Wednesday was a difficult day for The American Independent News Network, which is the larger entity that operates The Iowa Independent. Our chief executive and founder announced two of our sister sites would close and their content would be moved to The American Independent.
A recently introduced bill could have far-reaching impact on the U.S. sugar industry, including American Crystal Sugar, a farmer-owned cooperative that locked out 1,300 Midwest workers on Aug. 1.
The chairman for Herman Cain’s Iowa effort says the campaign “relied more on the word of farmers than Washington regulators” in deciding to run an ad containing claims the Environmental Protection Agency says are false.
The Iowa Senate will remain under the control of a slim 26-25 Democratic majority when it reconvenes in January 2012.
Ron Paul supporters, wielding signs, aligned both sides of the street as I pulled into the city of Five Seasons. About 30-40 supporters hollered quotes such as, “We’re not just the Internet.” Passersby honked for Paul as they parted 7th Avenue.
The place is slowly filling up, not to mention there are two uniformed policemen stationed at the exits, which I have yet to see at a Republican presidential event. Ah yes, throw Revolution in the mix and the peace officers are bound to show up. This should be interesting indeed.
8:07: No Dr. Paul yet, but people are still filling up the Crowne Plaza’s belly. Paul is meeting with big donors, who had to fork out a $1000 to attend. The cover charge not only covers the food and exclusive Ron Paul speech, but contributors have the option to get their pictures with Paul.
The Ron Paul Revolutionaries await the arrival of their leader8:10: Is there an interpreter in the house? A call for an interpreter to accommodate a deaf rally attendee was made over the mic. No takers thus far. I offered my live blog as a visual transcription, but again, no takers. Meanwhile the Iowa band, Justice, is doing sound checks. I wonder if the Paul campaign picked them based on their name alone? Or did the band change their name to fit this evening’s occasion?
8:15: Iowa coordinator Joe Seehusen takes the stage and set the agenda and invites audience members up to share why they’re supporting Ron Paul for President. A vote for sound economic policies, strong message on liberty and freedom while quoting Reagan and freedom, no more intervention in foreign affairs, the restoration of constitutionality: “Ron Paul is our only Hope.” A high school student takes the stage and encourages younger people to get involved in politics and civics – for their freedom and future depends on this. A Texas supporter voices his support, because of Paul’s stance on ending NAFTA. Seehusen teases audience with “Jeff” who will be showcased later in the program.
8:26: Pitch for Straw Poll by Seehusen: “A vote for Paul is a vote for freedom.” Offers sno-cones and shaved ice in lieu of the filet mignon offered by other unnamed candidates. Paul’s campaign did manage to purchase some tickets that they can provide to Paul supporters. They have 800 tickets at their disposal. All you need is a driver’s license and must be 18 and willing to drive or carpool with other folks.
Paul doesn’t need the Hillary amounts of money, because they have a grassroots movement that’s growing. Justice takes the stage as folks rise for the national anthem. Move over Whitney Houston, by far the best live rendition I’ve heard on the campaign trail.
Enter Jeff, the National Youth Coordinator, founder of studentsforpaul.org. The network has grown to over 17,000, which has more members on Facebook than any candidate on their side. Concedes Facebook race to Obama, although Obama had a big jump start. Keep your eye on the rearview mirror, Obama. Jeff has a live video strapped on his head, which is attached to a hat. Never been tried before, so some of the glitches will have to get worked out. Draws more parallels to Obama’s youth movement and overtook him in youth dollars.
Enter Lew Moore (left), Paul’s National Campaign Manager, who takes the stage and pitches Paul as the savior of the Constitution. “We’ve heard time and time again, Republicans telling us they would restore the constitution along the campaign trail – only to destroy it when they return to Washington, D.C.” Moore tells us the Ron Paul campaign is just getting started. Some of the other candidates see the Straw Poll as do or die, while Paul sees it as his kick off event. “Paul just opened his headquarters in Des Moines. He’s not going anywhere soon.”
8:40 Cue video: A medley of clips from supporters on campaign trail minced with news bits, amateur videos, and debate coverage. One supporter vowed to have Ron Paul tattooed on his back if he wins the presidency. No turning back now, fella. Elvis music in background, “A Little Less Conversation.” Off to Des Moines video, where Paul was snubbed by the Iowa Christian Alliance and Iowans for Tax Relief. Footage of the alternative rally outside the Hy-Vee convention center. Video takes us to Vegas; only fitting that Elvis joins us for the ride: “A little more action please
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