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Loebsack glides to re-election in 2nd Democrat Dave Loebsack soundly defeated Republican opponent Marriannette Miller-Meeks Tuesday night, part of a continuing Democratic wave that started in 2006. Loebsack secured 57 percent of the votes, while Miller-Meeks took 39 percent and independent Brian White and Green Party candidate Wendy Barth each received 2 percent of votes. The former freshman Democrat said he was pleased with the outcome and now wants to focus on the future. “Obviously, folks thought I’ve been doing a good job the last few years, and that’s what I think this is about,” he said. The first thing he wants to do is pass another economic-stimulus plan that will focus on creating jobs. “Certainly on a larger scale, people want to see the country move in a different direction,” he said. “That has been the case in the 2nd District for the last years.” Miller-Meeks watched the results trickle in from the Hotel Ottumwa, accompanied by a crowd of supporters. Though she said she was disappointed by the results, she doesn’t regret the campaign she ran — which stressed her Armed Forces and medical experience. “You can always think that you could’ve done more, but you do as much as you can without throwing yourself into total exhaustion,” she said, adding it’s now time to get back to work as an ophthalmologist in Ottumwa. Democrats retained control of the House and made broad gains. “It’s the night we have been waiting for,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. Although not as essential as in the U.S. Senate — which only needs 60 votes to pass bills without a filibuster — the added Democratic seats will be very important in passing any legislation surported by the party, UI political-science Associate Professor Tim Hagle said. Also, if any Democrat defects from the party, it won’t be crippling to any prospective initiatives, he added. Still, there are potential pitfalls when one party dominates. U.S. representatives must not become overly partisan, or they could elicit a public backlash — and, ultimately, a loss of seats, Hagle said. Loebsack was heavily favored in his race, and that Democrats outnumber Republicans in Johnson County nearly 4-1 and by more than 60,000 didn’t hurt. The Democrat’s opponents attacked the representative, calling him “Do Nothing Dave” and condemning his support of the bailout bill in September. Barth said his endorsement of the plan was “outrageous” and “irresponsible.” Loebsack rebuked such claims, campaigning on his achievements in Congress — highlighting flood relief, veterans’ care, and college affordability legislation. Gaining less publicity, but campaigning substantively, third-party candidates White and Barth pushed for an end to partisanship and special interests. Though White said he was upset he only received roughly 2 percent of the vote, he doesn’t regret failing to affiliate himself with either Democrats or Republicans. “Our country would be worse shape if I didn’t run,” he said. “Bottom line, lets stop making excuses; you cannot fix America with a broken hammer. First we need to fix Congress in order to fix America.” Although Barth garnered only 2 percent of the vote, she said she was happy with her campaign’s output and that she could raise alternative issues. “There are not only two sides to an issue,” she said. “It’s healthy to have another voice.” |