Posted 4/27/2010 by Christopher

“So… what’s next?” – that’s a question I get a lot these days.  Truth be told, its also one I ask myself on occasion. 

“What’s Rants 3.0 mean?” – ahhh, that’s an easier one.  It’s the third stage of my life.  Rants 1.0 was the 24 years of life before the legislature; Rants 2.0 was eighteen years engaged in public policy and politics as a legislator and candidate; and now its Rants 3.0, the next stage.

Today I’m actively working as a partner with Rauschenberger Partners out of Chicago & Minneapolis.   I’m visiting with other state legislatures on behalf of a coalition of entities both public and private in support of what is known as the Main Street Fairness Act at the congressional level, and called the Streamlined Sales Tax project in state houses.   I’ve known Steve Rauschenberger for years, in fact he introduced me to this issue when I was Speaker of the Iowa House.  Steve, Corey Miltimore (the Minnesota connection) and I are looking at a couple of different public policy initiatives we can partner on, and I’m excited by the prospect of putting my experience and contacts to work in other states.  So instead of a tweet about driving here or there, you are more likely to find one about flying to another capitol.

I’ve also started my own public policy/relations company to do some work a little closer to home -- InSight Communications...  While Iowa’s revolving door rules may keep me from lobbying the Iowa legislature for two years, I can still help organizations with grass roots development, campaign guidance, and public policy development. 

I’ve also got a concept for a third project called Capitol Back Office – but that needs to percolate for a bit longer…

Most importantly, I’m reconnecting back home.  Show choir competitions, gymnastic practices, and providing relief to the family bus driver.  Oh, and some golf.  Make that a lot of golf… what can I say, its been a very warm April.

Posted 2/18/2010 by Chris

Today I am ending my campaign for the office of Governor.  I’ve enjoyed meeting and learning from so many Iowans I’ve encountered on my 54,346 mile journey around our state.  It has been a rewarding experience for me, and I hope that I’ve given my fellow Republicans some ideas to consider as they shape an agenda for the 2010 election.

Last fall it became evident that my campaign was a long shot.  I continued out of a belief that campaigns should be about issues and ideas, and it was worth the effort to shape the public debate around issues that concern my supporters and me.   It is now clear that those opportunities for such a debate are not materializing, and I cannot in good conscience accept or solicit support for an effort I know will be ultimately unsuccessful.

I want to thank everyone who has supported my campaign.  From contributors who wrote checks, to supporters who wrote to me with words of encouragement; I can’t express enough my appreciation for your support. 

Most of all, I especially want to thank my family, who for the last eighteen years has graciously given me the opportunity to pursue my political aspirations, and far too often shared precious family time with constituent demands. 

At the start of this campaign I said it was “up or out.”  That hasn’t changed.  I honestly don’t know what the future holds for me, except that there will be no more missed school concerts, plays or gymnastics tournaments.

I regret that I leave the legislature this year feeling more troubled about the future of our state that I can remember.  I describe it as a perfect storm descending upon our state of school equity challenges, a declining business climate, and massive property tax increases on the horizon.  I wish my fellow gubernatorial candidates, and returning legislators the best of luck in protecting Iowans from the dangers that will befall them if nothing is done.   As always, the first step is to recognize the danger.

The good news is that there is still time.  If Iowa’s leaders will return to the principles that once made us great; a limited government and unfettered free enterprise, our children can enjoy a brighter future.

Walter Lippmann, the Pulitzer prize winning author, once wrote, “the final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men the conviction and will to carry on.”  My final hope is that I passed the test.

Posted 2/4/2010 by Chris

Posted 2/3/2010 by Chris

Yesterday I cast the lone “no” vote on SF 2062 – the Governor and Democrats plan to lure state employees to take early retirement with the goal of saving cash in the budget.

So why break with my fellow Republicans and be the lone “no” vote?   Click here to find out why.

Posted 1/30/2010 by Chris

Iowa’s budget deficit takes center stage this week as lawmakers begin the process of deciding what they can accept in Governor Chet Culver’s budget, and what they have to reject.

Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, a legislator or a concerned taxpayer, you’ll be disappointed by the shenanigans Culver played in assembling his budget.

First – Budget Spends Almost $400 Million More Than Receipts

The first game Culver plays with the budget is using “one time” funds for on-going expense.  Over $200 Million from the cash reserve will have to be repaid.  Emptying out the last $38 Million from the Senior Living Trust Fund means that seniors will get few services, and next year the Governor and legislators will have to figure out how to replace those funds because the Senior Living Trust Fund will no long exist.  The last $140 Million in federal stimulus money is used up, with no plans on how to replace that revenue in the future.

Posted 1/27/2010 by Chris

Iowa taxpayers, along with local and state governments, are facing the perfect storm of lack of business development, an escalating tax burden, and a school funding crisis brought on by years of neglect and bad fiscal discipline in Terrace Hill. Where do those three storm clouds intersect?  Property taxes, property taxes, property taxes.