Another tidbit for the CR area -- Swati has an opponent in November

[CornField]

Nick Wagner, who has served for two years on the Marion City Council, announced today that he will seek the Iowa House District 36 seat currently held by Swati Dandekar. No offense to Nick, but I'm not wishing him well on this endeavor.

[9119495]

1. Having worked several house races last time around

I was surprised to see how many Swati signs were out. There were almost as many of her signs displayed next to bush ones as there were next to Kerry-Edwards signs. She pulls support from both sides and even though it is a very republican leaning district, I think she'll be safe. We need her too. We must get the house to at least 50-50. We're only one a way.

One a related note, Art Staed ran a close race with Jeff Eligin last time...so close Elgin is not seeking re-election. Art has some money and may get us that 50th seat.

[IA_Seth]

2. Swati D

I am actually pretty unfamiliar with Swati's politics, however I have only heard good things about her from party members and having met her on multiple occasions she comes across as VERY intelligent and a genuinely nice person. She's also supported a number of candidates that I have supported in the past.

I suppose that doesn't amount to much so I will get busy researching her various positions!

[9119495]

3. You will find some things about Swati you don't like

She tends to support reductions in property taxes (against the wishes of party members that see those funds as essential for schools when the state and fed don't deliver funding). She also supports things like the Iowa Values fund. She is pragmatic. I believe she is the ONLY democrat that could get elected from that district. I think there are something like less than one-third registered dems. Swati does what is needed to win. Also, the republicans in that district tend to be VERY conservative. They are the wacko fringe and any centrist beats that anyday.

[IA_Seth]

4. Thanks

And I think I agree with you. While she is a really good person, and most likely the only Democrat that could get elected in her district, her politics aren't completely in line with mine.

The Iowa Values Fund is something I think needs to be re-evaulated as a tool to bring in GOOD jobs. It may be bringing in large corporations that hire large numbers, but if these are low quality jobs we aren't doing the state any favors.

However, regardless of how our politics compare, a vote for Swati is a vote against Republican leadership in Iowa, so I am all for her.