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I was at their debate in Bettendorf Monday. No immigration questions were asked, but Clovis in his closing statement specifically mentioned the need to apply the Rule of Law (the theme of his closing) to immigration in a way very similar to his website's position statement on the issue.

The Des Moines Register is NOT our friend. Using an unlinked, and thus context free, quote from them to attack Sam is unfair. I'd posted a link on the Iowa board to the full video of the Bettendorf Debate Tuesday morning. Alas, I just checked and our local media no longer has that link up and I couldn't find it elsewhere. I did download it, but have no way to post the 700MB file.

IMHO Sam is a very good man, with a wealth of information supporting his conservative credentials. The GOPe, after a detour to Jacobs, is back to their original candidate, Ernst. Other than one good ad and one great endorsement I've seen little to support her claim to be a 'proven conservative.'

After watching one debate live and two more online I've seen nothing to suggest she can debate her way out of a cardboard box. The media generally concedes Sam won every debate. Sam's fundraising flaws won't be relevant in a general election. The seat is valuable enough that whomever is nominated with receive enough funding to have a chance. Braley's campaign is based on three legs: support by the liberal media, funding by his rich liberal lawyer gang, and using the skills that won him presidency of the National Trial Lawyers to out talk any opponent. We can't do much about the former and won't outspend the second with any nominee. Our only chance is to beat him with better talking and there Sam is clearly our best chance. Braley's mentor, Harkin, has made mincemeat out of 'well qualified' GOPe moderates many times and Braley expects to do the same.

LIke most here I love Palin and value highly her opinion. She's one of very few who would make me question and re-evaluate my own instincts. Her track record is certainly better than most, and arguably better than anyone currently. But she's not been perfect. A few of her picks underperformed electorally and not all have kept 'Cruz-ing' the conservative line reliably.

Braley is potentially the worst member of the Senate. I believe Ernst would make an average GOP moderate. Clovis would be a Mach 2 conservative Senator if we can just get him nominated.