Tom Vilsack and Tom Harkin rallied their democratic troops over the weekend. Iowa’s democratic Governor and U-S Senator spoke to delegates at the Iowa Democratic Party’s state convention, and Vilsack pledged a tough fight against republican opponent Doug Gross. Vilsack says he hasn’t raised taxes in tough budget times, as opposed to the sales tax hikes Gross’ boss, Governor Terry Branstad, signed into law during the 1980s.Vilsack ridiculed Gross for distancing himself from that record, asking: “Where’s the love, Doug?” Vilsack challenged Gross to release details of his personal finances, as Vilsack has for the past five years. Gross released a statement in April but did not provide copies of his income tax returns to reporters for fear, as Gross’ campaign spokesman said, that Gross’ Social Security number would be published.Vilsack held up a bottle of “White Out” and said he’d loan it to Gross so he could keep his Social Security number secret. Harkin attacked republican opponent, Congressman Greg Ganske, for recently voting to increase Medicare payments for New York and Pennsylvania, at Iowa’s expense.Harkin says now Iowans know Ganske likes New York bagels and Philadelphia Cream Cheese for breakfast. Harkin says no matter how good a plastic surgeon Ganske is, he won’t be able to put a pretty face on that miserable record. Harkin says, “this is one doctor who’s out to lunch. And come November, he’s going to be outta work.”Republican delegates are to gather this coming weekend in Cedar Rapids for their state convention.
