12 Comments
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Bonnie Campbell's avatar

Thank you, Randy, for reminding me how much I miss Governor Ray, as a thoughtful leader and a friend. When I ran for office or held office, Governor Ray would call or meet with me to share his thoughts on then current issues. He didn't care that he and I were not in the same political party. He only cared about the state he loved. Governor was a true "leader" and a precious gift to our state.

Randy Evans's avatar

Governor Ray grounded the Iowa Air National Guard after the federal government refused to make two Iowa families whole after their homes were destroyed when military jets crashed into them. He took the unprecedented action after the federal government exhausted his patience as he tried unsuccessfully to explain why they needed to do right for the two families.

Iowa did dig in in opposition to allowing twin-trailer rigs on the Interstate highways.

Dave Busiek's avatar

I doubt he could get nominated for any office in today’s Iowa GOP. I know many Bob Ray Republicans who are sickened by their party these days. They didn’t change. Their party shifted far right.

Beth Bishop's avatar

Bob Ray was the BEST! He had an inner spirit that spoke to many and his intentions most honorable, always…

Beth Bishop

Van Carter's avatar

Thanks, Randy, for reminding us of Bob Ray. I covered his news conferences for nearly a year while at WHO NewsRadio, and although all of us knew that blond over on the couch was a special case, not one of us really gave a damn or thought it was reportable. Same goes for Norm Jesse.

Times have certainly changed.

Thanks for resurrecting Bob Ray, even for a moment. He was a very good man.

Van Carter

Diane Kolmer's avatar

I, too, miss the moral leadership of Bob Ray. His ability and commitment to ‘doing the right thing’ is lacking in the GOP of today.

Tim Grover's avatar

Where are the moral political leaders these days? Not in Bob Ray's party. What an incredible man & legacy.

Ray Johnson's avatar

Robert Ray wouldn't be allowed anywhere near the Republican Party today. In the current Republican Party, cruelty isn't even a means to an end, it is the policy. That was so far from anything Robert Ray stood for. He wouldn't have been a Trump lap dog. Even those who disagreed with him never questioned his character.

I never voted for a Republican in my life, but I thought about it a couple times with Bob Ray. Modern Republicans certainly have a way of making you miss him.

Rick Morain's avatar

Thank you, Randy. Bob Ray was the gold standard among governors, indeed among public servants generally. In all likelihood we shall not see his like again.

Maureen Moeller's avatar

I read this Randy. Very well written.

Mike Wegner's avatar

Where oh where has Bob Ray's Republican party gone?

Linda Boatman's avatar

I remember him for grounding the Iowa Air National Guard. I think it had something to so with extra-long trucks on I-80.