Kurt Meyer's blog

I have noted previously the pleasure of encountering long-standing friends during the campaign.  Let me tell you about three of my favorite political friends from Mitchell County, my home county.

Some thoughts to mark Earth Day:  As the energy experts remind us, greater efficiency is far cheaper than fuel.  In fact, energy efficiency is the cheapest, cleanest, fastest way to reduce energy consumption and energy costs.  Accordingly, my primary energy focus in Congress would be on greater energy efficiency. 

Steps in this direction have already demonstrated their effectiveness.  For example, since 1

I recently spoke with a former client colleague who I assisted in a hospital expansion project.  Although it's been several years since I worked with this organization, the project stands out in my mind as a very gratifying professional experience.

I first met Mike Blouin in the spring of 1974, when he came to KWLC, the campus radio station at Luther College.  He participated in a half-hour interview program and I was the person asking the questions.  He was an easy interview, with a winning personality, a friendly demeanor, and an open, candid approach to the media (or at least to this young, inexperienced student reporter).  

For a congressional candidate seeking to represent a 28-county district, county convention day - March 15^th this year - is a considerable challenge... of scheduling, of logistics, and of volunteers just to cite three of the key challenges.  Of course, it is also a terrific opportunity.

The Kurt Meyer for Congress campaign set out to have a presence in all 28 counties.  Why?  Because in each and every corner of the 4^th district, people are hungering for change.  And not merely incremental change, but rather transformational change. 

Slowly but steadily we’re opening our central campaign office, located at 600 5th Street in Ames. For those involved in Dr. Spencer’s campaign in 2006, it’s the same office suite. I use the word “slowly” to acknowledge that creating the necessary office infrastructure – such mundane but essential matters as desks and chairs, working space and storage space, networks and systems – requires time and patience.

The Kurt Meyer for Congress campaign formally filed nomination papers with the Iowa Secretary of State on Tuesday, March 4 (or as the campaign refers to it… the ‘march forth’ to victory date.)  I became the first 4^thdistrict candidate in either party to take this step… the culmination for me of an 11-week process that began shortly before Christmas.

Running for public office is a terrific way to encounter your past… ready or not.  And yes,in my case, I’m ready, willing, and able. I say this because in the process of campaign-related activities, I’ve had occasion to meet individuals with shared interests, shared backgrounds and,in some cases, shared histories. I’d like to highlight two of these encounters. 

Meetings with previous candidates, with long-time, active Democrats and with Democratic county chairs are great listening and learning opportunities.