Biking a long political trail

Wed August 09 2006
Posted Aug 9, 2006
12,093

Published August 08, 2006 10:40 pm By SCOTT NILES Courier staff writer Loesback biking through the district UNIONVILLE — Congressional candidate Dave Loebsack was not dressed in the usual campaign attire Tuesday. Instead, he sported shorts and a T-shirt as he bikes his way across the 15 counties in the second congressional district. Loebsack, a Democrat from Iowa City, will face off against incumbent Congressman Jim Leach, R-Iowa City, in the fall. Loebsack, who met with the Courier just outside of Unionville, said he believes his non-traditional campaigning is a better way to meet the people in the district. “We just started [Monday] and we seem to be adding places along the way, but, we are going to hit all the towns in each of the counties in the district,” he said. “We’ll be visiting between 40 and 50 towns.” The biking/walking campaign is expected to take five weeks for Loebsack and his campaign manager Jennifer Tuttle. While not one of the primary reasons for his campaign, Loebsack said it is important that people recognize a healthy environment and do their part to make it cleaner — bicycling would certainly apply. As a former marathon runner, he said, he also enjoys the exercise each day. “After we are done with this, we will go back to the traditional campaigning,” he said. But to Loebsack, this campaign stands for more than just a ride around Iowa’s second congressional district and a fight for a political position, it is a symbol of how he was raised. “I grew up in poverty,” he said. “I got where I am today through hard work, support of my family and friends and my community and help from the Democratic party, which stands for hope and opportunity.” One of his goals is to “undo” some of the “wrongs” of the Republican party. “I believe the leadership in the Republican party has driven a wedge between people and divided us. But, we are all in this together,” he said. “From a values prospective standpoint, I believe in restoring the hope and opportunity that Republicans have taken away from the people of America and a majority of Iowans in the Second District.” If elected, Loebsack would use his political status to achieve several goals that he has laid out for his constituents. “I would do what I could to work for the people living in poverty and the middle class, as well,” he said. One of his objectives centers around a higher pay scale for workers. “I think people need to earn a livable wage. I would look at increasing the minimum wage in Iowa by at least $2.10,” he said. “Every person deserves to make a wage they can live off of.” Another area that he thinks can use some work is health care. “Universal health care is a big one. I would make sure that everyone is covered and leave no one out,” he said. Despite an impoverished beginning, Loebsack has been a teacher of international politics and American foreign policy at Cornell College in Mount Vernon for the past 24 years. He said his education in these fields has given him the knowledge he needs to make a difference in Iowa and the United States. “I believe I am more than qualified to represent the people of the Second Congressional District,” he said. Though his campaign is focused on several important issues, Loebsack said he is committed to one particular promise. “Given my background and my values, the one thing I am promising people is that I will never leave behind those who most need our help,” he said. “We are for everyone.” Scott Niles can be reached at (641) 683-5360 or via e-mail at sjniles@mchsi.com. Loebsack Bicycling Schedule Today: West Grove to Bloomfield Thursday: Bloomfield to Ottumwa (6:30-8:30 p.m. open house at 131 Bryan Road, Ottumwa) Friday: Ottumwa to Selma (7 a.m. breakfast at Riverside Restaurant, Ottumwa) Saturday: Selma to Libertyville Aug. 13: Birmingham to Fairfield