JCR Blog

Republicans participated this morning in Swisher Fun Days. In the photo above, you can see the banner being carried by (L to R) Scott James and his son, Jacob, of Iowa City, and Bob Anderson, of Swisher. They are followed by other Republicans including county supervisor candidates Rich Benn (in the yellow car), Alan Curry (walking with his sign), and Emma Nemecek (and her golf cart).

Swisher gave a warm welcome to all those converging on the charming community, and we had fun, despite the sprinkles of rain during the first part of the parade.

For those of you not familiar with it -- Swisher is Johnson County's northern outpost, just miles from the Linn County border. Signs of growth and young families were everywhere, in this town conveniently located between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.

It was also a treat to be in the heart of a growing RED PRECINCT in Johnson County. Jefferson-West, in which Swisher is located, gave President Bush 54% of the vote in 2004!

Finally, though I hate to give a Democrat free publicity on these pages, I can't help myself. Emma Nemecek's opponent for House District 29, Ro Foege, has one of the most absolutely bizarre campaign techniques that I have encountered during my time in politics. For the past several parades, apparently in a somewhat clever play on his name, he has been represented by a number people wearing boats.

So, in honor of the boats, and in repayment for this free publicity, I am encouraging a little creative song-writing in the comments. Come up with some new lyrics to the classic children's song, starting off with the first verse:

Ro, Ro, row your boat . . .