News from Iowa
- Thread starter Dave
- Start date
Dave
Member
- Joined
- May 14, 2007
- Messages
- 925
I posted this earlier in another forum but thought it would be a good place to begin with "News from Iowa". The Iowa GOP Straw Poll in August is being talked about in the local media.
I have attended the Iowa Straw Poll. It's a grotesque spectacle but I would consider it a necessary evil since it will be widely covered and it is the first real test of the candidates. This is even more important now that the caucuses and primaries are so front-loaded. To do poorly in the Iowa Straw Poll this year will reflect very poorly on those campaigns - and to do well requires an extraordinary commitment.
(One strategy is to skip it and/or Iowa entirely. McCain tried this last time and Giuliani is contemplating it this time. Nobody has ever won their party's nomination after skipping Iowa.)
It's far from a scientific poll of a candidates support in Iowa - it's really much more of a test of a candidate's organization. This is really where the campaigns that are serious about a good showing in Iowa flex their muscle. I'm concerned that to my knowledge Dr. Paul doesn't seem to have much of an Iowa organization right now.
It's a carnival-like atmosphere in and around Hilton Coliseum at Iowa State University. There will be tens of thousands of people there. They have parking for over 500 buses that candidates will hire to deliver Iowans to Ames.
Massive tents are set up all around Hilton. Candidates pay big bucks to get the prime locations and have the biggest and most elaborate setup. The wining and dining is over the top. Fantastic spreads of food and drink. Live bands, some with national stature. Hats, buttons, flags, horns, and RAH RAH RAH! Woe to the candidate with the tent clear out in the parking lot offering a bowl of fritos.
Then there's the Iowans. It's like sheep being led to slaughter but instead of slaughter it's a giant party! Only Iowans can vote but literally hundreds of campaign supporters from around the country come to help orgranize busloads from all corners of Iowa and fill them with Iowans to go vote. The parking lot is a sea of buses.
More than once I saw people become anamored with another candidate's tent and 'jump the fence' to check it out. It's a secret ballot so nobody really knows who these people ultimately vote for.
Inside Hilton it's like the national convention. Each candidate gets an opportunity to speak. It seems like it was 10-20 minutes. You'd better have your herd seated by then so they can scream their heads off at the end of your every sentence.
If you're a political junkie, this event IS Xanadu. Even if you're not GOP.
I had an automated call last night from Tommy Thompson offering to bus me to Ames (I only live 45 mins. away) and pay for my $35 ticket in exchange for my support.
The Paul campaign will have to decide soon whether to commit to this event. It's outrageous, very expensive, non-scientific, and I'm not sure if we (yet) have the kind of grassroots support in Iowa that would allow us to light up Ames like we light up the internet. To skip this event might be a risky strategy but there may be better ways to use our limited money and unlimited energy. I trust the judgment of Dr. Paul in this regard.
I have attended the Iowa Straw Poll. It's a grotesque spectacle but I would consider it a necessary evil since it will be widely covered and it is the first real test of the candidates. This is even more important now that the caucuses and primaries are so front-loaded. To do poorly in the Iowa Straw Poll this year will reflect very poorly on those campaigns - and to do well requires an extraordinary commitment.
(One strategy is to skip it and/or Iowa entirely. McCain tried this last time and Giuliani is contemplating it this time. Nobody has ever won their party's nomination after skipping Iowa.)
It's far from a scientific poll of a candidates support in Iowa - it's really much more of a test of a candidate's organization. This is really where the campaigns that are serious about a good showing in Iowa flex their muscle. I'm concerned that to my knowledge Dr. Paul doesn't seem to have much of an Iowa organization right now.
It's a carnival-like atmosphere in and around Hilton Coliseum at Iowa State University. There will be tens of thousands of people there. They have parking for over 500 buses that candidates will hire to deliver Iowans to Ames.
Massive tents are set up all around Hilton. Candidates pay big bucks to get the prime locations and have the biggest and most elaborate setup. The wining and dining is over the top. Fantastic spreads of food and drink. Live bands, some with national stature. Hats, buttons, flags, horns, and RAH RAH RAH! Woe to the candidate with the tent clear out in the parking lot offering a bowl of fritos.
Then there's the Iowans. It's like sheep being led to slaughter but instead of slaughter it's a giant party! Only Iowans can vote but literally hundreds of campaign supporters from around the country come to help orgranize busloads from all corners of Iowa and fill them with Iowans to go vote. The parking lot is a sea of buses.
More than once I saw people become anamored with another candidate's tent and 'jump the fence' to check it out. It's a secret ballot so nobody really knows who these people ultimately vote for.
Inside Hilton it's like the national convention. Each candidate gets an opportunity to speak. It seems like it was 10-20 minutes. You'd better have your herd seated by then so they can scream their heads off at the end of your every sentence.
If you're a political junkie, this event IS Xanadu. Even if you're not GOP.
I had an automated call last night from Tommy Thompson offering to bus me to Ames (I only live 45 mins. away) and pay for my $35 ticket in exchange for my support.
The Paul campaign will have to decide soon whether to commit to this event. It's outrageous, very expensive, non-scientific, and I'm not sure if we (yet) have the kind of grassroots support in Iowa that would allow us to light up Ames like we light up the internet. To skip this event might be a risky strategy but there may be better ways to use our limited money and unlimited energy. I trust the judgment of Dr. Paul in this regard.
DavyDuke17
Member
- Joined
- May 19, 2007
- Messages
- 164
Is there enough interest to start a thread on the home page for the Des Moines area?
- Joined
- May 10, 2007
- Messages
- 11,277
Howdy Dave
It looks like you got some good ideas, check out this thread and post in there: http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=208
I will go ahead and make that forum as soon as you guys decide on a name. It looks like you have 4 or 5 members on this message board. Iowa grassroots might have to just start with you 4 or 5 and then pyramid down, it's got to start somewhere.
Also checkout http://ronpaul.meetup.com for other members in the area. I think you are right though, Iowa could be big for Ron if done right.
It looks like you got some good ideas, check out this thread and post in there: http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=208
I will go ahead and make that forum as soon as you guys decide on a name. It looks like you have 4 or 5 members on this message board. Iowa grassroots might have to just start with you 4 or 5 and then pyramid down, it's got to start somewhere.
Also checkout http://ronpaul.meetup.com for other members in the area. I think you are right though, Iowa could be big for Ron if done right.
Scribbler de Stebbing
Member
- Joined
- May 12, 2007
- Messages
- 2,657
I'd be interested in carpooling down there with a group from Minnesota. I'll put a message out to the list in late June or early July, when we know a little more about what is going on with the campaign. Maybe the campaign itself would be interested in helping us coordinate at that point.
lonestarguy
Member
- Joined
- May 11, 2007
- Messages
- 163
Iowa is Huge...now what will You Do??
I'm trying to rally Texas to Iowa, like Patton's Army to the seige at Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. Here is what I posted to my Austin meetup of over 100 and growing. Let it apply to you from wherever you are reading this. The future of our country, I believe hinges hugely on Iowa. Wherever you see the word Texas below, insert your state unless of course your way closer to New Hampshire:
From my Austin Meet-up Post of Tuesday 22 May.
Knowing how important the Great State of Iowa is to nearly every prez candidacy, (though the well-monied McCain in 2000 skipped Iowa to win in NH), I was scanning around Monday (21 May) on the meetup site snooping zip codes and towns in Iowa and found nary a meetup, and my heart sunk. But I did find about 20 interested persons spread across the state but no one had pulled the trigger to start a group. Lo and behold, Des Moines has it's first group as of 21 May, with 15 members and meets for the first time 4 June. And just today group number two pops up to the east towards the Illinois line in Iowa City with 3 members and a 5 June scheduled meeting. There is life in Iowa!!!
As the great person that started this person indicated, the Iowa Strawpoll is 11 August, a test of a candidate's field operations, is just over eleven weeks away. I think it's possible to finish in the top 5, but it will take work, and lets be honest, reality check time, between June and late December, it is going to require, imho, a significant volunteer base transiting between here, Texas, and there, Iowa. Just rough guessing it but anybody who can spend on the ground only a couple of solid days to those that can spend weeks, it's gonna be worth it. We can't hope that others will do the job, we have to ensure the job gets done. If RP is the nations's gem, it is only fitting that Texans are there on the ground in a crucial state and doing whatever it takes.
Iowa is where the rubber meets the road and the dance begins in this labor intensive person to person operation, and heck, Des Moines from Austin is only 923 miles, from Dallas only 690. This is the summer of our life. And if Iowa is to be sweet to RP, then some of us are gonna have to do the heavy (though fun in a serious way) lifting.
Logistics and what not will need to be explored soon as well as quick education of this thing known as the 'caucus system'. I do not see us waiting "until" campaign hq is on the ground in Iowa, we have to get in the game and soon, Iowans have to stand up and get in the game, but Texas may have to lead side by side. Communicating and talking and meeting people in a significant way has to commence soon. The latest Des Moines Register Poll simply indicates we have our work cut out, but ultimately with the good leadership from the quality of people in Austin, Dallas, etc, we can do anything. I have studied the calender and I will spend my 10 days on the ground the last two weeks of July and another 6 days in the Fall or Winter in sunny Iowa.
One final note, Florida is moving up its primary to around 26 January. Iowa to remain number one, is considering moving her caucus in mid to late December! How about that one
I'm trying to rally Texas to Iowa, like Patton's Army to the seige at Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. Here is what I posted to my Austin meetup of over 100 and growing. Let it apply to you from wherever you are reading this. The future of our country, I believe hinges hugely on Iowa. Wherever you see the word Texas below, insert your state unless of course your way closer to New Hampshire:
From my Austin Meet-up Post of Tuesday 22 May.
Knowing how important the Great State of Iowa is to nearly every prez candidacy, (though the well-monied McCain in 2000 skipped Iowa to win in NH), I was scanning around Monday (21 May) on the meetup site snooping zip codes and towns in Iowa and found nary a meetup, and my heart sunk. But I did find about 20 interested persons spread across the state but no one had pulled the trigger to start a group. Lo and behold, Des Moines has it's first group as of 21 May, with 15 members and meets for the first time 4 June. And just today group number two pops up to the east towards the Illinois line in Iowa City with 3 members and a 5 June scheduled meeting. There is life in Iowa!!!
As the great person that started this person indicated, the Iowa Strawpoll is 11 August, a test of a candidate's field operations, is just over eleven weeks away. I think it's possible to finish in the top 5, but it will take work, and lets be honest, reality check time, between June and late December, it is going to require, imho, a significant volunteer base transiting between here, Texas, and there, Iowa. Just rough guessing it but anybody who can spend on the ground only a couple of solid days to those that can spend weeks, it's gonna be worth it. We can't hope that others will do the job, we have to ensure the job gets done. If RP is the nations's gem, it is only fitting that Texans are there on the ground in a crucial state and doing whatever it takes.
Iowa is where the rubber meets the road and the dance begins in this labor intensive person to person operation, and heck, Des Moines from Austin is only 923 miles, from Dallas only 690. This is the summer of our life. And if Iowa is to be sweet to RP, then some of us are gonna have to do the heavy (though fun in a serious way) lifting.
Logistics and what not will need to be explored soon as well as quick education of this thing known as the 'caucus system'. I do not see us waiting "until" campaign hq is on the ground in Iowa, we have to get in the game and soon, Iowans have to stand up and get in the game, but Texas may have to lead side by side. Communicating and talking and meeting people in a significant way has to commence soon. The latest Des Moines Register Poll simply indicates we have our work cut out, but ultimately with the good leadership from the quality of people in Austin, Dallas, etc, we can do anything. I have studied the calender and I will spend my 10 days on the ground the last two weeks of July and another 6 days in the Fall or Winter in sunny Iowa.
One final note, Florida is moving up its primary to around 26 January. Iowa to remain number one, is considering moving her caucus in mid to late December! How about that one
Dave
Member
- Joined
- May 14, 2007
- Messages
- 925
Josh - If you'd like, just elevate this thread to it's own forum called News from Iowa. Otherwise, just leave this thread here.
Either way, I'd like to keep this thread/forum separate from the 'local area' forums so everyone can easily follow what's happening in Iowa. Iowans can continue to post/organize in a local area forum as well but I want to keep broadcasting news to the whole Ron Paul forum.
Either way, I'd like to keep this thread/forum separate from the 'local area' forums so everyone can easily follow what's happening in Iowa. Iowans can continue to post/organize in a local area forum as well but I want to keep broadcasting news to the whole Ron Paul forum.
lonestarguy
Member
- Joined
- May 11, 2007
- Messages
- 163
"All Eyes on Iowa"
I think in addition to Dave's comment we might consider re-naming the thread, MUST READ: ALL EYES ON IOWA
I think in addition to Dave's comment we might consider re-naming the thread, MUST READ: ALL EYES ON IOWA
- Joined
- May 10, 2007
- Messages
- 11,277
That's fine for you to post Iowa news in this forum. Just keep it updated with new posts and it should stay at the top for everyone to read.
I wish you guys the best of luck, glad to see some serious Iowans aboard. It's time to hit the streets. Houston MeetUp group is hitting the streets this Friday.
I wish you guys the best of luck, glad to see some serious Iowans aboard. It's time to hit the streets. Houston MeetUp group is hitting the streets this Friday.
ARealConservative
Member
- Joined
- May 16, 2007
- Messages
- 4,829
let's start gathering a list of contact info for local papers and such and ask people to submit something positive.
http://www.qctimes.com/pages/contact/
Also - Iowans - go here - we have more support on that site then this one and most large communities have already paid the fee to use this service:
http://ronpaul.meetup.com
I created a group for the Quad City chapter (Davenport and outlying area). I think it will be beneficial to coordinate all our groups leading up to the straw poll.
I'm personally going to be hitting the pavement over this three day weekend. We have some large gatherings for the holiday and I hope to maximize my limited resources.
http://www.qctimes.com/pages/contact/
Also - Iowans - go here - we have more support on that site then this one and most large communities have already paid the fee to use this service:
http://ronpaul.meetup.com
I created a group for the Quad City chapter (Davenport and outlying area). I think it will be beneficial to coordinate all our groups leading up to the straw poll.
I'm personally going to be hitting the pavement over this three day weekend. We have some large gatherings for the holiday and I hope to maximize my limited resources.
- Joined
- May 10, 2007
- Messages
- 11,277
I talked to campaign HQ. They would like me to ask if anyone here would like to become a campaign coordinator for Iowa. I imagine it would need to be someone with the time to organize things as well as having the job freedom to do something like this.
They are very busy at HQ trying to organize all across the US, so please send us a resume including how much time you have available to help out. I will forward it on to the e-Campaign Manager at HQ.
Please pass this information onto those two new Iowa meetup groups and anyone in the Iowa area that would be suitable for managing and coordinating some efforts.
Please send this information to: [email protected]
They are very busy at HQ trying to organize all across the US, so please send us a resume including how much time you have available to help out. I will forward it on to the e-Campaign Manager at HQ.
Please pass this information onto those two new Iowa meetup groups and anyone in the Iowa area that would be suitable for managing and coordinating some efforts.
Please send this information to: [email protected]
MsDoodahs
Senior
- Joined
- May 10, 2007
- Messages
- 11,373
For a list of all newspapers in the state of Iowa, see this link:
http://www.usnpl.com/ianews.php
I have already called the first listed paper.
I am happy to spend a few days calling these papers and compiling the costs for ads in the different ones. I have lots of free time during the day, and a phone plan that allows unlimited free long distance calling.
The questions I've been asking so far are:
How many papers do you publish?
How often do they come out?
How many subscribers/circulation for each?
Which day is highest subscriber/circ?
Do you have a "combo deal" where I get a cut rate if I do more than one of your papers?
What is the cost of the following:
1/4 page
1/2 page
Full page
What are the combo deals you offer?
If anyone can think of other questions we would need answered, please post them!
I would really like input on whether to bother with Iowa or if another state should take precedence.
Thanks
MsD
http://www.usnpl.com/ianews.php
I have already called the first listed paper.
I am happy to spend a few days calling these papers and compiling the costs for ads in the different ones. I have lots of free time during the day, and a phone plan that allows unlimited free long distance calling.
The questions I've been asking so far are:
How many papers do you publish?
How often do they come out?
How many subscribers/circulation for each?
Which day is highest subscriber/circ?
Do you have a "combo deal" where I get a cut rate if I do more than one of your papers?
What is the cost of the following:
1/4 page
1/2 page
Full page
What are the combo deals you offer?
If anyone can think of other questions we would need answered, please post them!
I would really like input on whether to bother with Iowa or if another state should take precedence.
Thanks
MsD
LibertyOrDie
Member
- Joined
- May 19, 2007
- Messages
- 354
For a list of all newspapers in the state of Iowa, see this link:
http://www.usnpl.com/ianews.php
I have already called the first listed paper.
I am happy to spend a few days calling these papers and compiling the costs for ads in the different ones. I have lots of free time during the day, and a phone plan that allows unlimited free long distance calling.
That's awesome that you are willing to put in that time, you may also want to check radio. Here is a link for Iowa Radio Stations:
http://www.ontheradio.net/states/iowa.aspx
Have any ideas been pitched regarding Texans actually going to Iowa?
I know I am definitely interested, and I'm sure the rest of my "Paul-supporting" family (mom, brother, etc) would be interested as well.
I am from Houston and I would bet others from our meetup would be willing to go. Anyone out there have ideas? Let's make it happen!
I know I am definitely interested, and I'm sure the rest of my "Paul-supporting" family (mom, brother, etc) would be interested as well.
I am from Houston and I would bet others from our meetup would be willing to go. Anyone out there have ideas? Let's make it happen!
Dave
Member
- Joined
- May 14, 2007
- Messages
- 925
Hello. I'd like your input on whether or not to bother with placing ads in Iowa newspapers?
Thanks!
MsD in Texas
I'm not a media person but it would seem like a reasonable idea. The Des Moines Register has a broad reach but is relatively quite expensive. There are dozens if not hundreds of small weekly and daily papers around Iowa that I think would be very cheap to run half-page ads in. These might be a good way to reach the 'offline' population. Dr. Paul's performance on the national stages, of course, is a great way to reach people.
I know that Federal Election Commission regulations are complex and daunting. I'm sure there are rules regarding who can pay for an ad and what's reportable. If you're acting entirely on your own and not using graphics, etc. provided by the campaign then you are probably safe. I would try to confirm this with someone from HQ, however. The FEC could shut us down faster than the media so we have to learn the rules and then play by them.
Dave
Member
- Joined
- May 14, 2007
- Messages
- 925
To lonestarguy and Abby, et al:
Love or hate him, Howard Dean wrote the book on using the internet to mobilize and energize supporters to work Iowa. Hundreds of Dean supporters from all over America came to Iowa and literally went door-to-door in 2004. Lots of young people actually moved to Iowa for the summer to help. He finished a disappointing third after leading the Iowa polls for a long time. I think the negative ads between Dean and Gephardt did both of them in. Then 'the scream' finished Dean off for good.
Maybe you could search the internet for stories about Dean's 2004 Iowa campaign and get some ideas for how people from out-of-state can contribute to the cause and how the internet was used.
Love or hate him, Howard Dean wrote the book on using the internet to mobilize and energize supporters to work Iowa. Hundreds of Dean supporters from all over America came to Iowa and literally went door-to-door in 2004. Lots of young people actually moved to Iowa for the summer to help. He finished a disappointing third after leading the Iowa polls for a long time. I think the negative ads between Dean and Gephardt did both of them in. Then 'the scream' finished Dean off for good.
Maybe you could search the internet for stories about Dean's 2004 Iowa campaign and get some ideas for how people from out-of-state can contribute to the cause and how the internet was used.
Dave
Member
- Joined
- May 14, 2007
- Messages
- 925
MsD - If I remember right, I think HQ wants to focus on IA, NH, AZ, and SC. I know there is traction in NH. I don't know what's happening in AZ and SC. I think we definitely should bother with IA since it:
1. Has the straw poll.
2. Comes before NH.
3. Uses the caucus format instead of the primary format.
I will follow the lead of HQ on this and other campaign matters. Remember - Ron Paul is the candidate. We are the supporters.
MsDoodahs
Senior
- Joined
- May 10, 2007
- Messages
- 11,373
Dave, thanks, I will continue with compiling a list of costs from IA newspapers tomorrow.
My understanding at this point is that there are no regulations that would prohibit ME, as an INDIVIDUAL, from buying ad space in a newspaper and using that space for material that I want published.
I have been told that here in TX, the only requirement is that the ad has to end with "paid for by" and your name and address.
Anyone know if the rules are variable state by state, or is that the same nationwide?
My understanding at this point is that there are no regulations that would prohibit ME, as an INDIVIDUAL, from buying ad space in a newspaper and using that space for material that I want published.
I have been told that here in TX, the only requirement is that the ad has to end with "paid for by" and your name and address.
Anyone know if the rules are variable state by state, or is that the same nationwide?
Similar threads
