Meetings with previous candidates, with long-time, active Democrats and with Democratic county chairs are great listening and learning opportunities.  

I saw Dr. Selden Spencer several times this last week.  In a mid-week conversation about issues, he cited the federal deficit as a significant impetus behind his candidacy in 2006, although he noted that voters generally did not attach the same priority level to the issue as he did.  Several days later, in talking with a county chair about the deficit and whether this issue might resonate with 4^th district voters, he referred to the massive deficit we’re passing along to future generations as “financial child abuse.”  It’s a vivid and apt expression.  He also suggested I use it, which I regard as superb advice!

The main campaign office will open this next week in Ames (in Selden's old spot, incidentally.) If the Story County Soup Supper is any indication, Democrats in Story County are committed to leading the way again in 2008.  As I mentioned at the supper, those who knew Selden Spencer best – the dedicated Democrats of Story County – rallied to his cause in 2006. If only the rest of the district had been as wise.

The more I meet with people as I travel around the region, the more confident I become that the 4th district needs Democratic leadership. People are tired of straining to make ends meet. The availability of good jobs, healthcare, and education should not be keeping people up at night in the richest country in the world.  

Conversations with Democrats throughout the 28 counties are a powerful reminder that 2008 is our year.  I hope to get the chance to meet with the rest of you here who live in the district (and even those who don't!)   Story County should lead the way again, but this time I think they will have lots of company in the Democratic column.