What do Iowans think about campaign funding sources?

The Aug. 6 Gazette front page story, “Vilsack attracts more out-of-state donors,” reports that Christie Vilsack received 61 percent (or $818,125) of her individual campaign donations from out-of-state donors, while incumbent Steve King received $327,434 (or 30 percent).

Kyle Kondik, of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics states, “I don't think voters care about where money comes from unless it's crooked …” but who can forget the 2010 Iowa Supreme Court Justices' retention vote, of which the opposite was reported?

The Nov. 3, 2010, Des Moines Register story stated “Groups … poured more than $650,000 into their effort, with heavy support from out-of-state conservative and religious groups.” And this amount is less than Vilsack's out-of-state support for her 4th District congressional bid.

However, Drake University Law School Dean Allan Vestal said then that, “In the end, the aggressive campaign to misuse the judicial retention vote, funded by out-of-state special interests, has succeeded.”

So which is it? Do Iowans care or not care where the funding for their elections and candidates comes from?

What is King doing right (or wrong?) that out-of-state donors are so interested in this election? I don't think that prudent, well-informed Iowa voters are buying the double standard.

Wendy Hartman

Cedar Rapids