LTO: October 1, 2006

Jim Nussle’s a self-pinned op-ed, “Here's why I merit your vote: I'll energize state's future,” October 1, 2006, the Republican gubernatorial candidate outlines a series of proposals to create a more business friendly climate in the state, hinting at more corporate welfare through tax incentives and cuts thereby further eroding the state’s income and property tax base, leading to more reliance on regressive local option sales tax schemes.

The congressman’s proposals on education and health care are little more than sparkling generalities. Nussle falls back on the bromide that more of the right kind of education leads to higher wages and prosperity. The fact is that between 1979 and 2003 hourly wages for workers without college degrees fell while four-year degree holders’ compensation rose by less than a percent over that same period. His health care proposals are merely a sop to the insurance lobby.

And why does Nussle think creating a new bureaucracy will restore the public’s trust in state government? Can we trust an “inspector general” appointed by a Republican governor to investigate not only Democratic high jinx but GOP wrongdoing?

Democrat Chet Culver is only marginally better, but the voters of Iowa can do Congressman Nussle a favor and sent him back to Washington, D.C. so he can pursue a lucrative career as a K-Street lobbyist.