Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
Pflug responds to Larkin's comments about candidacy
By Steve Dunn/Gate City Managing Editor
Matt Pflug, a candidate for the Lee County Board of Supervisors, responded today to statements by Rick Larkin, chairman of the Lee County Democratic Party, about his candidacy.
Pflug, Republican Mike O'Connor and Janet Fife-LaFrenz, who won the Democratic primary in June, are vying for the District 5 seat on the board of supervisors. Pflug was nominated by petition after losing in the primary.
Pflug said Larkin chose to split hairs about his candidacy for the board of supervisors.
“He (Larkin) concludes I am not Democratic. If one is democratic, they advocate democracy, representation and freedom of choice,” Pflug said. “This is exactly the reason for my candidacy.”
Pflug said he has not declared that he is the “nominee” of the Democratic Party. Neither has he declared that he is the democratic “party” candidate nor that he is on the democratic “ticket,” he added.
“For more than 40 years my father as a member of the Democratic Party Central Committee worked in the trenches for the Lee County Democratic Party to help elect and re-elect individuals like Anne Pedersen, Mike Short, Larry Holtkamp, Jerry Kearns and Rick Larkin,” Pflug said. “Starting at the age of 16 I have worked along side of him and been a member of the Central Committee. Being a Democrat and democratic is part of who I am.”
Pflug said election law provides that any eligible citizen shall be given the opportunity to run for elected office in a general election regardless of the outcome of a primary election.
“Having met all the requirements to be a candidate in the general election by petition, the county auditor has placed my name on the ballot as provided by law,” he said. “I am a candidate and yes, I am still a Democrat and democratic.”
A postcard seeking voters' support indicates that Pflug is “your Democratic candidate” for the board of supervisors and tells voters “you must fill in the oval next to my name on the ballot.”
Pflug also said he agrees with Larkin's statement that “misleading the public undermines the democratic process.”
Likewise, Pflug said Larkin's statement that “a good campaign emphasizes a candidate's strengths and draws differences between the candidates in a truthful way” is good advice.
“A critical difference is the knowledge I gained as a previous four-year county board member that I can immediately bring to the table,” Pflug said.
He added he appreciated Larkin “for reminding the voters that they have another choice for the board of supervisors other than the ‘party ticket nominee.'”
Profiles of Pflug, O'Connor and Fife-LaFrenz will be published in the Daily Gate City next month.
Pflug, Republican Mike O'Connor and Janet Fife-LaFrenz, who won the Democratic primary in June, are vying for the District 5 seat on the board of supervisors. Pflug was nominated by petition after losing in the primary.
Pflug said Larkin chose to split hairs about his candidacy for the board of supervisors.
“He (Larkin) concludes I am not Democratic. If one is democratic, they advocate democracy, representation and freedom of choice,” Pflug said. “This is exactly the reason for my candidacy.”
Pflug said he has not declared that he is the “nominee” of the Democratic Party. Neither has he declared that he is the democratic “party” candidate nor that he is on the democratic “ticket,” he added.
“For more than 40 years my father as a member of the Democratic Party Central Committee worked in the trenches for the Lee County Democratic Party to help elect and re-elect individuals like Anne Pedersen, Mike Short, Larry Holtkamp, Jerry Kearns and Rick Larkin,” Pflug said. “Starting at the age of 16 I have worked along side of him and been a member of the Central Committee. Being a Democrat and democratic is part of who I am.”
ADVERTISEMENT |
“Having met all the requirements to be a candidate in the general election by petition, the county auditor has placed my name on the ballot as provided by law,” he said. “I am a candidate and yes, I am still a Democrat and democratic.”
A postcard seeking voters' support indicates that Pflug is “your Democratic candidate” for the board of supervisors and tells voters “you must fill in the oval next to my name on the ballot.”
Pflug also said he agrees with Larkin's statement that “misleading the public undermines the democratic process.”
Likewise, Pflug said Larkin's statement that “a good campaign emphasizes a candidate's strengths and draws differences between the candidates in a truthful way” is good advice.
“A critical difference is the knowledge I gained as a previous four-year county board member that I can immediately bring to the table,” Pflug said.
He added he appreciated Larkin “for reminding the voters that they have another choice for the board of supervisors other than the ‘party ticket nominee.'”
Profiles of Pflug, O'Connor and Fife-LaFrenz will be published in the Daily Gate City next month.
 |
 |
|
| Warsaw to have pep rally before parade Friday, dance planned for Saturday night | Vouchers needed for fall citywide cleanup |
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of dailygate.com.
Independent wrote on Oct 11, 2008 7:13 AM:
" In my opinion both Democrats and Republicans have done more than enough for the people of this nation .I think its time to vote for anyone but either of those two parties .Another for years of democrats or republicans helping the people we will be going accross the boder to get jobs and work in Mexico and every one will be as skinny as people in Africa "
Interested wrote on Oct 11, 2008 1:27 AM:
" Was a democrat. Now I'm not so sure. We have a person running for president of our country that aligns himself with fellows like Rev. Wright, Louis Farakhan, Mr. Rezko, and Mr. Ayers. Weren't we always taught that we are known for who we associate with? Well, I will think long and hard before I vote for Mr. Obama. Likewise maybe I should vote for Matt Pflug because it seems he has disassociated himself with the party for right now. Good idea. Yep....I'm gonna vote for Pflug and also for Ramaker and then probably Mr. John McCain. I thought Mr. McCain really did a swell job during the debate. Mr. Obama didn't always answer the question. I've seen enough of Mrs. LaFrenz. Yes, I'm gonna get off of here now and give Mr. Pflug a call and see if I can get a sign for my yard. "
Larussa wrote on Oct 10, 2008 9:47 AM:
" My fellow Democrats. Former Governor Tom Vilsack has taken the time out from his busy schedule to endorse Janet Fife-Lafrenz for 5th District Supervisor. His letter to this newspaper confirmed that support and I am sure he does not put his name on the line lightly. What else can I add except he understands who will do the best job for Lee CountY.
REMEMBER MY FELLOW DEMOCRATS A VOTE FOR PFLUG IS A VOTE FOR THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE AS HE HAS SPLIT THE TICKET.. A VOTE FOR JANET IS A VOTE FOR PROGRESS. "
REMEMBER MY FELLOW DEMOCRATS A VOTE FOR PFLUG IS A VOTE FOR THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE AS HE HAS SPLIT THE TICKET.. A VOTE FOR JANET IS A VOTE FOR PROGRESS. "
Heather wrote on Oct 9, 2008 10:15 AM:
" Here we go again another snob in office!! When someone like Janet Fife runs for an office of any kind that is the only time she will give the common folk the time of day. Do you think she would talk to most of us just because she's a nice person? "
Blisser wrote on Oct 8, 2008 2:43 PM:
" This just "pains" [sarcastic-tone] me to see Democrats in Lee County arguing about the meaning of the words "Democrat" "Democratic" "democrat" and "democratic". If you don't understand the difference between the lower and upper-case "D"s then, well, that's just too bad! I am wondering if they have figured out what the meaning of "is" is!
Well, all joking aside, this shows the true side of these ignorant egos, and one of the main reasons Keokuk has not been able to get out of the economic rut it has been stuck in for over a decade.
This is going to happen as long as Democrats (not democrats) are in control of legislation at the county, state, and federal levels. Government can not spend our money better than we can--the proof is right before our eyes. Noone should need to ask, "Why is America in an "economic rut?" Look who is in charge of introducing, passing, and supporting legislation! They can make our hearts hurt, but they never seem to use their brains.
Be Right, Vote Right! "
Well, all joking aside, this shows the true side of these ignorant egos, and one of the main reasons Keokuk has not been able to get out of the economic rut it has been stuck in for over a decade.
This is going to happen as long as Democrats (not democrats) are in control of legislation at the county, state, and federal levels. Government can not spend our money better than we can--the proof is right before our eyes. Noone should need to ask, "Why is America in an "economic rut?" Look who is in charge of introducing, passing, and supporting legislation! They can make our hearts hurt, but they never seem to use their brains.
Be Right, Vote Right! "
Go Dems Go wrote on Oct 2, 2008 1:07 PM:
" If this petty bickering is an indication of the level of discourse among Democrats in Lee County, I don't think any of them deserve to hold any public office. "
Disabled Vet. wrote on Oct 2, 2008 11:49 AM:
" Its a shame there are so many cattle in Keokuk. You all fall in line behind someone and are shuffled off to no where.
This is America you can vote for who you choose to vote for. You do NOT have to vote for a"party".
You need to start thinking for yourselves. "
This is America you can vote for who you choose to vote for. You do NOT have to vote for a"party".
You need to start thinking for yourselves. "
Redman wrote on Oct 2, 2008 11:14 AM:
" Anyone who votes straight republican or democrat is a fool. You should vote for the best person and not everyone on either party is the best person. "
Jerry knows wrote on Oct 1, 2008 10:00 PM:
" Jerry Kearns no's if this country needed to form another type of government as long as it was lead by the democrats he would we don;t care what religion ill bow to the west if that is what it takes and so would he. "
Larussa wrote on Oct 1, 2008 9:59 PM:
" WAKE UP DEMOCRATS, IF YOU VOTE FOR MATT PFLUG YOU ARE VOTING FOR O'CONNOR THE REPUBLICAN. DO THE MATH, THIS IS A 3 PERSON RACE AND SO-CALLED DEMOCRAT PFLUG IS SPLITTING THE TICKET. WHOEVER GETS THE MOST VOTES WINS THE SEAT. FURTHERMOREE HE IS DOES NOT STAND A CHANCE OF WINNING THIS ELECTION. HE HAS RUN 4 TIMES IN THE PAST AND HAS LOST ALL 4 ELECTIONS. PUT HIM OUT TO PASTURE ONCE AND FOR ALL. "
True Deomcrat wrote on Oct 1, 2008 6:43 PM:
" This is tp Yes. If you wree a real democrat you vote as somebody else said even for Hitler if that was who the party choose. and if you aren't a true democrat then you are repubican! "
Outradged wrote on Oct 1, 2008 6:15 PM:
" WOW!!! I can't believe Keokuk citizens are acting in this manner! Not only that but they are grown adults! Everyone is upset about a postcard? We should focus on the matter at hand-who will be a great Lee County Supervisor. Which person has best presented their knowledge about subjects. People we need change not only in Lee County but all arcoss America! So realize what is truely important here-just get out and vote on Nov. 4th!!! "
Yes wrote on Oct 1, 2008 3:52 PM:
" Lawdy I sure will vote for Fife-Lafrenz I mean she don't represent the things my family or I agree with, but gosh I better vote jus because she a TRUE DEMOCRAT and Lawd knows AMERICAN DEMOCRACY is all about voting for your party, not who you feel best represents you. Lawd yes.
If this is what the Democratic party has come to, with petty bickering, whinnying, claims with no evidence to back it up (See the messiah Obama for all of these, oh I am sorry Obama doesn't support this ad wink wink) then I sure will be voting Republican this year for the first time in my life. Oh and I already know the responses, blah blah blah, he aint no true Democrat, blah blah blah, a true blue would vote blue regardless of their personal beliefs, blah blah insert stupid comment here. Sorry I have a mind of my own, and I sure will not be voting for Fife-Lafrenz, I will vote for who represents what is best for my family and I, sorry if you cannot grasp that fact. Nor do I really care if you do or don't. "
If this is what the Democratic party has come to, with petty bickering, whinnying, claims with no evidence to back it up (See the messiah Obama for all of these, oh I am sorry Obama doesn't support this ad wink wink) then I sure will be voting Republican this year for the first time in my life. Oh and I already know the responses, blah blah blah, he aint no true Democrat, blah blah blah, a true blue would vote blue regardless of their personal beliefs, blah blah insert stupid comment here. Sorry I have a mind of my own, and I sure will not be voting for Fife-Lafrenz, I will vote for who represents what is best for my family and I, sorry if you cannot grasp that fact. Nor do I really care if you do or don't. "
Larussa wrote on Oct 1, 2008 11:06 AM:
" His work ethics were a joke when he was a supervisor. He was never well versed on any subject and only voted the way good old WOODY (his clone) wanted him to vote. Carl was a hard worker for the Democrat Party but Matt absolutely did nothing for the party. This guy is a loser and should withdraw and quit trying to mislead the elderly by unethical campaigning. He is a Republican posing as a Democrat. Do the math, in a 3 person race if he splits the votes between he and Janet guess who the winner is. Matt Pflug does not stand a chance of winning this election and so I say to my fellow Democrats please vote straight Democrat to keep him from disrupting the process and handing the seat to the republican candidate. He has abandoned his party PERIOD. "
Best Person for the Job wrote on Oct 1, 2008 9:53 AM:
" Something that I find amazing is the play on the word Democratic. The meaning of democratic is to belong to, or upholding democracy or a democracy. I myself am a republican and I am democratic. What if Mr. Pflug would of sent out something that said he was “ Your Republic Candidate”. To me this just shows how narrow minded we are when in comes to party affiliation, and the fact we don’t vote for the person we vote for the party. We are voting for COUNTY SUPERVISORS. Party affiliation in such a low level election is worthless to me. Vote for the person. If I lived in the ward Mr. Pflug is running in I would vote for him. I feel he is honest, trusting, and would make the best educated choices for the county as a whole. Mrs. Fife-LaFrenz, when she was on the City Council, has a record of just voting for what she wanted and not taking into consideration or the whole community. I can remember her voting NO on all application to sell alcohol, thus in my book voting to not support some area businesses. "
Your Right Mike wrote on Sep 30, 2008 7:19 PM:
" Your right Mike the democrats have been in control in Lee county for years! Including having a state senator and rep who are democrats! That is why Lee county is such a great place to live and find a great job! "
Outsider wrote on Sep 30, 2008 6:44 PM:
" After reading the article about Matt running as a democrat for Lee County, one must conclude that Matt does not have the maturity it takes to hold that position. I understood fully what he was trying to get across and he knew the impact of his statement. He did it for a response; to draw attention to himself. "
| Please log in or create an account by filling out the form on the right. | |
a former undecided voter wrote on Oct 14, 2008 3:05 PM:
Maybe I should start buying Hanes underwear because Micheal Jordan says they're the most comfortable. Endorsements mean squat and any intelligent voter recognizes this. Individuals like yourself are the reason I can't get myself to step foot in the LCDP Headquarters. Please stop scaring us with this splitting the ticket business. OConner simply does not have enough supporters to garner the number of votes he needs to win. This is a two person race.
I would like you to know that this former undecided voter has decided to vote for Matt Pflug partly due to your numerous posts on this message board as well as the childish acts of several other supporters of Fife-LaFerenz. Congratulations. "