Nancy Pelosi is holding a high-dollar fundraiser for Congressman Leonard Boswell
Got it.
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Posted on 03/02/2012 10:10:31 PM PST by iowamark
Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is holding a high-dollar fundraiser for Congressman Leonard Boswell later today. However, the event isn’t taking place in Washington D.C. or even Des Moines. Instead, Boswell and Pelosi will travel to Omaha for an event at the Field Club, the oldest country club west of the Mississippi.
Boswell has fended off a number of impressive Republican challengers over the last decade, but due to redistricting he will face his toughest opponent yet when he squares off against Congressman Tom Latham this fall. Neither Latham nor Boswell have represented southwest Iowa before, and thus it’s odd that Boswell has chosen to host former Speaker Pelosi in Nebraska rather than in his would-be district.
This is not the first time that Boswell has turned his back on the western part of his new congressional district. On two separate occasions last fall, Congressman Boswell voted against legislation that would have provided important disaster relief funds for counties that experienced devastating flooding from the Missouri River. Boswell’s inaction was surprising considering that he blasted his 2010 opponent for denying other flood victims government aid.
During this tough economy, one has to wonder why Congressman Boswell is taking his business across the river to Omaha instead of supporting Iowa businesses and workers? While Council Bluffs doesn’t have exclusive country clubs like the Field Club, there are a number of local restaurants, hotels, and other facilities that I’m sure would have appreciated his business.
The newly redrawn 3rd Congressional District consists of 16 counties and includes Des Moines in the eastern part of the district and Council Bluffs in the west. Not only did the new district provide Boswell with his toughest opponent ever, the district is also more favorable to Republicans. The new district has a 6,000-registered voter advantage for Republicans, while Boswell’s current district provided him with a 20,0000-registered Democrat advantage.
Having two sitting congressmen face off against one another is an oddity that really only comes about after the redistricting process. The Boswell/Latham race will be one of the most watched contests this fall, but Latham is considered the favorite. Boswell’s decision to take business out of the district to another state only will make things more difficult for him.
Warren Buffet lives in Omaha.
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