Ethically-challenged former congressman appears to be making moves to run again in 2020 with more questionable tactics
Disgraced former Congressman Rod Blum appears to be testing the waters for a 2020 rematch in Iowa’s first district, despite a miserable showing against working family champion Abby Finkenauer last year. According to a new report from Iowa Starting Line, Blum has been continuing to run questionable ads over the past two months on his former official Facebook page. As Iowa Starting Line notes, Blum’s decision to run could complicate the NRCC’s efforts to recruit a different candidate – and set Republicans up for a potentially nasty primary.
[Blum’s] recent Twitter activity doesn’t appear much different than if he were still in office or a candidate. He’s still taking media interviews, traveling the district, and commenting on the political news stories of the day, including giving praise to Trump.
[…]
Also of note: some might not appreciate that Blum is using his old congressional account for running ads. Taxpayer dollars and the simple official title of congressman help builds up one’s federal Facebook account while in office. Records show Blum’s office spent $193,991.99 in non-franking mail during the 2018 cycle, some of which may have been spent to build up his Facebook page.
Of course, improper use of tax payer resources is nothing new to Blum, who spent his tenure in Washington distracted by ethics scandals.
“Iowans rejected Rod Blum because of his record of corruption and his votes to raise taxes and the cost of health care for hardworking families,” said DCCC Spokesperson Brooke Goren. “Whether she’s sticking up for Iowa small businesses, workers, or farmers, Abby Finkenauer has shown that she is a champion for the middle class — and that’s exactly why Iowans will choose her over Blum every time.”
Iowa Starting Line: Rod Blum is Still Running Ads in His Old District
By Pay Rynard
Congressman Rod Blum was defeated in his reelection effort by Abby Finkenauer last November, but that hasn’t stopped the Republican from staying politically active. In fact, he’s still running advertising online.
A quick review of the Facebook Ad Archive shows Blum continuing to pay for Facebook ads over the past two months. The “paid for” line simply lists “Rod Blum,” as opposed to the “Blum For Congress” disclaimer used back during the election. These ads also come from his former official Facebook page, Congressman Rod Blum, and not his old political account.
…This month, he’s running one in which he jokes about a nasty message he got from what may be a former constituent.
…Republican State Representative Ashley Hinson made news several weeks ago when she confirmed she was seriously considering a run of her own for the 1st District. However, she’s been rather quiet on that front ever since, and we’re nearing the point of when she hinted she might decide by.
A Blum return would certainly cause complications for Hinson, even though she appears to be national Republicans’ top choice.
…All of this would be just a mildly interesting look into a former congressman’s life after public service, but there is still a chance that Blum may seek a return to his 1st Congressional District seat. His recent Twitter activity doesn’t appear much different than if he were still in office or a candidate. He’s still taking media interviews, traveling the district, and commenting on the political news stories of the day, including giving praise to Trump.
…Also of note: some might not appreciate that Blum is using his old congressional account for running ads. Taxpayer dollars and the simple official title of congressman help builds up one’s federal Facebook account while in office. Records show Blum’s office spent $193,991.99 in non-franking mail during the 2018 cycle, some of which may have been spent to build up his Facebook page.