Sand, Sun, and a Run at the White House?

Taking advantage of the Easter holiday, Gov. Vilsack chose to ride out the tornados (hope everyone out there is safe and sound) by taking a trip out to Iraq.  Is this trip a reflection of Vilsack’s desire to keep in touch with Iowans serving abroad, or is it the continuation of his efforts to build up a cache of international credentials?  Does our man in Des Moines really want a crack at the White House?  If so, he’d better start flexing some fundraising muscle, as PAC money reports show that this year Vilsack has only raked in $400,600, compared with a cool $6 million for Hillary.

The Iowa legislature resumes Tuesday, hoping to hammer out what remains on the budget.  Among the notables is haggling over proposed pay raises for teachers, as the Register reports that Iowa now ranks only 41st in teacher pay grade.  Aren’t our schools supposed to be a centerpiece?  Gov. Vilsack has also earmarked close to $15 million to allow every 4 year-old in Iowa the chance to go to preschool.

Finally, for those keeping up on the immigration debate, here’s an article showing the effects that restricting migrant labor would have on Iowa’s agriculture.  If Iowa is already experiencing labor shortages, what’s it going to take to get Steve King to stop running his mouth?

And, if you haven’t seen it: why everyone should love Al Gore. (you need quicktime to watch).

3 comments April 17th, 2006