We will be walking or riding on the Polk County GOP float for the West Des Moines and Urbandale Fourth of July parades.  If you can join us, here are the details:

WEST DES MOINES PARADE FRIDAY, JULY 3rd

• We will meet as a group at Western Hills Elementary (600 39th Street) at 4:45 pm.
• Even if you aren’t able to meet at 4:45pm, feel free to join us.
• Parade starts at 6:30pm. You need to get to Valley HS by 6:15p, but the sooner the better.
• There is parking at Valley High School on the northwest side just off Valley West. Park in the lot there and then walk over to the staging area.
• Polk GOP is in the red staging area just off Woodland north of the school.
• We will have Polk GOP t-shirts for everyone to wear and candy to pass out.
• Also, we have a trailer and water, so don’t worry about the length of the parade, you will be able to ride the float if you need a break.

URBANDALE PARADE, SATURDAY, JULY 4th

• Parade starts at 10:00am
• We are entry #63- line up at Roseland Dr and 70^th Street in Urbandale by 9:30 am.
• 70^th Street will be shut-down after 9am between Douglas and Urbandale. Please plan accordingly
• Again, we will have t-shirts and candy to pass out.

For more information please contact Lynn McRoberts at: 913-226-9143 or lmmcroberts@gmail.com (email is best during the work day).

Energy Tax Disaster: Congressmen Boswell, Braley, and Loebsack vote to raise energy costs on Iowans by about $400 a year for Iowa families and cost Iowa jobs.

ACTION ITEM: Call Senator Harkin, IMMEDIATELY, and tell him to vote

NO on cap and trade (HR 2454)!

You can reach his Washington, DC office at: 202.224.3254

You can reach him via email at: https://harkin.senate.gov/c/index.cfm

Last Friday was a dark day for our country. Dark because the U.S. House of Representatives, with the support of Iowa’s three Democrat members, voted for energy legislation that will dramatically increase energy costs for Iowa consumers and turn the lights out on Iowa’s economy with staggering job losses.

Congressmen Boswell, Braley, and Loebsack all sided with California’s Nancy Pelosi and Henry Waxman in support of HR 2454, even though data from the Energy Information Administration and Congressional Budget Office show the bill will increase electricity costs in Iowa and most of the rest of the country (while actually lowering them in Pelosi’s and Waxman’s home state of California). Click here for the report.

In fact, with energy costs estimated to rise by $250 million a year in Iowa as a result of this legislation, that equates to nearly $400 annually for an Iowa family of four.

In addition, research from the Heritage Foundation shows Iowa will lose nearly 18,000 jobs by 2012 if HR 2454 becomes law (this is in addition to the more than 90,000 Iowans currently out of work). Click here for the report.

Higher energy costs for Iowa families and fewer jobs for Iowa workers. Reps. Boswell, Braley, and Loebsack have a lot to answer for when they come home to face Iowa voters.

THANK YOU to Republican Congressmen Steve King and Tom Latham. Thank you for standing up for Iowa families, Iowa farmers, and Iowa businesses in opposition to this economy-killing legislation.

Now, it is not too late to stop this terrible legislation from becoming a reality. We need EVERY Iowan to contact Senator Harkin’s office, IMMEDIATELY, and ask him to vote NO on HR 2454 (the cap and trade bill).

You can reach his Washington, DC office at: 202.224.3254

You can reach him via email at: https://harkin.senate.gov/c/index.cfm

Below please find talking points on this legislation from the Republican National Committee:

The so-called “cap and trade” plan proposed by President Obama and Congressional Democrats is nothing more than a huge multi-billion dollar national energy tax that will hit almost every American family, small business and family farm.

• President Obama and Congressional Democrats will tax our lights out — families and businesses will face higher energy costs every time they flip on a light switch, start a car or delivery truck, or manufacture a product.
• Various studies also show that between 1.8 million to 7 million jobs could be lost.
• Those hardest hit by this massive tax will be the poor and middle-class who are already struggling to make ends meet in today’s recession.
• President Obama himself said on the campaign trial that if “cap and tax” were to pass families’ utility bills would “necessarily skyrocket.”
• The American people want energy independence and a cleaner environment without a national energy tax.
• Republicans have a better way – an “all of the above” approach that would lead to lower energy costs, more jobs, a cleaner environment and greater energy independence.
• Republicans want to increase the use of all energy sources that will reduce carbon emissions, especially nuclear, clean-coal and renewable energy technologies.
• Republicans want to increase environmentally-safe energy production to take advantage of abundant supplies of energy right here in America on remote lands and far off our shores.
• Republicans would do all this while reducing frivolous lawsuits and encouraging Americans to conserve energy to preserve and protect our natural resources.

Members of the president’s own party oppose his national energy tax scheme.

• John Dingell (D-MI): “Nobody in this country realizes that cap and trade is a tax, and it’s a great big one.” (Rep. John Dingell, Subcommittee On Energy And Environment, Energy And Commerce Committee, Hearing, 4/24/09)
• Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN): “And you also run the risk of taking jobs away and not actually solving global warming.” (MSNBC’s “Hardball,” 3/25/09)
• Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA): “I just don’t think an economy-wide cap and trade works.” (Gerard Shields, “La. Democrats key figures in federal emissions debate,” The Advocate, 5/2/09)
• Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-LA): “I believe this bill would create an undue burden on families who are already paying too much in energy bills…” (Gerard Shields, “La. Democrats key figures in federal emissions debate,” The Advocate, 5/2/09)
• •Rep. Jason Altmire (D-PA): “Any way you do it, it hurts Pennsylvania, especially western Pennsylvania. I think cap and trade is bad policy.” (Alex Isenstadt, “Cap and trade hits speed bumps,” Politico, 4/27/09)

CALL Senator Harkin, TODAY, and help stop this legislation from becoming a reality. YOUR voice can make a difference, so call Senator Harkin, NOW!

You can reach his Washington, DC office at: 202.224.3254

You can reach him via email at: https://harkin.senate.gov/c/index.cfm

Tired of Democrats taking our country in the wrong direction? Donate, NOW, to the Polk County Republicans by sending your check made out to “Polk County Republicans” to 621 E. 9th Street, Des Moines, IA  50309. Help us continue the fight to take back our state and nation.

Content provided by the Iowa GOP.

The Republican Party of Iowa hosted Night of the Rising Stars last night at the Hoyt-Sherman Place.  Over $100,000 was raised last night for the party, and those who attended were introduced to rising stars within our party who are currently serving in the Iowa General Assembly.

The night was capped off with a keynote address given by Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour.  People were encouraged to tweet during the event and you can see those “tweets” here.  You can also read the Des Moines Register’s coverage here.

Here are some pictures of the evening:

On Right: Representative Chris Hagenow

Representative Peter Cownie

On left: Representative Erik Helland

Representative Kevin Koester

Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour

You can see more photos here.

You can also check out a slideshow that was put together by Bob Vander Plaats:

American flags, fireworks, barbeques and, of course, parades! These are all staples of the great American holiday. Polk County GOP needs all the walkers we can recruit to join us for two high-profile parades.

Friday, July 3rd – West Des Moines

Thousands of opportunities to show parade watchers we are proud of our founders, our country and our party.

Line up is at Valley High School and the parade route ends at Valley Junction.  Please be at the high school by 6:15p.  This is a large parade so we need to have everybody in place by the parade start time of 6:30p.

And don’t worry about the length of the parade.  We have that covered, too!  There is room for several people to ride on the float trailer so we can each take a break.  Water for essential (and required!) hydration will also be provided by Polk County GOP.

Saturday, July 4th – Urbandale

Kick off Independence Day meeting crowds of citizens who are just there to celebrate the very freedom the Polk GOP is promoting. There will be plenty of time for you to enjoy a picnic or BBQ after the parade.

Parade time is 10:00a so please be at the Old City Hall not later than 9:50a.  The Old City Hall in Urbandale is located at 3315 70th Street.

For more information on either of these parades, please call Lynn McRoberts at 913-226-9143 or email at lmmcroberts@gmail.com.

June 20, 2009: A nice warm sunny day, the Polk County GOP float is in position number 14 behind State Representative Erik Helland and in front of State Senator Larry Noble.  Marching with Republicans were: Lynn McRoberts (Polk GOP Parade Coordinator and Volunteer Chair), John Bloom (Polk GOP Chair), David & Katie Stout, Kristen Eklov, JoEllen Arthur, Brad Boustead, Joseph Heuertz, Mike Cook, Sarah Cutshall and Art Smith.

Thanks to all who participated and created the great float!  Photo below is of the float and most of the group that marched (David, Lynn and Brad weren’t present for the group photo).  Click on the photo to see the complete set of Polk County GOP photos from the parade!

2009 was the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln and the Polk County Republicans are proudly commemorating the life and legacy of this great leader.

We invite you to join other active Polk County Republicans walking in the Johnston Green Days Parade this Saturday, June 20th. Please arrive by 9:45am so we can get everyone assigned to a task. 

Line-up is along South Drive behind Pioneer (7000 NW 62nd Ave). Enter the parade line up area off 62nd Avenue onto South Drive. We are entry number 14… look for the big elephant and group of people in red T-shirts!  Red GOP t-shirts will be provided for each walker.

The parade is 1.2 miles long, so please wear comfortable shoes.
For more information, please contact:

Lynn McRoberts
email: lmmcroberts@gmail.com
phone: 913-226-9143

IT’S PARADE SEASON AND THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKING!

POLK COUNTY GOP NEEDS YOU!

Bring the babies in strollers, the toddlers in tow and put on your walking shoes.  We are kicking off a great parade season and look forward to having you join us at one or all of the scheduled parades in the Polk County GOP area:

HERE’S THE SCHEDULE SO FAR:

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 10:00 a.m. Please join State Representative Erik Helland at the Grimes Fire Station to walk with him in the first parade of the season.

SUNDAY JUNE 14, 1:00 p.m. Creation of our parade float at the home of Katie and Dave Stout- 5325 NW 63rd Place, Johnston. Call 515-669-9971 if you get lost/need directions.

SATURDAY, JUNE 20^th 10:00 a.m. Johnston “Green Days” Parade.  Line up is along South Drive of Pioneer Campus (7000 NW 62nd Ave in Johnston). Please send an e-mail to Lynn McRoberts at lmmcroberts@gmail.com or call her at 913-226-9143 if you plan to walk with us or if you have any questions. Our theme is the celebrating the 200^th Birthday of Abraham Lincoln. Feel free to dress up like Lincoln or wear a red t-shirt to support the Republican cause!

Save the Dates

Be sure to mark these days on your calendars! More details will be coming soon.

• Friday, July 3rd at 6:30pm- West Des Moines Parade
• Saturday, July 4th at 10am- Urbandale Parade
• Wednesday, August 12 at 6:15pm- Iowa State Fair Parade
• Saturday, September 19th at 10am- Beaverdale Parade

Steve Sheffler, RNC National Committeeman from Iowa, spoke at the Polk County Central Committee meeting on Tuesday evening (May 26).  Most of his report was regarding the last RNC meeting where 3 resolutions were passed.  Steve’s report was also on his Facebook page, and is reprinted below.

Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 9:00pm
Dear Republican Friends:

I just returned from a 3-day Republican National Committee meeting in suburban Washington D.C. I am a proud co-sponsor of these 3 resolutions that help differentiate the Republican Party from the Far Left policies of the Democrat Party. I was a participant in these discussions from the very beginning. I am also a one of the founding members of the Republican National Conservative Caucus.

Because Kim Lehman, the Republican National Committeewoman could not attend, I was given her proxy and participated in the Resolutions Committee prior to the special meeting that adopted these 3 resolutions. I was proud and honored to make the motion to adopt all 3 of these resolutions at the
Resolutions Committee.

I was a vocal proponent of these resolutions. It is my strong belief that a National Committee person should try to make a difference-not just take up space. In addition, I believe that we must stand for principle without apology. If we don’t, we will find our Party in a minority for a long, long
time.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you!

Sincerely,

Steve Scheffler
National Committeeman for Iowa

To Republican and Conservative Activists:

I am pleased to announce that on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, the Republican National Committee adopted the three resolutions we proposed nearly a month ago. The resolutions recognize the the Democrats’ march towards socialism, oppose Congressional earmarks, and commend Republican members of Congress for opposing bailouts and reckless government spending.

The Republican National Conservative Caucus played a vital role in building the coalition necessary to pass these resolutions. Together, these resolutions bring us one step closer to our goal of returning the RNC to the conservative principles upon which the Republican Party was built.

For more information about the resolutions, please visit the Republican National Conservative Caucus website at this link.

If you are not currently a member of the Republican National Conservative Caucus and you would like to help return the Republican Party to the conservative principles upon which the party was built, please become a member by visiting the RNCC website at http://www.repconcaucus.com/user/register.

Very truly yours,

 

 

James Bopp, Jr.
Republican National Conservative Caucus

The next meeting of the Polk County Republican Central Committee will be held

Tuesday, May 26th, 7:00 PM

Hillside Elementary (map)

713 8th Street

West Des Moines

The Agenda will include:

1. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Special Guest Speaker (15 min)
3. Review & Approve Minutes – March 24, 2009 (5 min)
4. Receive Treasurer’s Report  (5 min)
5. Review and confirm new Executive Committee appointments.  (10 min)
6. Present Strategic Action Plan (45 min)
7. Wrap Up & Open Discussion (10 min)

We look forward to seeing you next week!  Have a great Memorial Day!

We’re just about ready for the Asian Heritage Festival this Saturday!  We have a great new banner (see below), lot’s of folks volunteering to work the tent (we could use a few more volunteers, if you have time email Art Smith), a drawing for an American Flag, voter registration, (temporary) tattoos for the kids, and a great event with entertainment, food, and lots of people!  We will be in the Diplomacy Village, Tent #5.  If you can make it, please come see us!

Volunteer Schedule:

Additional Information:

CelebrAsian 2009 Facts

WHAT: CelebrAsian: The Seventh Annual Asian Heritage Festival will celebrate 12 Asian American communities.

Time: 10 am – 8 pm, on Saturday, May 16, 2009 Place: Iowa State Capital—East Campus

Here’s how everyone can join the celebrAsian:

• Experience an entire continent as twelve Asian villages present their communities through crafts, history, art, gifts, and food. Villages include: Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, Hmong Indian, Japanese, Korean, Laos, Nepalese, Taidam, Vietnamese, and Thai.
• Find out how Iowa connects to Asia and the world in the diplomacy village comprised of organizations that connect Iowa to the world through their work
• Be a part of a Volleyball tournament as competitors or spectators
• Tempt the palate with Asian food that ranges from the traditional to the contemporary
• Enjoy the music, dancing, and singing
• Go green with interactive games and activities for children
• Learn from workshops, demonstrations, and other hands-on activities
• Receive a health screening at the Health and Wellness Village
• Enjoy traditional cultural performances that entertain and educate
• Cheer for eight talented finalists who will compete in the Next SensAsian Talent Contest
• Unleash the warrior spirit during the martial arts tournament
• Enjoy the Asian fashion show with a going green theme

New in 2009:

• Asian Fusion: Asian artists lead a collaborative “Happening” that will incorporate all aspects of the arts
• Local musical headliner Larry Berenguel shares the stage with national musical headliner Legaci
• Start and/or end the day at CelebrAsian H.Q. & Marketplace. This must-stop for all provides opportunities to meet entertainers, purchase CDs and official celebrAsian merchandise, and sign up for a chance to win hourly door prizes featuring the most important highlights of CelebrAsian

WHO
Everyone is invited to join the celebrAsian! Expected attendance—45,000-50,000. An Iowa Asian Alliance event co-hosted by Polk County Board of Supervisors and Coldwell Banker. Other festival sponsors include Des Moines Register, Integer Group, Lite 104.1, Mediacom, American Family Insurance, BRAVO Des Moines, Citi, Pioneer Hi –Bred, a DuPont business, Principal Financial Group, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield

WHY
Iowa Asian Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to growing Iowa through the united Asian American community in the areas of business, economic and community development.

Through the Asian Heritage Festival, the Iowa Asian Alliance hopes to:

• Celebrate Asian American contributions to Iowa’s culture and economy.
• Provide Iowans an opportunity to experience and better understand Asian cultures.

According to the 2000 census, there are 13,614 Asian Americans in the greater Des Moines area, comprising 3.5 percent of the area’s population. Statewide, about 43,000 Asian Americans reside in Iowa. The 1,700 Iowa businesses owned by Asian Americans contribute nearly $273 million to the economy and make up 32 percent of Iowa’s minority-owned businesses.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Visit: www.IowaAsianAlliance.com or www.celebrAsian.org
Phone: 515-273-5100, E-mail: info@iowaasianalliance.com