admin @ Fri, 2005-10-21 11:00
Last session, the Legislature toughened prison terms and post-prison supervision for sex crimes against children, but opponents blocked debate on the death penalty.
That tactic will fail, he said. When voters understand that Iowa has a penalty of life without the possibility of parole, the political steam for the death sentence fades.
"When Iowans understand that, the polls go to dead even," said Gronstal. "Can it work in some areas against some targeted Democrats? Yeah, I suppose it can."
Democrats made gains last year and are optimistic about their chances next year. With the Senate evenly split 25-25, three Republicans have announced plans to leave office. No Democrats are leaving.
Another big issue is the residency law affecting sex offenders convicted of crimes involving children. It prohibits sex offenders from living within 2,000 feet of a school or day care center.
"There will probably be some discussion ..." Gov. Tom Vilsack said. "There's the issue of where do these folks live and how do they integrate themselves back into society. It's not an easy question."
Larry Sabato, who heads the University of Virginia's Institute of Politics, said sagging poll numbers for Republicans from President Bush down the ballot have the GOP returning to core issues likely to inspire their political base.
"Republicans understand that they need, for the first time, they really need to fire up the base," said Sabato. "Nothing fires them up like the hot button social issues."
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