STATEMENT: Does Chuck Grassley think Iowans are idiots?

[rurallib]

{from email}

www.ProgressIowa.org
For Immediate Release: February 12, 2020
Contact: Matt Sinovic, [phone]

STATEMENT: Does Chuck Grassley think Iowans are idiots?
Senator Grassley launches 99 county tour... without listing any events, times, or locations

Des Moines, Iowa -- Progress Iowa executive director Matt Sinovic issued the following statement in response to Senator Chuck Grassley kicking off his annual 99 county tour without listing any specific dates, times, or locations for constituents to meet him in a public setting:

"How can you kick off a 99 county tour without any public events? Senator Grassley must think Iowans are idiots, but we are watching him closely and he's not fooling anyone. It's a shame that Grassley is hiding from his constituents at private events, instead of holding open to the public town hall meetings. But it's not surprising, since Grassley has sold us out at every turn over the past few years."

"Iowans want good, quality health care. Grassley sold us out by voting to repeal the Affordable Care Act time after time. Iowans want to retire with dignity. Grassley sold us out with his party's plan to gut Medicare and Social Security. Iowans believe in the rule of law. Grasley sold us out by supporting a rigged impeachment trial in the Senate, not even allowing new witnesses or evidence to be entered into the record."

"We deserve to hear from Senator Grassley at public meetings across this state. You have avoided public meetings in Iowa's largest counties for nearly a decade, and now you have the nerve to kick off your so-called statewide tour without any public events."

"Senator Grassley, Iowans are a lot smarter than you think. And we deserve answers about your record. We're ready to ask you tough questions, are you ready to do your job and answer?"

Senator Grassley's so-called launch was covered by KCRG:

"The schedule posted on Grassley's website does not list exactly when or where the meetings will be held in those eastern Iowa counties this week."

Progress Iowa is a multi-issue progressive advocacy organization with a network of more than 75,000 progressives. Year-round, Progress Iowa advocates for a stronger middle class, first-class public education, and fairness for all Iowans under the law.

###

Additional background:
Des Moines Register Editorial: Full Grassley is half empty
Salon: Trump budget would cut Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security while expanding tax cuts for the rich
KCRG: Grassley begins 40th year of 99 counties tour in eastern Iowa on Friday

[madaboutharry]

1. He thinks that republicans, at least, don't care and he is probably right.

[rurallib]

2. Since his part in the Merrick Garland affair, Grassley's 99 county tour has changed

to going to tiny towns in tiny counties for public appearances with only a day or so notice. This is just taking it a step further.

His appearances in major counties (particularly Johnson) are limited to meetings with friendly groups like the Chamber of Commerce.

[progressoid]

3. #puke

Even Nebraska public radio did a bit about this. But they only said that no dates or locations had been announced. They made it sound so folksy but conveniently missed the fact that he avoids the public as much as possible.