Gubernatorial Running Mates - Iowa Governor

[DU9598]

Just for fun I thought it would be fun to throw some names around for Blouin and Fallon to consider for their running mate - if both choose to pick someone prior to the primary. We know that Culver has chosen Judge to be his running mate. So, with that consideration, who are the names we may be learning more about?

I will throw my predictions in a bit later. I think both should consider pro-choice, female candidates who have been community activists - why does Sally Pederson seem to be the best choice in my mind? Anyone know if she would consider the position again?

[IA_Seth]

1. Not that I want to help him...

Are there any female Democrats from western Iowa that would be qualified for the job?

I am thinking that would help shore up the numbers out in the batshitcrazy part of the state...no offense to anyone, just makin a joke.

[9119495]

2. Female Democrats were outlawed in Western Iowa during the 90s

Didn't you hear? The provision was origianlly a rider attached to a bill to abolish common sense in the same region.

Again, no offense. I feel for Dems out west.

[IA_Seth]

4. Ha!

That made me laugh my ass off.

Sad thing is that it's almost possible that there is a lost statute like that on the books out there.

[9119495]

3. I'll bite

How about Swati Dandekar?

A centrist, pro-choice, person who brings true diversity to the ticket.

However, kiss her house seat good-bye. She is the only dem who can win her district.

[DU9598]

5. My thoughts

I also had considered Representative Dandekar. She is a terrific person and would bring a lot - especially class.

I was also thinking of perhaps former Sioux City Mayor Karen VanderSteg (but, she just lost re-election after conservatives found a picture of her at a sister city meeting in Japan accepting an award in jeans - long story - she accepted a key to the city at a dinner party in formal attire but no picture was taken, when they thought to take a picture she was on her way to the airport to travel home and was in jeans). Her lone vote to add sexual orientation to the city's human rights ordinance made her a target, but another supporter of the amendment was elected.

What about Cynthia Eisenhauer - Vilsack's chief of staff?
Court of Appeals Judge Anuradha Vaitheswaran?
Kay Halloran - Mayor of Cedar Rapids

Others:
Ashton Kutcher - his speech at a Kerry Rally in 2004 was the best speech of the day

Christie Vilsack - payback for her upcoming support?

Whoever does not win the 1st district nomination for Congress

Senator Jeff Danielson of Cedar Falls. He is a firefighter ... check out his website ... this guy looks like what a Governor should look like. Plus, he is a hard worker and always well informed and well spoken.

[ISUGRADIA]

6. Ashton Kutcher?

Well, in any case, he's only 28 and 30 is the minimum age in Iowa for eligibility

[Debi]

7. Isn't Eisenhauser a former Branstad staffer?

I wouldn't want to take Halloran or Danielson out of their current positions (don't you DARE take our first Democratic State Senator in eons in my district).

Blouin asking Christie Vilsack would be too cute by half IMHO. Also, how can she be an effective Lt. Gov. when she's off campaigning all over the U.S. for Vilsack '08? (Then again, Pederson seems to be doing a fine job of being both the Lt. Gov. and IDP Chair - well, as long as the Party doesn't mind not raising money).

One of the First District candidates may be a good idea, but the Second is actually a more Democratic voter-rich area.

I say Julie Thomas - ran against Leach in 2002 (and BARELY lost - his quick anti-IWR vote in October 2002 - with the GOP's belssing I'm sure - is the only reason I think Thomas lost). She has been working in the Party since the election and is a good contrast to Blouin's anti-woman stances (Also, as a physician she can bring some good discussion to the Stem-Cell debate and health-care debate).

Anyone from the Second?? What do you think??