“Hi, good morning,” Conlin said to start, then she joked as she adjusted IDP vice chair Sue Dvorsky’s “booster chair” behind the lectern — Dvorsky introduced Conlin. (Listen to Conlin’s 16 minute speech by clicking on the following link:  ConlinConvention.  Read the Radio Iowa story here.)

“There are lots and lots of people to thank,” Conlin said, regarding her primary victory. Conlin thanked Bob Krause, her primary opponent,  for a “wonderful, dignitifed, issue-oriented campaign.”  She asked him to rise and crowd gave him a standing O.  (She did not mention her other opponent, Tom Fiegen, who has said he will not endorse Conlin.)

“We worked very hard,” Conlin said of the Primary. “We built a grassroots army.  We made 200,000 telephone calls.  We visited all 99 counties….We sent millions and millions and emails.  Are you all getting our emails? We have thousands of Facebook friends.  We tweet.  We text.  We do it all!”  Conlin then asked the crowd to visit her campaign website and give her campaign contact information.

“…We expect the attacks — well, the attacks have already begun, but we want to know where to find you when we need you,” she said.

Next Conlin invited the crowd to watch the campaign commercial her nine-year-old granddaughter made, joking that her granddaughter says she looks just grandma “but my hair is longer and she’s old” (that was Conlin channeling the granddaughter there).  The crowd laughed.

Conlin next made a pitch for campaign contributions. 

“We have earned the right to run against Senator Grassley and run against him we will.  He will have the race of his life,” Conlin declared. “…He has been in the United States Seante for 30 years.  He is about to begin his 4th decade.  It’s up to us to persuade Iowans that three decades is really long enough…We know that you cannot send the same guy to do the same job and expect a different result and we want a different result.  We demand a different result.  We send our senators to DC to do the people’s business and we wonder who is Senator Grassley listening to?”

She mentioned Grassley’s campaign slogan: “Grassley works.”

Conlin said: “For who?  For who does Grassley work?”

Conlin asked the delegates to “bring every single Iowa Democrat home to the Iowa Democratic Party” for November,   Conlin said it ws important, too, to reach out to Republicans and independents “and remind them of the failures that we Democrats have to fix.”

Conlin offered a litany of items which she labeled Grassley failures:  turning billions of dollars in surplus into deficits; he reduced taxes “for those who already have the most not once, but twice”; he allowed the dollar to plunge and the trade to soar.

“He and others went to the floor of the senate went to the floor of the senate to try and prevent reregulation of the oil companies,” Conlin said, mentioning the oil spill: “Why Senator Grassley would you let this happen to our country?”

Conlin offered a bit of her own biography.  “I have spent my life speaking out for those who have had no voice,” Conlin said.  “…I locked up every single heroin dealer in the state in a 24 hour period and they took a contract out on my life….I’ve stood up to the most powerful forces in our nation…and if I am fortunate enough to be your United States senators I will fight for justice for every single Iowan every single day and I will hold Senator Grassley accountable for every single vote, for every single job lost, for every single Iowan hurt by the policies he espouses.”

She continued: “We need to replace a career policitican who thinks only of the next election with a challenger concerned with the next generation…So I say to Senator Grassley, ‘Let’s go. Let’s get started…Let’s find out who represents the everyday people.’”

She criticized Grassley for voting for the Wall Street bailout.  ”Tell Iowans, please, why you voted five times for tax breaks for corporations to ship our jobs overseas?  Senator Grassley, why did you do that?”

“…Why is it fair for you to vote for $36.5 billion in subsidies for big oil and vote no, no, no for unemployed Iowans?  Why is that fair?”

Conlin made an appeal to the activists gathered for the state convention: “America is depending on us to put America back on track.  Are you up for it?  Are you ready to work for change?  Are you ready to fight for change?  Iowa can do better.  Iowa must do better.  Iowa will do better.  Count on me.  I’m going to count on you.”

“…I’m going to go get him….This is our home…This is where we teach our children the promise of tomorrow…and we intend that that promise will be kept…I have worked hard.  I have been lucky and I have lived the American dream.  I want everybody to have that same opportunity.  We will stand together.  We will defend the American dream…and this time we will prevail.”

“…Thank you and on to November 2,” Conlin said.

Senator Tom Harkin was the next speaker.  (Listen to Harkin’s 23 minute speech by clicking on the following link:  HarkinConvention.) Harkin began by wishing Iowa Democratic Party chairman Michael Kiernan a ”full and speedy recovery.” (Kiernan resigned this week for health reasons.)

Harkin mentioned Conlin’s Primary victory next: “Boy, talk about a slam dunk.”  He mentions helping Conlin blast through the “glass ceiling” – but Harkin does not mention Grassley by name. 

Next, Harkin offered a defense of Chet Culver, the Democrat who is seeking a second term as governor and who faces Republican Terry Branstad, a former four-term governor. 

Harkin said:  “I’ve been reading Terry Branstad’s campaign statements.  I’m kind of scratching my head…(Branstad seems) so proud to be yesterday’s man.”  Harkin suggested Branstad’s favorite day of the year was when every one turns their clocks back for daylight savings time. 

“Let me put it this way.  I know something about tires and I know something about politicians and the problem with retreads is they have a tendency to blow out and cause a lot of wrecks.  That’s why I’m better on our high-performance….Governor Chet Culver this year.”

Harkin said he was “very optimistic about this campaign year” and later said there was ”still plenty of kick left inthe old Democratic donkey.”

Harkin introduced the convention’s keynote speaker, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, who took the stage at 11:43 a.m.

“Good morning,” Klobuchar began. “Are you ready to give Tom some company in the United States Senate?”

Klobuchar began with a joke, based on a well-known quote about Minnesotans,  adding that you could ask Al Franken (the other U.S. Senator about this) that “all the recounts are above average.”

“I am well aware you have a lot of famous people come to Iowa,” she said, listing names like Barack Obama and the Clinton.  Klobuchar referred to them as “my warm-up acts.”

She mentioned Sarah Palin’s December trip to Iowa (a stop at a Sioux City bookstore, part of Palin’s book-signing tour).

“I will tell you that some people claim that my northern, Fargo-type accent is a little like Sarah Palin’s,” Klobuchar said.  “I mean, we do have something in common, right? We both come from states that are states of snowmobiling and ice fishing, but there is one big difference. When she gives a speech, she gets hundreds of thousands of dollars and I’m here for a free lunch.”

She made another Palin reference, about her puzzling assignment on a senate subcommittee on oceans.   Klobuchar suggested she got the assignment because: “I can see Lake Superior from my porch.”

Klobuchar listed a number of similarities between Iowa and Minnesota, then moved onto the policy portion of her speech.  “Let’s look to the future and capture the imagination of Iowa and Minnesota — the people who gave us Norman Borlaug.”

Klobuchar issued an “economic call to action”– adding America should become a manufacturing powerhouse again, so that when you go into a store and buy something, ‘You turn it over and it says ‘Made in the U.S.A.’”

“…This isn’t going to be easy….We need to get our nation’s priorities back in order….Let’s be clear.  We’re going to have some fights along the way….Let’s do something radical.  Let’s reward actual job creation in the United States of America.”

“…and by the way, despite what the United States Supreme Court may say, big corporations aren’t people.  People are people.”

She got a standing ovation from the crowd for that statement.

Klobuchar said Democrats were offering a “positive, optimistic vision for our nation.”  As for Republicans, Klobuchar said: “I’m not hearing a lot of ideas from the other side.  What they seem to be selling too much is selling fear.”

Sound is down.  Audio emergency taking me away from live blog.

“In all the fury and all the debates in the 24/7 TV cable…you’ve always got to remember what we’re fighting for….You know what’s been going on.  They’ve been trying to scare us…and when that happens, you’ve got to look for courage.”

She told a story about her grandpa Mike, who was a miner.  “You’re Iowans.  You’ve always known the right thing to do.  You’ve given the country leaders of courage…It’s up to you to shine a light in the dark of that mine…Remember, we have no fear.  No fear, because we’re doing the right thing…Your candidates need you…so let’s get to work.”

At 12:07 p.m., there was a photo op on stage after Klobuchar finished, as Conlin and Harkin came on stage.  “Don’t those three look good together?” Dvorsky said when she came back on stage.

At 12:23 p.m., there’s a nomination from the floor for Jon Murphy to serve as the Democratic Party’s nominee for state auditor.   He wins.  He speaks.  He’s a former aide to Congressman Bowell who now works for Governor Culver as head of the state/federal relations office.  Murphy worked at Iowa State University in its governmental relations office.  He’s 39 years old.  He’s a native of Des Moines who lives in Des Moines, and he’s taken a leave of absence from his job to run against Republian State Auditor Dave Vaudt.  (Read the Radio Iowa story about Murphy.)

The party’s delegates are now debating the timing of the 2012 Caucuses, specifically whether the Caucuses should be held on a Friday or Saturday.  Delegates are saying those days disenfranchise Jews and Muslims.  Holding it on a Friday or Saturday would reinforce the notion that Iowans are “a  bunch of white Protestants who don’t care about diversity.”

At12:48 p.m. Governor Chet Culver, his two children and his wife, Mari, entered the room.  Culver gets behind a microphone on the convention floor and “enthusiastically name Patty Judge as the lieutenant governor candidate.”

There is a voice vote.  “In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it,” the convention chair declares. 

Judge takes the stage, and “proudly accepts the nomination as the Democrastic Party’s lieutenant governor.”  Part of the crowd rises to applaud.  Some don’t, as there had been a floor fight about how to nominate the lieutenant governor led by Ed Fallon, former Culver foe in 2006.

Judge lists what she considers the accomplishments of the Culver administration. “We’ve got money in the bank,” Judge said of the state’s fiscal condition.

“…Terry Branstad would overturn all of this.  All of it, saying that it is foolish and, I’m not making this up — I’m taking his words – ’It is foolish to invest in people,’  and the road to prosperity…according to Terry, lies in tax cuts for his rich pals…My answer to Terry is: ‘No.’”.

“…I will work day and night with Chet to stop him and I know that you will be with us, too,” Judge said, to applause.

She mentioned preserving public preschool funding.  “Chet and I are not going to let the Republicans take that away from Iowa’s children,” Judge said.

Judge mentioned her own weight loss, which she called “leading by example.”

Judge then restated part of the speech she gave at the Culver campaign kick-off.  (Listen to Judge’s entire 10 minute speech by clicking on the following link:  JudgeConvention.)

At EXACTLY one o’clock, Judge introduced Culver and the Rolling Stones are playing over the loud speakers.  “Start me up,” Mick sang in the classic.

Culver begins with thanks to First Lady Mari Culver, his “bride of 17 years.”  Mari is sitting in a chair on the stage, flanked by 9-year-old Claire and 7-and-a-half year old John. (Click on the following link to listen to the entire speech:  CulverConvention.  Read the Radio Iowa story about the speech here.)

“We are working every day as a team…to try to help impact lives of 2.8 million Iowans,” Culver said, adding Patty Judge had “been there every single day.”

Culver mentions the tornadoes and floods of 2008, praising Judge who serves as his homeland security advisor.  “She has been there and she was on the front lines with me as we responded.”

He touts the vote in the Iowa legislature to lift the ban on stem cell research and gets applause.

“We feel very good about our record,” Culver said, “…the progress that we’ve made…We have a choice to make on November 2nd.  Are we going to go backwards, back to the 20th century with Terry Branstad?  We are not going to go back to the ’80s.  We are going to keep this state moving forward.”

“…We are not going to let Terry Branstad pull the plug on progress on Iowa,” Culver said.  “Now, we’ve got some work to do.  We have 140 days.  Who needs sleep?  Sleep just makes you groggy.”

“…I promise you a vigorous campaign.  I will give it everything I’ve got, every day, to make sure that we’re successful,” Culver said.  “…We need to stand up and fight for 140 days.”

Culver urged the crowd to “work tirelessly for the next 140 days.”

“…We are going to win this race on the ground.  That’s what we know how to do as Democrats.  We’ve done it before and we will do it again on November 2nd.”

Culver thanked Sue Dvorsky for stepping in as chair, adding he hopes to see Michael Kiernan back out on the campaign trail “in the next few weeks, hopefully” after Kiernan’s surgery to remove a tumor next to his salivary gland.

Culver praised Klobuchar and Harkin., then began to tout Roxanne Conlin’s campaign against Senator Chuck Grassley, the Repubican who beat Culver’s father, former Senator John Culver, in 1980.  “You think it’s been a long 30 years for you.  It’s been a long 30 years for the Culver family, too,” Chet Culver said. 

Culver mentioned that Iowa has never in its 164 year history elected a woman to congress. “I want to be a part of history on November 2nd when Roxanne Conlin wins this race,” Culver said.

Culver praised the statewide candidates, saying Iowa Democrats “have a fantastic ticket from top to bottom.”

Culver turned back to his own race against Branstad. “We are on the right rack.” he said. “We are moving foward and we don’t want to go back with Branstad.”

“…The former four-term governor says that change is on the way.  He’s got that right.  Change is on the way.  If you believe in women’s rights…civil rights…he’s going to take away Iowans’ rights and Iowa’s freedoms when it comes to equality. Our Supreme Court has spoken loudly and clearly,” Culver said and the crowd stood to applaud at this point, remaining on their feet (and clapping) for the remainder of the speech.  “We are not going backwards….to the 1980s…Those are our values and we’re not going backward.  Not on my watch.  It is a different generation, a different century and we’re going forward…We are going to win together on November 2nd.” 

Speech over at 1:17 p.m.  Former Iowa Democratic Party chairman Dave Nagle said 1974 appears to him to be the last time attendance at the state convention was this low.  Many chairs were empty, as Ed Fallon and many os his supporters on the party-rule issue walked out after they lost.

UPDATE:I had a chance to talk by phone with one of Ruan’s long-time friends — former Des Moines Register executive editor Michael Gartner, the current owner of the Iowa Cubs.  When I asked Gartner to recount his first meeting or to share what may have been his first impressions of Ruan, he told a great story. 

Gartner was in his Register office sometime in the mid-1970s and Ruan came “storming in” with a copy of the newspaper under his arm.  “The Register had written something about him which he didn’t like and he started yelling and screaming at me about it,” Gartner said this morning in our phone conversation. “When (Ruan) finally got through, I said: ’Are you through John?’ and he said, ‘Yeah!’

“I told him, ‘Well, let me tell you something.  I don’t know anything about the trucking business.  I don’t know anything about the banking business.  I don’t know anything about building big buildings, but you don’t know anything about the newspaper business and I do.’  (Ruan) stopped, looked at me and he kind of smiled and said, ‘I think we’re going to get along just fine.’

“We became great friends.  I had breakfast with him every two or three weeks for the next 20 years, just the two of us, and I found that he was an unbelievably interesting guy.  He cared about the community.  He cared about his family.  He was driven to succeed.”

Read more about what Gartner had to say about Ruan here.  The Register has a story, along with a timeline, and a headline which calls Ruan a “Des Moines titan.”

The following information was provided by Ruan’s family.

John Ruan, founder of Ruan Transportation Management Systems (Ruan), passed away on February 13, 2010. Mr. Ruan was born on February 11, 1914 and died at the age of 96.

The employees of Ruan Transportation Management Systems extend their thoughts and sympathies to the Ruan family during this time.  His wife, Elizabeth Ruan, and his sons John Ruan III and Thomas Ruan, all of Des Moines, Iowa, survive Mr. Ruan.

“Our family is grieving.  We have lost our mentor and dear companion,” said John Ruan’s son, John Ruan III, Chairman and CEO of Ruan Transportation Management Systems. “My father’s influence in the industry and with his employees and customers built the strong foundation for the company that exists today.”

John Ruan was a man of considerable impact and influence on a local, national, and international level. His passing is not only a great loss to his family, but also to all of the Ruan companies, the World Food Prize, the city of Des Moines, the state of Iowa, and the transportation industry.

John Ruan was an innovator and a risk-taker.  His trademark bow tie and infectious smile were a daily part of life at Ruan.  He valued corporate citizenship and was an active leader of many community projects. He had a passion for worthy interests that launched many successful charitable projects and fundraising events that had an impact both locally and globally.

Nationally, Mr. Ruan was well-known for his transportation company.  He began in 1932 with only one truck.  This small business grew into Ruan Transportation Management Systems, which is now one of the nation’s largest transportation management companies.

“John Ruan was a recognized leader in business, education, and community,” said Thomas Donahue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “He was the visionary who formed the World Food Prize. But most importantly, he was a man of courage and conviction, a leader who made others stronger and better because they knew him.”

John Ruan recognized that hunger and poverty are the most compelling challenges of the modern world. In 1990 he established a foundation that assumed sponsorship of the World Food Prize.  The Prize is the foremost international award recognizing individuals who have advanced human development by improving the quality, quantity, or availability of food in the world.

“John knew what the Prize could become.  He knew it would be the centerpiece to help solve world hunger and bring glory to Iowa,” said Ambassador Kenneth M. Quinn, president of The World Food Prize Foundation.

Mr. Ruan has been widely recognized for many of his contributions to industry and humanity. In 1997, the American Trucking Associations’ Ruan Transportation Center building was dedicated in Washington, D.C., honoring Mr. Ruan’s more than 50 years of service to the transportation industry.

As Chairman and CEO of the Ruan family of companies, Mr. Ruan represented a diversified group of businesses with activities including transportation, commercial banking, financial services, international trading, and real estate development. Ruan Companies owns Bankers Trust Company, the largest independent bank in Iowa. 

“In John Ruan’s day they called them self-made men-individuals with guts, determination and an ability to anticipate marketplace trends. Today a man like Mr. Ruan would be called an entrepreneur, a visionary.  His spirit did not come from seminars or books, but rather life experiences and a belief in himself and the people around him,” shared Suku Radia, who met Mr. Ruan in 1975 when Radia was a 23-year-old auditor working for the accounting firm of Peat Marwick Mitchell. Mr. Ruan was a client.  Today, some 35 years later, Radia still serves the Ruans, but now as CEO and President of Bankers Trust, which has been owned by the Ruan family since 1964.

An Iowa native, Mr. Ruan was a major contributor in business and the development of the Des Moines metropolitan area. He built the 36-story Ruan Center, the Marriott Hotel and the 14-story Two Ruan Center.  He was instrumental in the development of the downtown Des Moines skywalk system, the Des Moines Convention Center and the construction of several city parking structures.  Ruan also contributed more than $2 million for the establishment of the Ruan Neurological Center (now the Ruan Rehabilitation Center) and the Ruan Neurology Clinic at Mercy Medical Center.

“John Ruan was a man of vision and impact.  He built best-of-class companies; he was the driving force that rebuilt the downtown and forever changed the face of our city; and he improved his world through the development of the World Food Prize,” said Steven E. Zumbach, partner with Belin McCormick Attorneys at Law and also a long-time Des Moines community supporter and leader.  In addition, he is attorney and friend to Mr. Ruan and the Ruan family.

Mr. Ruan shared his success with his wife, the former Elizabeth Jayne Adams, their children John Ruan III (Janis), Thomas Ruan, Jayne Ruan Fletcher (deceased), six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Condolences may be sent to Ruan Transport Corp., 666 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309.  The family asks that donations in memory of Mr. Ruan be sent to the World Food Prize Foundation, 1700 Ruan Center, 666 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309.

Today, as Ruan celebrates its 77th year in business, we reflect on the impact and legacy of our founder, John Ruan. He was an inspirational leader to employees and customers, creating a culture committed to customer satisfaction and community involvement.

For more information on John Ruan’s life, please visit The Ruan Companies’ tribute site at www.ruan.com 

Iowa’s governor issued a statement this morning as well.

GOVERNOR CULVER ON THE PASSING OF JOHN RUAN

Des Moines, IA — “On the behalf of the First Lady, the Lt. Governor and all Iowans, I want to express my deep sadness at the passing of John Ruan. Though a proud Iowan, his impact extends far beyond Des Moines.

“His generosity in raising funds for medical research, particularly to fight multiple sclerosis, has helped thousands of people to better cope with that disease. And his vision for downtown Des Moines has resulted in a vibrant urban setting, improving the quality of life for all who live and work in our Capital City.

“But Mr. Ruan’s legacy is perhaps seen best through his efforts to fight hunger. Working with another visionary Iowan, Dr. Norman Borlaug, he brought the World Food Prize to our state, the result of which has benefitted millions of people throughout the world.

“We will miss John Ruan. The thoughts and prayers of all Iowans are with his family on this sad day. We will also remember John Ruan with gratitude for his life, one he devoted in service to countless people worldwide.”

The following obituary was written by Bill Friedricks, a Simpson College professor who wrote a book about Ruan, and the obituary includes a bit more information about Ruan as a young man:

John Ruan, a leading business and community figure in central Iowa, died February 13, 2010 at his home in Des Moines, IA. He was 96.

Widely recognized for his success in the trucking industry, Ruan was equally well known for donning his trademark bow ties, short sleeve white shirts, and wire rimmed glasses.

Over his career, he built a diverse empire, which now includes trucking, banking, financial services, real estate, international trade, and a hotel. Most important of these are Ruan Transportation Management Systems (RTMS), one of the nation’s largest trucking and logistics firms and Bankers Trust, the largest independently owned bank in Iowa.

Ruan was long regarded as one of the wealthiest and most powerful people in Des Moines. He often attributed his success to hard work: “I am no smarter than a lot of guys in town, but I work harder.” Ruan possessed a hard-charging personality that led him to the office seven days a week and a business style that was often described as “sheer determination.” This work ethic and his willingness to take risks made him a quintessential entrepreneur.

Never completely divorced from his work, Ruan was always thinking about “ways to make a buck,” and he was fastidious about jotting down ideas on note cards. When out of the office, he carried a small leather address book, which included a pad of paper and pencil, in his pants pocket so that even when hunting or playing golf, he  could note possible opportunities so they would not “get away from him.”

He was born February 11, 1914, to a successful physician and his wife in Beacon, a small town outside of Oskaloosa in Mahaska County, Iowa. When his father lost most of his money in the 1929 Stock Market Crash, he moved the family to Des Moines the following year. Devastated by the loss, he died in 1931. Ruan had always been interested in following his father as a doctor, and he attended Iowa State College. After completing his first year, there was no money left for tuition, and he was forced to leave school and go to work.

On the advice of a friend, Ruan traded one of the family cars for a truck in the summer of 1932 and began hauling gravel for a local road builder. A year later, he owned three trucks and was hauling coal. A fellow trucker who knew Ruan at the timed noted: “He was aggressive, always moving. He pushed hard, and he never eased up.”

By the mid-1930s he began moving freight and later hauling petroleum. Ruan soon had the largest trucking operation in central Iowa. After World War II, his trucking operation grew rapidly, becoming the nation’s largest hauler of petroleum products by the end of the 1950s. Along the way, he acquired the taxi service in Des Moines as well as the city’s Avis Rent a Car franchise. The following decade, he expanded into truck leasing business. Today, RTMS operates a fleet of 8,700 trucks nationally.

The trucking magnate moved beyond transportation in 1964 with his purchase of a majority interest in Bankers Trust Company. Ruan eventually bought all the remaining stock and began branching into other areas including real estate and property management, the import-export business, and a securities firm.

In addition, Ruan was one of the most influential leaders in the revitalization of downtown Des Moines in the 1970s and 1980s. So significant was his role, that Robert Ray, former governor of Iowa, said: “John Ruan is the father of the renaissance of Des Moines. Because of him, the city started to prosper and grow and come alive.” His 36-­story Ruan Center, which was the state’s tallest building for 15 years, became the anchor for the new downtown. As general partner, he was the prime mover behind the construction of the downtown Marriott and soon thereafter erected Ruan Two, another office building adjacent to his original tower. While these facilities were going up, Ruan played a central role in the planning and layout of the skywalk system.

Ruan was also involved in many philanthropic undertakings. Over the years, he gave millions of dollars to his favorite causes. Most notable were his fight against multiple sclerosis and his support of the World Food Prize.

After his wife had been stricken with MS and shortly before his daughter was afflicted and would eventually die from complications of the same disease, he formed the John Ruan MS Charity. Its golf tournament quickly became the largest one-day charity golf event in the United States, and it began funding research in an experimental MS regimen at Rush Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago. In the late 1980s, Ruan personally donated $1 million for the establishment of the Ruan Neurological Center at Des Moines’ Mercy Medical Center, which cares for patients with MS as well as other neurological disorders such as stroke and Parkinson’s disease.

Following discussions with Nobel Prize winner Norman Borlaug, Ruan agreed to back the four year-old World Food Prize, which had lost its corporate sponsorship. He established a foundation in 1990 to support the prize, “the foremost international award recognizing the achievements of individuals who have improved the quality or availability of food around the world.” Each year the organization honors the winner with a $250,000 prize in a ceremony held in Des Moines. In 2001, Ruan and his family pledged $5 million for buying and renovating the downtown Des Moines Public Library building to make it the permanent home for the World Food Prize organization.

He received numerous honors during his lifetime, but he was most humbled when he received the Iowa Award, the state’s highest citizen award, in 2001.

Because he was very private, few people actually knew Ruan well. To most, he was a distant, tough, and powerful businessman. Yet those close to him saw a different John Ruan. He had a passion for hunting morel mushrooms, a wry sense of humor, loved to play the piano and sing, and was tender hearted and generous.

 

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; two children, John III (Janis) and Thomas; six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. His daughter, Elizabeth Jayne Ruan Fletcher, preceded him in death.  Donations may be to the World Food Prize the World Food Prize Foundation, 1700 Ruan Center, 666 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309.

UPDATE II:  Senator Chuck Grassley becomes the first Iowa Republican to issue a written statement.

Senator Chuck Grassley today issued the following comment on the death of John Ruan.

“John Ruan lived his life with great purpose, vision and generosity.  He leaves many legacies, not only as a business leader and philanthropist in his own community, but in the global community.  He took on the most humanitarian cause of fighting hunger through the World Food Prize and establishing an organization to encourage and reward life-saving and life-enhancing developments in agriculture and food production.  He lived a life to be celebrated and honored, and Barbara and I join his family and so many others in doing so today.”

Radio Iowa’s story of today’s House action (includes 22 min of audio) features all the comments from four of Iowa’s five congressmen, along with two members of congress from Texas.  Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinan (R-Florida) was one of the resolutions floor managers and, if you listen to her remarks in that 22-minute segment, I can tell you when she said “Noble Prize” she was referring to Borlaug’s “Nobel Peace Prize.”

Congressman Bruce Braley of Waterloo delivered brief remarks without reference to a text. Congressmen Leonard Boswell, Tom Latham and Steve King all read from prepared remarks, but offered some extemporaneous remarks as a prelude.

“Dr. Borlaug was one of the most unusual people I’ve met in my life,” Boswell said to open his remarks.  “He was so impressive in so many ways.”

King joked a bit.  “He did go to school at the University of Minnesota and, for my Minnesota friends, I can’t even imagine what it would have been like if he would have had a full Iowa education.  That’s part of the banter that goes back and forth across the state lines.  And he was also an NCAA wrestler which is something that goes along with, I can’t imagine if he’d wrestled for the Hawkeyes and what that might have been.”

Braley told a story Borlaug had related to the Iowa congressional delegation when Borlaug lunched with them on the day he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in July of 2007. Borlaug recounted his visit with Vice President Henry Wallace when Wallace drove his own car from Iowa to Mexico to represent the U.S. at the inauguration of Mexico’s president.  Wallace, founder of Pioneer Hi-Bred, met up with fellow Iowan Borlaug, who was working in Mexico.

“Together, these two brilliant Americans who happened to be born in Iowa, talked about charting a future for a plant revolution that changed the face of hunger in the world,” Braley said.

Read the joint news release from Iowa's two U.S. senators below.

WASHINGTON – Senators Chuck Grassley and Tom Harkin have introduced legislation to designate the birthplace and childhood home of Dr. Norman Borlaug as a National Historic Site.  The home is located near Cresco.

The legislation says that “upon donation of the Norman Borlaug birthplace and the Norman Borlaug childhood home to the National Park Service, it will become a unit of the National Park System and be designated the ‘Dr. Norman E. Borlaug Birthplace and Home National Historic Site.’”

“Dr. Borlaug and his work to save the lives of hundreds of millions people are historically significant for Iowa,” Grassley said.  “By designating his birthplace and boyhood home a National Historic Site, we’ll be preserving his legacy for years to come and continuing to inspire future generations of scientists and farmers to innovate and lift those mired in poverty.”

“Dr. Borlaug epitomizes values Iowans hold dear – ingenuity, determination, and a commitment to helping others. His life is a perfect illustration of the fact that one person really can make a difference. All Iowans can take pride in and draw inspiration from the extraordinary life of Dr. Norman Borlaug,” said Harkin. “The Norman Borlaug Birthplace and Home National Historic Site bill is a fitting tribute to a man who has done so much to improve the lives of millions of people throughout the world.”

Borlaug grew up in rural Cresco and attended the University of Minnesota where he received his bachelor's, masters and Ph.D. He worked in Forestry and Microbiology before he started his work developing crops that increased yields and resisted disease.
 
Advancements he developed in crop production helped Borlaug become known as the "Father of the Green Revolution." The Green Revolution was a time when drastically increased crop yields over a short period of years helped alleviate world hunger.  It is said that Borlaug saved more lives than any other person in history.   
 
Borlaug is one of five people to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. The other four recipients are Nelson Mandela, Elie Wiesel, Mother Teresa and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 
 

Two Iowa Congressmen made remarks today on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in favor of the resolution which calls for renaming the federal courthouse in Davenport the "James A. Leach United States Courthouse."  The text of Boswell's statement is below; Boswell called Leach "a good friend."  King's office provided the video of King's remarks; King called Leach a "consummate statesman." Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Waterloo) issued the following news release:

Braley Applauds House Passage of Bill to Rename Davenport Courthouse after Former Rep. Jim Leach

Washington, DC – Today, the US House of Representatives passed a bill co-introduced by Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) to rename the Davenport federal courthouse the “James A. Leach United States Courthouse.”   Braley and Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-Iowa) introduced the bill (HR 887) earlier this year, which passed today by voice vote.  In 2007, the House passed a similar bill introduced by Braley and Loebsack to rename the courthouse after Leach, but the measure stalled in the Senate. 

Former Rep. Jim Leach, a native of Davenport, Iowa, represented the Second Congressional District of Iowa in the US House of Representatives for 30 years. 

“Today the House of Representatives honored one of its most respected members by passing this bill to rename the Davenport federal courthouse,” Braley said.  “Jim Leach had a long and distinguished career of public service representing the citizens of eastern Iowa with principle, independence, and hard work.  I can think of no more fitting tribute to this Davenport native than to name the ‘James A. Leach United States Courthouse’ in his honor.”

The bill now moves to the Senate for approval.  Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Charles Grassely (R-IA) have introduced similar legislation in the United States Senate.  

BOSWELL SPEAKS ON HOUSE FLOOR TO HONOR FORMER IOWA CONGRESSMAN JIM LEACH

Washington, DC – Congressman Leonard Boswell today spoke on the House Floor in support of H.R. 877, a bill to designate the U.S. Courthouse in Davenport, IA to the James A. Leach Courthouse.  The bill passed the House by voice vote.

Below are Boswell’s remarks:

“I rise today in support of H. R. 887 and to honor my friend, former Congressman Jim Leach.  Jim served Iowa for three decades, winning reelection 14 times, and his strong record of principled, bipartisan leadership is a superb example to all his colleagues.”

“Jim was born in Davenport, Iowa, where he made a name for himself by winning the 1960 state wrestling championship for Davenport High School. He went on to earn an impressive set of degrees from Princeton University, Johns Hopkins University, and the London School of Economics.”

“Jim began his public service career in 1965 as a staffer to then-Congressman Donald Rumsfeld. In 1968, Jim entered the Foreign Service, where he served as a delegate to the Geneva Disarmament Conference and the U.N. General Assembly. He resigned his commission in 1973 to protest President Richard Nixon’s firing of the first Watergate special prosecutor, Archibald Cox.”

“Jim was first elected to represent Iowa’s Second District in 1976. A political moderate who was always willing to reach across the aisle, Jim chaired the Ripon Society and the Republican Mainstream Committee – two organizations formed to encourage bipartisan policymaking. In Congress, Jim distinguished himself as a steadfastly ethical and independent-minded public servant.”

“Throughout his career, Jim supported diplomacy before unilateralism, pushing for full funding of U.S. obligations to the U.N. As chairman of the Arms Control and Foreign Policy Caucus, Jim pressed for a Comprehensive Test Ban and led the House debate on a nuclear freeze. Jim was also one of only six House Republicans to vote against the 2002 Iraq War Resolution.” 

“Jim’s post-Congressional career has been no less extraordinary.  He holds eight honorary degrees, and has received decorations from two foreign governments. He is the recipient of the Wayne Morse Integrity in Politics Award, the Woodrow Wilson Award from Johns Hopkins, the Adlai Stevenson Award from the United Nations Association, the Edger Wayburn Award from the Sierra Club, and the Norman Borlaug Public Service Award.”

“Jim continues to serve the public on the boards of several public companies and nonprofit organizations, including the Century Foundation, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the Social Sciences Research Council, Pro Publica, and Common Cause, which he chairs. Additionally, he is currently a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and teaches at Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School as the John L. Weinberg Visiting Professor of Public and International Affairs.”

“Jim is not only a remarkable public servant, but a good friend. It was a tremendous honor to serve Iowa alongside him.”

“I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 887.”

The resolution must pass the US Senate, too, before the building's name is the Leach building.

It’s rather dark in the arena — except for the brilliance of the lights on stage.  I’m told the fellow who was hired to do the lighting for President Ford’s casket in the U.S. Capitol was hired to arrange the lighting for this event.

The dignitaries are now being introduced.  Connecticut Senator Christopher Dodd was the first to be named for the crowd, followed by the justices of the Iowa Supreme Court and Court of Appeals.  The justices are wearing their robes.  Dodd appeared to be wearing a dark blue suit. 

The stage set-up is thus:  The stage is on the east side of the arena’s floor, facing west.  There are a number of chairs on the floor and that’s where the legislators and dignitaries like Dodd are being seated.   

Former Governor Robert Ray and his wife, Billie, were just introduced.  Culver will specifically mention Ray during his Inaugural Address (but the advance copy shows no direct mention of Tom Vilsack — hmmm).  Lieutenant Governor Sally Pederson and her husband, Jim Autry, were just introduced.  Governor Tom Vilsack is walking in now, holding his wife’s hand with applause and some hoots from the crowd.  Teresa Villmain, a consultant to Vilsack’s presidential campaign, is walking alongside, whispering something in his ear.  Now the whole crowd wants to know what she said. 

As folks file in, the Iowa National Guard’s Band is playing softly as background music.  Their march is precise — bandmaster Karl King would be proud.  Legislators are now filing in.  At this point in 1999, this is when everyone in Veterans Auditorium for Governor Vilsack’s first inaugural noticed Ed Fallon wearing a sweatshirt.  It had a picture of the Iowa stamp on the front. 

The "stinger" note on the end of the march was just played and the crowd applauded.  A hush has fallen over the assembly.  Senator Jack Kibbie, a Democrat from Emmetsburg who is Senate President, has just pounded the gavel on the lectern to convene the legislature — this is part of the pomp and circumstance/parliamentary stuff that is required with such an occasion. 

The band has begun playing again.  There appears to be a lull of some kind as the "committee" of legislators appointed to escort Governor-elect Culver into the hall is no where to be seen.  Kibbie has pounded the gavel again.  People are standing up for some reason.  The video screens in the hall are now showing the logo for the Culver/Judge Inaugural.  Another pound of the gavel.  Chief Justice Marcia Ternus is being escorted into the hall.  She will be on the person administering the oath of office to Culver. 

Lieutenant Governor-elect Patty Judge and her husband, former state Senator John Judge, are being escorted into the hall.  John Judge is carrying a Bible — which I’m guessing will be used when Judge takes the oath.

Now, the main focus of today’s event.  Governor-elect Chet Culver, his wife Mari and their twon children are walking into the arena. Culver’s wearing a red tie, light blue shirt and navy suit.  The politician’s uniform.  His young son, John, is wearing a suit and tie, too.  Mrs. Culver just grabbed the son’s hand; Culver is holding daughter Claire’s hand as they climb the stairs to the stage.

Once the Culvers reached the stage, the flags were presented and Culver reached down to son John to place his hand over his heart.  The pledge was led by an Iraq war veteran and his wife.  The National Anthem was sung by two sisters — Carolyn and Emily Nicholas — who made Miss America pageant history by both being crowned Miss Iowa.  Emily is Miss Iowa 2006. Carolyn was Miss Iowa 2004. 

A group of school kids just read a poem, getting great response from the crowd. 

Now, Justice Ternus is administering the oath of office to Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge.   

Now, Patty Judge is behind the microphone.  Now, my on the fly notes from her speech: 

"Thank you.  It’s very humbling to be here…It is such an honor to be here with you this morning and to be sworn in as your lt gov.  I want to extend a special thank you to my friend and partner Chet Culver.  Governor-elect I want to thank you for believing in me…it’s going to be a real pleasure to serve with you….(She acknowledges Vilsack and Pederson)

"I’m an Iowan.  I was born here.  I went to school here.  I married a guy from my home town.  I raised three sons here and they are all raising their families right here in Iowa.  I’ve worked on an Iowa farm.  I’ve been a nurse.  I’ve owned a smalltown business and served as an elected representative.  As your SOA for the last eight years I’ve also traveled thousands of miles…I’ve met the most incredible people.  Iowans who share the pride I feel in our state…As Iowans we share common ideals no matter where we live.  We believe in taking care of our families and educating our children.  We believe hard work leads to success and aren’t afraid to roll-up our sleeves…(reference to the One Iowa theme Culver has chosen) the future is unlimited. 

"I ran for poltiical office for the first time when our state was reeling from a farm crisis…in truth, I made that run because I was really mad and I decided one day that I should go to DM and tell all those peopel just what I thought.  But even in those dark days Iowans saw the future’s light on the horizon…there has never been a time in the history of our state that the future has been so exciting.

"Biobased industry is just beginning.  Who would have dreamed…that we could power our cars and trucks with corn and soybeans…For this Iowa farmer, that is exciting stuff…Iowa is a leader today because a lot of hard-working people believed you could run an engine on corn and soybeans and others said it couldn’t be done. 

"To all of those who made renewable energy a reality I say thank you but I also say ‘What are we going to do next?’  The world is not standing still…(mentions Emmetsburg bio-refinery, wind turbines).  As your Lt. Gov I intend and look forward to advocating for clean, environmentally-friendly fuel.  (applause, and she sniffles a bit — she seemed a tiny bit choked up at the beginning)

"Our soil and water makes us the bread basket and also the fuel center…of our entire world…We must work to protect the soil and impove our water supplies leaving this place even better for

We have faced problems and sharp divisions have been drawn that have pitted neighbor against neighbor…We must work together…as One Iowa.

As we transform not just Iowa’s economy…to one that is based on renewable crops we cannot forget that Iowans first of all must be safe…Events of 9/11…changed forever the way we think about our security and the way we respond to threats.  For the past 5 years I have been closedly involved in emerenciy planning…Governor C has asked me to take an active role in Homeland Security/Emergency Management…We will make certain we are ready to respond to any emergency or threat to the citizens of the state of Iowa.

"Ensuring safe, healthy and productive lives for all Iowans is a very lofty goal but this administratio will be about big dreams.  Iowans made a choice…in turn, I chose to be standing here today rather than home on the farm because I absolutely believe that together with you CC and I can accomplish great things…Let me say clearly.  CC and I are people who do not believe in the concept of the impossible.  What we do believe is that when good people join together for a common cause, the future is unlimited.

"I’m aware the challenge ahead is the largest I’ve ever faced…At times in my life…I have remembered and thought about the words of a favorite Bible verse…Second Corinthians chapter nine verse eight… (she read the verse).Again, thank you very much."

As an interlude, the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus sings.  I would tell you the name of the song if I could read the tiny print on the program, but I cannot read it.   

Culver now takes the oath.  Wife Mari hold the Bible.  Afterwards, the First Lady gives the "big lug" a kiss, then they hug for a long moment.  Culver is now shaking hands with folks up on the stage and waving at the crowd.  Senator Kibbie introduces Culver to the crowd. 

Cuvler begins by thanking people, including "my good friend Tom Arnold."  Then, he segues into thanks to Judge….Culver wishes the Vilsacks god-speed.  Culver thanks Christie Vilsack for her committment to literacy (Culver pronounced this liht-er-uss-lee).  "I want to take this moment on behalf of the people of Iowa to personally thank you for your eight years of public service.  You have done an incredible job and we are grateful.  Thank you governor."  The crowd rises to applaud.

To Sally Pederson and her husband:  "You and your family have brought grace and class….To my staff and family and friends…I can’t thank you enough for your loyalty and friendship.  To my parents.  Thanks for the guidance.  I love you all very much.  My mother, Ann, my stepmother and of course my father, John."

"I would like to thank my father for the example that he has set for me.  Most importantly, I would like to thank my First Lady, Mari.  Mari, thank you for your unconditional love and your suppport and to my wonderful children John and Claire, words cannot express my love for you.  (John applauds this)  Let me just say — Team Culver, this is going to be a very fun journey for all of us." 

Next, Culver thanks the adjutant general of the Iowa National Guard and all the men and women who are on active duty today.  "We thank you for your service to our country and our state."  (Crowd stands and applauds)

"If you haven’t figured it out already, I love Iowa.  (now, Culver turns to his prepared text, which follows — I count 15 exclamation points!)

This "land between two rivers" is blessed with people of strong character; a history that is rich; and as the Native Americans who came before us said, "A Beautiful Land."

My fondest childhood memories are docked along the banks of the Mississippi River near McGregor. As a kid, I remember going out in my fishing boat, “Chet’s Charter,” and enjoying the magnificent surroundings.

Some of my ancestors settled north of there in 1863 and our family lived there for many years.  We had a house on the bluff overlooking the river.  When you look down the valley of the mighty Mississippi you get a real sense of the awesome landscape and vast history of our state.

The constant movement of the river also reminds us that things are changing all the time.  It rises and falls, freezes and thaws, yet emerges strong and powerful, generation after generation!

Right now, Iowa is experiencing much the same change and with it comes the opportunity for a new era of greatness.

As some of you may have heard, once or twice, I was once a high school government and history teacher!
         
But I am also a student of history.  In my classroom, I would remind my students of the ebbs and flows in our history.

As Iowans, I think we could do much worse than to learn from the lessons provided by those who have come before us.      

Our state has always been a state of explorers and pioneers.  Chief Black Hawk and the Native Americans taught us how to live off the land. Marquette and Jolliet were the first Europeans to navigate the Mississippi River in 1673.  (Henderson INSERT:  Culver pronounced Jolliet as JOO-lee-et — Was Marquette & Juliet that Shakespeare play about star-crossed lovers?)

Following the Louisiana Purchase, Lewis and Clark made their famous expedition up the Missouri River along our state’s western border.

These explorers were fearless!  They faced many obstacles, but showed great courage in their pursuit.

Today, we should challenge ourselves to emulate their commitment to pushing the limits of discovery.

These visionaries were undaunted by the practical challenges of the day.

They were guided by:  Their faith.  Their hopes.  And their dreams.  Even when no one gave them a map!

One of my heroes, President John F. Kennedy, also believed in the importance of exploration and in the relentless pursuit of a new frontier.

He challenged us to win the race to space, saying, “We choose to go to the moon and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard; because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills; because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win."

Well, my fellow Iowans, this is our time!

It’s our time to accept the challenge, to explore and discover Iowa’s unlimited potential. 

It’s our time to win the race to become the energy capital of the world. 
         
Let us invoke the lessons previous generations of explorers and leaders have taught us.

Let us all come together as one and lead our own “21st Century Iowa Expedition.”

There is an energy frontier open before us, and we must explore it immediately!  America and the world are counting on us.
    
Simply put, we can’t afford to duck this responsibility!

It’s time for Iowa to become the Silicon Valley of the Midwest.
         
It’s time to create the jobs of the future that will keep your children and my children here at home, where they belong.
       
It’s time to make the entire state of Iowa a laboratory so we remain on the cutting edge of all forms of renewable energy. 

We will protect our precious environment: the land, lakes, rivers and streams we all love.  However, with the right balance, we can harvest rewards beyond even our wildest imagination. 

Our value-added opportunities allow us to take from the earth more than once because we are blessed with the best soil and the most productive farmers in the world.

In addition, we have a tradition of great scientists like Henry Wallace and Norman Borlaug, and a world-class education system that nurtures our homegrown talent.

We have already led the nation with ethanol and biodiesel.  Now we must maintain that leadership.  With the eyes of the world upon us, we must prepare for the next generation energy economy.

We will create an Iowa Power Fund to invest in and attract cutting edge research and development.  This will ensure we can lead the way not only in alternative fuels but also in biomass, geothermal, wind and solar energy.

It’s time for Iowa to become the first state in the nation to declare energy independence! 

We are already on our way!

Whether it’s the production of soy lubricant in Waverly, the development of a biorefinery in Emmetsburg, the manufacturing of corn-based plastics in Clinton, the wind storage project in Dallas County, or the new biomass option of burning oat hulls in place of coal in Cedar Falls — Iowa is on the frontier!

Our dreams of an amazing future, one of energy independence, prosperity and a quality of life second to none, are within our reach.  I know we can turn our dreams into reality!
         
There is another important lesson we must take from those daring souls who have come before us.  They understood the importance of working together to get the job done!
         
So, to the 150 dedicated Iowans who will serve in the 82nd General Assembly, I say this: may our inevitable disagreements reflect deep conviction but not contempt, honest difference but not divisiveness.

Let us work together in a sincere and inclusive way, to create One Iowa.  After all, we serve the same Iowans, they are counting on us, and this state’s future belongs to all of us.

And, I want every Iowan to know, we need you! 

It doesn’t matter whether you are a Republican, Democrat or Independent.   Whether you live in rural Iowa or urban Iowa.  Whether you are a native Iowan or a new arrival.  Young or old.  What does matter is that we lock arms for the common good and tap our gold mine of potential.
         
Together, we will continue to move this great state forward!  However, to achieve this, we who serve must remember to respect the will of Iowans.  They have spoken, and they expect results.

Iowans expect us to achieve our amazing potential in renewable energy.

They expect us to renew our commitment to educational excellence by expanding early childhood education; getting teacher pay to the national average; and making college more affordable.
      
They expect us to find a way to insure that every child has health care; to save lives by increasing the tobacco tax; and to give hope to the sick by lifting the ban on stem cell research. 

They expect us to pay tribute to our seniors and veterans by showing them the dignity and respect they have earned. 

Iowans expect us to find a way to honor and reward hard work by raising the minimum wage.

They expect us to find ways to support and encourage entrepreneurs and small business owners, the dreamers who create jobs across our state. 
      
Iowans also deserve a government that reflects their values! They are right to expect us to be smart with a buck, and to balance our checkbook the same way they do. 

And they are right to demand ethical, accountable and open government.

Iowans expect us to encourage, not shy away from, the diversity that has made us a better state.  Governor Ray taught us that.

We should never tolerate hate, especially in the form of bullying and threats in the workplace or in our schools.

We have an obligation to make the most of this important moment in Iowa history to explore and harness every bit of potential we have.      

But a Governor can’t do it alone.  That’s why today, I am asking for your help.  Especially, the next generation of Iowans.  Everyone has a role to play in our “21st Century Expedition.”

On Monday, we will honor a great American, Dr. Martin Luther King, who led Americans into action when he said, "Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve.  You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve.  You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love."

Well, Dr. King was right!  Every single one of us can play an important role in this new expedition.

I care deeply about the challenges we face, but I have an even greater faith in Iowa’s promise. 
      
So, as we go from here, let us always remember:

This is our time!

Much is expected of us,

And, our future is unlimited.

Let us work together to build One Iowa and in doing so, we will achieve the greatness we all know is possible.

(Speech over)