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Iowans (Mostly) Still Smile on Obama

Residents support president's efforts, fear over-spending and Afghanistan

By Evann Gastaldo, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 25, 2009 1:22 PM CDT

(Newser) – Iowa, arguably the state that launched Barack Obama on his path to the presidency, will always be a "special place" for him, says press chief Robert Gibbs. And the feeling is—mostly—mutual, Politico reports. Obama enjoys a 64% statewide approval rating, and Iowans are reviving their Obama for America campaign to promote his presidential agenda—a move veteran politicos call remarkable. Concerns are surfacing, however, over spending and Afghanistan.

“Anybody who’s from Iowa knows, sometimes you’ve got to clean the barn,” said an independent Republican business owner. “And he’s got a lot of shit in the barn.” Many residents feel Obama’s spending is out of control, while others are concerned about getting “sucked in and stuck” in Afghanistan, said a state senator. "Most of the time we’re hearing: ‘He’s doing a great job, I’m very excited—but I hope my kids don’t have to pay for all these situations,’” said one state representative.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (4)]

In this Nov. 6, 2007, file photo, then-Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama speaks at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

In this 2008 file photo, then-Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama speaks at a rally at Western Gateway Park in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

In this 2007 file photo, then-Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill. addresses the crowd at a 'Meet The Candidate' event in Washington, Iowa. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)

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We have gotten to know him as well if not better than any state in the country, so we’re cheering him on every day and we know what he’s capable of accomplishing as president. - Iowa Governor Chet Culver

It’s going to take some time, but yes, he’ll get the job done. It took eight years to get this way so it’s going to take some time to get back. - Dorothy Schabilion, waitress

Most of the time we’re hearing: 'He’s doing a great job, I’m very excited—but I hope my kids don’t have to pay for all these situations.' - State Rep. Wayne Ford

I think we need to define some limited, achievable objectives and then we’ve got to get out. - Herman Quirmbach, state senator, on Afghanistan

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Iowans (Mostly) Still Smile on Obama