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Times endorsement: Jamie Van Fossen for Iowa House District 81

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By The Quad-City Times | Saturday, November 04, 2006 |

Jamie Van Fossen

For Iowa House District 81: Jamie Van Fossen

Key trait: Experience, in this case, trumps ideals.

The district: Central Davenport, from I-74 to Brady Street and parts of east Bettendorf. Map.

Jamie Van Fossen met Lauren Phelps for the first time in between our editorial board interviews at the Quad-City Times. Phelps was walking out as Van Fossen was walking in. They smiled, shook hands. We wish they would have talked.

The ideal candidate would have attributes from each.

Phelps brings an idealist’s dreams to the campaign. As a private attorney handling mostly juvenile cases, Phelps sees first-hand some problems that a caring, compassionate legislator could help resolve. Her positions closely follow a predictable Democrat agenda. She’s at her best when describing the ideals that would drive her public service: Job creation and bolstering education infrastructure that builds strong young Iowans and keeps them here. That single-mindedness can better represent the needs facing this legislative district.

Van Fossen brims with confidence that comes from his five terms and savvy understanding of Des Moines deal-making. He pushed through tax cuts for retirees, smartly agreeing to a phased-in approach that won the votes of central Iowa lawmakers who don’t face the competitive pressures of border states. He wants to hold the line on more gaming licenses, which is essential to the success of our Quad-City boats.

His positions follow a predictable Republican agenda: An outright ban on all abortion; marriage amendment; further tax cuts.

But he’s demonstrated a short fuse, blistering our phone lines on occasion and shouting down those he disagrees with on the House floor. That weakness jeopardizes his ability for more effective leadership, not just deal-making.

Had the two met, Phelps might be more aware of the tactics necessary to push an agenda in the capitol. Van Fossen might better understand that leadership includes representing those who disagree with you on some issues.

In the end, our endorsement rides on the experience district voters have invested in Van Fossen. But the endorsement of Van Fossen comes with strings attached: His legislative victories demonstrate considerable political skill. We hope his next term he moves to the next level, with leadership savvy to match.