Yesterday morning, I caught Iowa Press and watched Senator McKinley get beat up pretty good. Yepsen especially pounded on him about why we shouldn’t borrow money to build bridges, roads, infrastructure. Sen. McKinley attempted to stay somewhat on point but didn’t articulate the reasons why borrowing money is not a good way to fund all of these programs. Yepsen went on to point out that Iowa is 48th in per capita debt as a state and questioned why Iowa Republicans were unwilling to move the direction of other states (with Republican Governors) and start spending. Yepsen also tried to hammer on him about the Republican stance on less government and more privatization by questioning why he is against selling the lottery.
I hate to admit this, but the Republicans had better be able to do a better job of articulating their stances than just repeating catch phrases. This was a very hostile panel, but there were some great opportunities that were missed and fumbled.
- First, McKinley was asked about the 2010 Governor race and who was going to run for Republicans. He refused to rule himself out but didn’t make a case that he is a leader either.
- Next, he dropped the ball when explaining what the core Republican Principles are in today’s world.
Yepsen: What is the republican message? You said republicans have to get back to limited government and economic opportunity. Certainly you did not mention social issues. Did republicans take these issues of God, guns and gays off the table and focus on messages like you’re talking about?
McKinley: I believe that republicans have a very strong message. The overarching principle is that we need to return to the notion that it is Iowans who run government and not the other way around. I believe that we will promote economic opportunity, limited government, I believe in family values and I think all Iowans will respond to the message we have.
- How about this, Senator: Iowans understand that the reason why this state is so great is that it lives the values that it holds in their hearts. Iowans help Iowans and believe there IS a moral component to government. These belief systems are the things that must spawn legislation and budgeting priorities. We have not run from our social beliefs, we use them in everything we do. Iowans want to help Iowans, but they do not want to have their generosity taken advantage of. Spending money should be responsible with a thought on now with an eye on the future. Our state can’t afford what it is spending now, how does adding another debt and selling off a revenue stream make sense? How did this entire mortgage mess happen and wall street and bank failures happen? Irresponsible spending and borrowing. A slow careful approach is the Iowa way to handle these problems. Perhaps the Democrats should have listened two years ago when we were warning them about his crisis.
- Then on the question of Twittering. Yepsen was ridiculing Matt Strawn (my impression) about Twittering by asking how many people in Chariton Twitter. McKinley should have responded: I don’t know, probably as many young people as watch Iowa Press. Maybe you guys should get on Twitter.
- Next, he was asked what alternatives to the Governor’s 700 million dollar package are the Republicans offering. McKinley said it would be ready 2/1/09. Come one…there has to be something that they could talk about. Everyone knew what the Governor was going to say, Republicans should have been ready with a response.
The last major gaffe:
Yepsen: What is your position on raising the gas tax?
McKinley: My position is I think that gas prices are high enough now, I think people are paying enough for their gas. I believe prices will go higher. I personally do not believe in raising the gas tax.
Yepsen: Do you see it as a tax or a user fee? They say it’s a fee, it’s not really a tax.
McKinley: I think the semantics are irrelevant, it’s people are paying more for gas if we raise it.
- Why didn’t he tie this back on borrowing? Iowa already has enough taxes and the only way to pay for all that borrowing the Governor wants to do is to raise taxes. Whether it’s income tax, sales tax or gas taxes, we refuse to endorse more debt so we have to raise taxes on Iowans who are already hurting.
One good point was made: Republicans better get moving on rebuilding a ground campaign and fast if they hope to do any damage in 2010. I hope the Republicans can get on message and fast.
Tags: Iowa, Iowa Press, Republican