John Sheda

After a grueling six months or so, the Iowa Caucuses are over. The entire nation had its’ eyes on us. The cable networks of CNN, Fox News, MSNBC and others were all in Des Moines and other places. The candidates were here and everyone waiting with baited breath what Iowans were going to say. And we spoke loud and clear.

But what exactly did we say? Here are some thoughts from this humble (koff, koff) correspondent:

* First of all, Iowans are proud to be the first voters in the nation. And we take our responsibility seriously. Last Monday evening, despite the fog in many places, precincts all over saw the largest turnout ever for a caucus. We told future candidates, “Do not even think about by-passing this great state. We can make or break you.”

Speaking of speaking loud and clear, we also told candidates that they should never ever miss a debate. Never!!

Polls can be close often but they aren’t perfect by any stretch of the imagination. Voters in meeting places all across Iowa showed the nation that.

People, whether Democrat or Republican, are sick and tired of Washington politics. The “same old, same old” has gotta go. We want and demand change. Remember, it’s still “We the people.”

Iowans want candidates to get their message out. What’s your plan? We know negative campaigning works, but we really want to hear what YOU are going to do.

We are serious voters and we study the candidates, the issues and the kind of person you are. We are not “fly-by-night” voters.

We absolutely expect you to say what you mean and mean what you say. And we will vote accordingly.

So now it should be quiet here in Iowa for several months. Let the other states have their moment in the spotlight. We’ve had ours and we took full advantage of it. Iowa, the first in the nation caucus, has poured steam into the engines of several candidates and let the steam out of several. Congratulations Iowa Voters. We did the state proud. Pat yourself on the back for a moment or two and then let’s just see how all this stuff plays out.

That’s the way I see it.

Let me know how you see it at jsheda@indytel.com or call me at 319.327.4640. By the way, did your man or woman win?