cedar Rapids
Michael & Jeannette Frey, Cedar Rapids
Wendy Wilcox, Cedar Rapids
Jason Besler, Cedar Rapids
Dana Philips, Central City
Les & Liz Schofield, Clinton
Joe Ranney, Council Bluffs
Janice Sanderland, Davenport
Kent & Karen Baxter, Davenport
Marilyn Anderson, Dayton
Larry & Sara Morris, Des Moines
David Rubin, Des Moines
Nancy Ellinger, DeWitt
Brett Barker, Iowa City
Jeanne Jennings, Johnston
Randy Goodson, Marion
Garth Betry, Marion
Sandra Goodson, Marion
Amy Russell, Mt. Vernon
Brad Russell, Mt. Vernon
Mark & Kay Flanders, Muscatine
Hannah Flanders, Muscatine
Anna Anderson, Muscatine
Brad & Danielle Schmidt, Muscatine
Joe & Joan Flanders, Muscatine
John Anderson, Muscatine
Robin Chase, Palo
JoHann Twedt, Roland
Sherin Gifford, Cedar Rapids
Althea Haffe, Springville
Kateri Sevde, Roland
Larry Myers, Toddville
Mark Bakker, Urbandale
Jordan Anderson, Washington
Gladys Heasley, Waterloo
Angela Wruche, Waterloo
Marge Stanek, Sioux City
Bonnie Hickman, Sioux City
Mary & Don Stevens, Sioux City
Regina Ratino, Sioux City
Jim Keane, Sioux City
Paul & Mary Wolpert, Sioux City
Kevin & Stormy Poss, Sioux City
Jean Plourde, Council Bluffs
Christine & Roger Wilson, Council Bluffs
David Prenger, Carroll
Brenda Klein, Carroll
Scott Steffen, Carroll
Dan & Ruth Ellis, Ida Grove
Mary Arens, Remsen
Marilyn Bose, Esterville
Joseph Ramirez, Des Moines
Joe & Leslie Teeling, Des Moines
Colleen Murphy, Grimes
Lois Brookhart, Des Moines
Sarah Davis, Des Moines
Michelle Hillaker, Des Moines
Carmen Rising, Des Moines
Rosemary Yost, Des Moines

Brownback Announces South Carolina Campaign Committee

Brownback Announces South Carolina Campaign Committee
Seasoned team brings strong experience and local ties

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Brownback for President campaign today announced its South Carolina Campaign Committee.

"I am thrilled that such a talented group of grassroots organizers and campaign veterans has joined my South Carolina team," said Brownback. "I look forward to working with my South Carolina Campaign Committee as we gain momentum across the country and in key primary states like South Carolina."

David Barron, Chairman
Jim Corbett, Campaign Director
Kevin Bryant of Anderson
Ben Carnes of Greenville
Steve Gajdosik of Charleston
John Hutcheson of Spartanburg
Doug Jolley of Columbia
Lou Neiger of Newberry
Richard Peterson of Lexington
Clint Rogers of York
Hal Stevenson of Columbia
Gary Towery of Spartanburg
Jim Ulmer of Orangeburg

Brownback Campaign Selects Famous Dave's To Cater Ames Straw Poll

Brownback Campaign Selects Famous Dave's to Cater Ames Straw Poll
Award-winning BBQ to feed thousands of supporters

DES MOINES – The Brownback for President campaign today selected Famous Dave's to serve its legendary BBQ at the Brownback tent at the Ames straw poll on August 11.

"We can't wait to enjoy Famous Dave's pulled pork BBQ as Senator Brownback's tireless grassroots campaigning in Iowa pays off at the Ames straw poll," said John Rankin, Iowa communications director of Brownback for President. "Senator Brownback's supporters should come to Ames with an appetite for victory and BBQ."

Famous Dave's was named "Best in BBQ" in City View's Best of Des Moines in 2006. The restaurant, which has won over 200 awards, agreed to work exclusively with the Brownback campaign during the straw poll. In 1999, the Bush campaign used Famous Dave's at Ames.

Senator Brownback recently joined Bobby Schindler, brother of the late Terri Schiavo, to speak to grassroots supporters and outline his "pro-life, whole-life" vision that values the child in Darfur as much as the child in the womb.

Brownback Adds Don Lamberti To Iowa Steering Committee

Brownback adds Don Lamberti to Iowa Steering Committee
Founder of Casey's General Stores cites Brownback's leadership on economic policy

DES MOINES – The Brownback for President campaign today announced that Don Lamberti, founder of Casey's General Stores, has joined Senator Brownback's Iowa Steering Committee.

"I am proud to support Senator Brownback and his balanced commitment to family values and critical fiscal and economic reforms," said Lamberti. "Senator Brownback's Social Security plan would offer every American the option of a personal savings account with ownership over real assets that they could leave to their loved ones. Senator Brownback's tax reform proposal would let Americans choose the current code or a discounted rate through an optional flat tax. Back in 2000, Steve Forbes proposed a flat tax and the Bush Administration responded with tax cuts in 2001 and 2003. Looking ahead to 2008, America needs Senator Brownback's leadership on economic reform to ensure that future generations can benefit from prosperity and economic growth."

"I appreciate Don's support and value his business experience and economic expertise," added Brownback. "The momentum is one our side in Iowa, and I have been thrilled as our steady pace builds an increasingly strong base of support for the Ames straw poll in August and the caucus next year."

Lamberti is the founder and former Chairman and CEO of Casey's General Stores. The convenience store chain, started in 1959, owns and operates over 1,400 stores in the upper Midwest.

Brownback Mourns Lady Bird Johnson

BROWNBACK MOURNS LADY BIRD JOHNSON
Commended her efforts to heal and beautify the nation

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback mourned the loss of Lady Bird Johnson, who passed due to natural causes in her Austin, Texas home today.  Johnson was the widow of President Lyndon Baines Johnson.

“Lady Bird Johnson will be missed and she and her family are in my prayers,” Brownback stated.  “She was known for her grace and sincerity as well as ushering in an era of natural beautification and bringing environmentalism to the public conscience.  She also helped heal a nation after the loss of President Kennedy, torn by war and civil strife.  She was an outstanding First Lady and a great American.”

Lady Bird Johnson is survived by her two daughters, Lynda and Luci.

Brownback Announces Iowa Faith and Family Leadership Committee

Brownback Announces Iowa Faith and Family Leadership Committee Over 50 Iowa leaders sign on to support Brownback campaign

DES MOINES – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today announced his Iowa Faith and Family Leadership Committee.

"Over the past ten years, no one has done more in Congress to protect human life, traditional marriage and the American family than Sam Brownback," said former Iowa State Representative and pro-family leader Chuck Hurley, who will chair the committee. "Born and raised on a small family farm, Sam understands Iowa's conservative, Midwestern values. For conservatives looking for a champion in 2008, the choice is clear: Sam Brownback."

"I have been thrilled with the enthusiastic support of Iowans who share my goal to rebuild the family and renew the culture," added Brownback. "I have been blessed with the opportunity to carry forward the life, family and faith battles in Congress over the last decade. With the help of my Iowa Faith and Family Committee and the support of like-minded citizens across America, as president I will protect marriage and the family, preserve the role of faith in the public square, promote a culture that respects human life and appoint the Supreme Court Justice who will overturn Roe v. Wade."

The members of Brownback's Faith and Family Leadership Committee joined in appreciation of Brownback's consistent record and demonstrated leadership in promoting a culture that celebrates and respects life, the family, faith and freedom.

The entire committee is listed below:
Chairman:
Chuck Hurley, Des Moines
Members:
Rosemary Wilson, Ames
George & Carol Remer, Battle Creek
Brian Rosener, Bronson
Pat Anderson, Cedar Falls
Charles Daugherty, Cedar Rapids
Patricia Daugherty, Cedar Rapids
Theresa, Jerry, Josiah & Joel Lydon, Cedar Rapids
Judith Colgnhoun, Cedar Rapids
Scott Gilbert, Cedar Rapids
Dean Rothchild, Cedar Rapids
Bob & Patti, Kyle & Kelli Klaus, Cedar Rapids
Michael & Jeannette Frey, Cedar Rapids
Wendy Wilcox, Cedar Rapids
Jason Besler, Cedar Rapids
Dana Philips, Central City
Les & Liz Schofield, Clinton
Joe Ranney, Council Bluffs
Janice Sanderland, Davenport
Zac & Laura Stollenberg, Davenport
Kent & Karen Baxter, Davenport
Marilyn Anderson, Dayton
Nick Bal, Des Moines
Larry & Sara Morris, Des Moines
David Rubin, Des Moines
Shane Vanderhart, Des Moines
Nancy Ellinger, DeWitt
Brett Barker, Iowa City
Jeanne Jennings, Johnston
Randy Goodson, Marion
Garth Betry, Marion
Mark & Marie Scherbaum, Marion
Brandon Scherbaum, Marion
Sandra Goodson, Marion
Ric Lumbard, Marion
Jack McCullough, Monroe
Amy Russell, Mt. Vernon
Brad Russell, Mt. Vernon
Mark & Kay Flanders, Muscatine
Hannah Flanders, Muscatine
Anna Anderson, Muscatine
Brad & Danielle Schmidt, Muscatine
Joe & Joan Flanders, Muscatine
John Anderson, Muscatine
Bill Tvedt, Oskaloosa
Robin Chase, Palo
JoHann Twedt, Roland
Kateri Sevde, Roland
Donna Uhl, Sioux City
Dianne Winkel, Sioux City
Katherine Anfinson, Sioux City
Regina Ratina, Sioux City
Marge Stanek, Sioux City
Larry Myers, Toddville
Mark Bakker, Urbandale
Peter & Becky Johnston, Urbandale
Jordan Anderson, Washington
Gladys Heasley, Waterloo
Angela Wruche, Waterloo
Bob Deever, West Des Moines

Brownback Campaign Launches New Blog

Brownback Campaign Launches New Blog
www.brownbacker.com offers campaign news, videos, photos and events

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The Brownback for President campaign today launched a new blog, The Daily Brownbacker, located at www.brownbacker.com.

The Daily Brownbacker features an interactive events calender; the latest news stories about the campaign; YouTube videos of Brownback discussing various issues and volunteer information for supporters.

The blog is the latest effort of the Brownback for President eCampaign, which includes grassroots networks on Facebook, MySpace and YouTube.

Brownback Wins Black Hawk County, Iowa, Straw Poll

Brownback Wins Black Hawk County, Iowa, Straw Poll
Momentum builds as grassroots network gains strength

DES MOINES – The Brownback for President campaign today announced a first-place finish in the Black Hawk County straw poll. Black Hawk County, which includes Waterloo and Cedar Falls, is the fourth-largest county in the state.

"Senator Brownback's conservative, Midwestern values make him the best candidate for Iowa voters," said John Rankin, Iowa communications director of Brownback for President. "After over 30 visits to Iowa, a 27-city bus tour and his recently announced 60-member Faith and Family Leadership Committee, the momentum is on Senator Brownback's side as he lays the groundwork for victory in the Ames Straw Poll on August 11."

Brownback received 40 percent of the vote with 13 candidates on the ballot. The straw poll was conducted on Saturday, July 7, by the Black Hawk County Republican Party.

Two weeks ago, on June 23, Brownback came in second in the straw poll in the second-largest county in Iowa, Linn County.