Replace King; choose tolerance over division (another R could loose in Ia)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20081029/OPINION03/810290335/0/NEWS&theme=CAMPAIGN_2008

The Register's editorial • October 29, 2008

Also see the short video at link.

When the Register editorial board met recently with Rep. Steve King, the Kiron Republican talked about renewable energy, securing transportation dollars for Highway 20, and the growing budget problems with entitlement programs.

This was the savvy, well-informed King the board endorsed in 2002 and 2004. We had hoped he would blossom as a member of Congress. Unfortunately, any blossoming has been overshadowed by his divisive, fear-mongering commentary.

Fifth District voters should not send him back to Washington. Fortunately, they have a promising alternative: Electing Democrat Rob Hubler, a retired minister from Council Bluffs who has brought himself up to speed and staked out reasonable positions on issues Iowans care about, including the Iraq war, energy and health care.

There isn't enough space in this editorial to list all the times King has embarrassed Iowa, but here's a partial list:

- There was the remark earlier this year that terrorists would be "dancing in the streets" if U.S. Sen. Barack Obama is elected president. They would dance, he said, because of Obama's middle name (Hussein). Of course, King prefaced his remarks by saying he wasn't disparaging anyone's race, ethnicity or name - all the while giving voice to the bigoted notion that labels matter, not the man.

- Before that, he compared an electric border fence to prevent illegal immigration with barriers to control livestock.

- He characterized the abuse of Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison as "hazing."

FULL article at link.

[KharmaTrain]

1. He's A Definite 2010 Target

His corner of Iowa is the reddest part of the state...I don't see him losing, unfortunately. But this goon definitely deserves to be targeted in 2010.