Thread: IA-King tells convention McCain win needed to protect Consti

IowaPolitics.com: King tells convention McCain win needed to protect Constitution
7/12/2008

By Chris Dorsey
IowaPolitics.com

DES MOINES -- Republican Congressman Steve King carries a copy of the Constitution with him everywhere he goes. He said it reminds him of the oath he took when first elected in 2002 to Congress. King stressed at Saturday's GOP state convention that Constitution could come under fire if Sen. Barack Obama is elected in November.

"If we don't exercise our rights, we will lose them," said King, noting he has defended the Constitution even when it wasn't popular, cheap or easy. "Even when we have a Constitution (we think) is a guarantee that doesn't mean it is a guarantee unless we are willing to defend it."

King's main criticism of Obama is that he would appoint judges to the Supreme Court who wouldn't interpret the Constitution as it was written. The congressman also said it is vital a Republican secure the presidency because of what is at stake when it comes to the Supreme Court.

"We are one vote away on that court from seeing the end of Roe vs. Wade," King said.

He also challenged the Democratic nominee's stance on national defense, saying Republican presumptive nominee Sen. John McCain is the best equipped to serve as commander-in-chief.

"He is the man who will fight and win this war on terror," King said of McCain. "There is a global threat our there. There are many places across the world where they are lining up against us."

Turning to state politics, Auditor David Vaudt told the crowd of more than 1,500 at Saturday's Republican convention that it is time for them to help him hold Democratic leadership accountable on spending.

"For the past two years I have been challenging Democrats on their reckless spending," he said. "Now I call upon you to do the same."

Vaudt, a certified public accountant, said state revenues are up 10 percent in the past two years, but spending is up nearly 15 percent.

"You don't have to be a CPA to understand this is the making of a disaster," Vaudt said. "Republicans believe government should live within its means, and Democrats believe government should live within yours."

Fiscal responsibility is significant for Iowa's future, Vaudt said.

"Iowa needs Republican leadership," he said "We can't afford two more years of Democrat mismanagement."

Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey reiterated the same message, warning the recent floods could see a permanent growth in spending for state government.

"We need to hold folks accountable," Northey said.

The ag secretary, who was the only Republican to win in a contested electioon for statewide office in 2006, reminded the GOP delegates that grassroots efforts are still a key ingredient in running a successful campaign.

"This may or may not be another tough year for Republicans," Northey said. "We have a great opportunity to put the (Iowa) House of Representatives back into Republican hands."

Several challengers for federal office also addressed the convention. Here's a summary of their remarks:

U.S. Senate candidate Christopher Reed

It is vital to build upon the enthusiasm at Saturday's convention and not become complacent, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Christopher Reed told 1,347 state delegates.

"We need to rise up today in one loud, clear voice," Reed said, "we are taking back our country and our state and it starts here today."

Reed opened his speech reading off quotes his opponent incumbent Sen. Tom Harkin has made in the past. Two of those quotes dealt with Harkin's support of human cloning and statements against handguns.

Reed said the nation is in need of immigration reform, and he offered his energy policy at the convention.

"My energy policy is drill here, drill now and drill often," Reed said.

1st CD candidate David Hartsuch

Energy is going to be a hot-button issue as the November election nears, First District candidate state Sen. David Hartsuch said.

"Government has never created one drop of oil for us to use," Hartsuch said, "and it needs to remember that. Drilling rights are not entitlements of the state, they are the rights of the landowner."

Hartsuch said he plans to promote his campaign and those of other Republicans on the ballot as he tours he district prior to the November election.

"I am campaigning to make sure everyone votes for the Republican slate," he said.

Although many pundits believe incumbent Congressman Bruce Braley's seat is safe -- President George W. Bush only garnered 45 percent of the vote there in 2004 -- Hartsuch said he isn't ready to throw in the towel.

"A lot of people don't believe the First District is winnable," he said. "I dont know what the future holds for my campaign."

He said he would campaign with the necessary commitment and courage need to achieve victory.

2nd CD candidate Marianette Miller-Meeks

With an attentive audience, congressional candidate Mariannette Miller-Meeks continued her onslaught against incumbent Congressman Dave Loebsack. She told the state convention she would stand up for constituents on issues such as life, family, limited government.

"I may not be the perfect candidate and [I may be] vertically challenged, but I will stand tall," said Miller-Meeks, adding Loebsack sides more with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi than with his constituents.

She added when Democrats took office in 2006 that they promised change, reform on earmarks and budget reform.

"They produced very little and it is one reason why America has given Congress an approval rating in single digits," Miller-Meeks said.

3rd CD candidate Kim Schmett

Changing what occurs in Washington, D.C. starts within each district, and Third District candidate Kim Schmett said he is ready for that change.

Schmett faces incumbent Congressman Leonard Boswell in the November election.

"If you want to change Congress, you have got to change the congressman," Schmett said. "Leonard is not a bad man, he just has some bad ideas."

Schmett touted the Republicans' stance on illegal immigration and national security.

"We can't lose, we're right," he said.

Schmett said he plans to challenge Boswell to 12 debates -- one in each county within the district. He also acknowledged Boswell failed to debate his primary opponent Ed Fallon before the June 3 election.

"I believe Iowans look at the issues," Schmett said.

http://www.iowapolitics.com/index.Iml?Article=130908

"We are one vote away on that court from seeing the end of Roe vs. Wade," King said.

I'm confused, can someone clear up this statement for me, please?

I thought it was largely Democrats who favor abortion rights and Republicans who favor pro-life rights. The way I'm reading the above statement is that if Obama becomes POTUS, he will do away with legal abortions?

A 9% approval rating of Congress and he's talking Constitution !!!
We know the Constitution and Bill of Rights . Congress doesn't . These talking heads i've watched and heard the past week are getting under my skin . Of the 536 members on the hill i view only 30 as American Patriots.
Fact, Kings state is in serious trouble. Half are good on immigration and the other half are equally as bad

Miguelina wrote:

I'm confused, can someone clear up this statement for me, please?

I thought it was largely Democrats who favor abortion rights and Republicans who favor pro-life rights. The way I'm reading the above statement is that if Obama becomes POTUS, he will do away with legal abortions?

Yes, it is the Democrats who are pro-abortion and the Republicans who are pro-life. Many conservatives, myself included, believe life begins at inception. However, there are many of us that believe there should be exceptions in the cases of rape, incest, and when the womans life is in danger. Now, if Obama wins, his administration will do everything possible to appoint liberal judges to our federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. Appointing liberal judges won't prove very difficult since the U.S. Congress will be Democrat controlled. Once Obama appoints another liberal judge to the U.S. Supreme court it will undoubtedly make the Republicans goal of overturning Roe vs. Wade much more unattainable. Roe vs. Wade aside, can we really afford to have more liberal judges appointed to our federal courts? Their killing us on immigration issues.

"The central holding of Roe v. Wade was that abortions are permissible for any reason a woman chooses, up until the "point at which the fetus becomes ‘viable,’ that is, potentially able to live outside the mother's womb, albeit with artificial aid. Viability is usually placed at about seven months (28 weeks) but may occur earlier, even at 24 weeks."