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69 ads analyzed · 34 use a rhetorical technique, most often loaded language and glittering generalities.
The words doing the persuading
Paid for by CONGRESSIONAL LEADERSHIP FUND“There’s two Lindsay James. The Lindsay James from TV.
And the real Lindsay, a radical liberal who voted multiple times against lowering Iowa’s income taxes. She supports…”Loaded LanguageSee this ad →
Dave Bushaw (independent), Lindsay James (Democrat) and Joe Mitchell (Republican) are the nominees for Iowa's 2nd congressional district in the November 3, 2026 general election. By their latest FEC reports, Dave Bushaw's campaign had raised $38,000 (through October 14, 2026), Lindsay James's campaign $3.9 million (through October 14, 2026) and Joe Mitchell's campaign $2.9 million (through October 14, 2026). Outside groups have reported $3.5 million for Lindsay James and $5.2 million against; $720,000 for Joe Mitchell and $7.6 million against. Semblen has analyzed 69 ads in this race; 34 used at least one rhetorical technique, most often loaded language and glittering generalities.
Dave Bushaw (IND), Lindsay James (DEM), Joe Mitchell (REP).
6 others filed with the FEC; any ads they ran are below. 69 ads analyzed, 34 with at least one technique in the copy.
Newest first. The paid-for-by line is the advertiser's own filing. Updated 2026-10-29.
Also on every Iowa ballot: 1 statewide ballot measure →The ballot wording and the official arguments, read for rhetorical techniques.
How to vote in Iowa
From Iowa's official election office. Each line links to the official page it came from.
Registration
Register by Mon, Oct 19 (5 p.m. 15 days before; mail counts if postmarked by the 15th day; DOT/agency forms by 11:59 p.m.). Same-day registration: at your correct polling place, with proof of identity and residence (or an attester) (passed)Source: sos.iowa.gov ↗Source: legis.iowa.gov ↗
Anyone can vote by mail; request a ballot by Mon, Oct 19 (received by county auditor by 5 p.m., 15 days before); return it by Tue, Nov 3 (received by county auditor by close of polls (8 p.m.); cannot be dropped at polling place) (passed)Source: sos.iowa.gov ↗
ID required (IA license/non-op ID, US passport, military/veteran ID, tribal ID; or Voter ID Card); else attester or provisionalSource: legis.iowa.gov ↗
Checked October 6, 2026. Rules can change; confirm with the official site before you go.
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A person reads every report and fixes errors the same day.
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Paste a campaign text message you’ve received. Semblen marks the persuasion techniques in its wording and lists the factual claims it makes. Take your name out first: what you paste is analyzed and kept like any text.
Findings
As of 2026-10-29. Counts are of distinct ads; the same text run many times is one ad.
Ads analyzed
69 · started running between 2026-07-14 and 2026-10-26
$54,000–79,806 on all ads, $29,600–44,083 on flagged ads · Meta reports ranges; these are the sums of their ends
Example
“radical” — Loaded Language, paid for by CONGRESSIONAL LEADERSHIP FUND
· the flagged ad with the highest reported spend that shows the most common technique
A small box with these findings and the newest ads, updated as new ads are analyzed. Free for newsrooms, blogs and campaigns alike; it links back here.
Follow Lindsay James in office
Lindsay James won. Get what Lindsay James says in office by email, analyzed for rhetorical techniques, once sworn in. And an email if the result changes: a recount or a call reversed. One-click unsubscribe.
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Leaving out the softer ones (loaded language, glittering generalities, slogans, exaggeration, repetition): 30% of ads.
The words doing the work
The words that show up most in phrases our model flagged as loaded language or name calling in this race's ads, by number of ads.
insiderin 5 ads· e.g. “political insider, lobbyist, and carpetbagger”, “Mar-a-Lago insider opponent”
lobbyistin 4 ads· e.g. “political insider, lobbyist, and carpetbagger”, “a broken system that only works for lobbyists and insiders”
brokenin 3 ads· e.g. “broken and corrupt system”, “a broken system that only works for lobbyists and insiders”
corrupt systemin 3 ads· e.g. “broken and corrupt system”, “BULLDOZE Washington's corrupt system”
politicalin 3 ads· e.g. “political insider, lobbyist, and carpetbagger”, “The political elite”
richin 3 ads· e.g. “his rich campaign contributors, but not for you”, “rich lobbyist”
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Money in this race
From FEC filings for 2025–26. Outside spending is money a group spends on its own about a candidate — TV and online ads, mail, canvassing. It is not a donation to the campaign, and the candidate does not control it. Supporting means it was spent to help that candidate win; Opposing means it was spent to defeat them, usually on attack ads. Groups report it within 24 or 48 hours as the election nears. Raised is the campaign's own fundraising, as of its latest quarterly report. Largest donors come from each outside spender's own FEC receipts, with each donor's share of its itemized receipts; donors under $100,000 are not named. People are shown with the employer and occupation they reported. A donor that is itself a political committee is shown with its own largest donors. Companies and nonprofits don't report their funders to the FEC, so the trail ends there, and the page says so.
Dave Bushaw (IND)
Raised
$38K through 2026-10-14individuals $30K · PACs $5,000 · candidate's own money, incl. loans $2,255 · cash on hand $11K
Outside spending
none reported
Bundled through PACs
none reported · FEC bulk data of 2026-11-01
1 PAC gave directly — alphabetical; the legal limit is $5,000 per election
$3.9M through 2026-10-14individuals $3.4M · PACs $477K · party $18K · candidate's own money, incl. loans $120 · from the candidate's other committees $21K · cash on hand $266K
Outside spending
$5.2M opposing James · $3.5M supporting James· latest reported 2026-11-05
Largest outside spenders
NO GOING BACK PAC INC.— $4.0M opposing JamesPROJECT 218— $1.7M supporting JamesLargest donors:
DEMOCRACY MATTERS $5.9M (50%) (an organization: its own funders aren't reported to the FEC); Keith Behner $250K (2%), Retired; Amos Hostetter $250K (2%), Retired; James Millstein $250K (2%), Millstein & CO., Consultant; Samuel Walton $250K (2%), Restoration Works, ExecutiveCLF— $888K opposing James
· 2 ads on this pageLargest donors:
AMERICAN ACTION NETWORK $64.3M (25%) (an organization: its own funders aren't reported to the FEC); Elon Musk $30.0M (12%), Space Exploration Technologies Corp., CEO; Timothy Mellon $21.0M (8%), Self-Employed, Investments; Miriam Adelson $10.0M (4%), Adelson Drug Clinic, Physician; Paul E Singer $8.0M (3%), EMC, PresidentCFFE PAC— $719K supporting JamesLargest donors:
PIVOTAL VENTURES $2.0M (56%) (an organization: its own funders aren't reported to the FEC); OPPORTUNITY ACTION FUND $750K (21%) (an organization: its own funders aren't reported to the FEC); GOVERNMENT THAT WORKS PAC $250K (7%); GREEN ADVOCACY PROJECT $250K (7%) (an organization: its own funders aren't reported to the FEC); CHILDREN'S EQUITY FUND $100K (3%) (an organization: its own funders aren't reported to the FEC)PROGRESSIVE TURNOUT PROJECT— $259K supporting JamesLargest donors:
STOP REPUBLICANS $6.1M (22%) (its largest donors: FAHEY, EILEEN $2.7M; PROGRESSIVE TURNOUT PROJECT $2.5M); LAWALL, JOY $6.0M (22%); PROGRESSIVE TAKEOVER $3.5M (13%) (its largest donors: EVEY, JULIE $1.4M); STOP THESE OPPRESSIVE PEOPLE: TYRANTS RACISTS UNQUALIFIEDS MISOGYNISTS PROPAGANDISTS (STOP TRUMP) $3.0M (11%) (its largest donors: JOHNSTON, ERIC $1.3M); DEM TURNOUT 2024 $2.1M (8%) (its largest donors: KITCHEN, CAROL $1.2M)and 18 more
41 PACs gave directly — alphabetical; the legal limit is $5,000 per election
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR JUSTICE POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (AAJ PAC) $5,000
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE COUNTY & MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES P E O P L E $10K
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS, AFL-CIO COMMITTEE ON POLITICAL EDUCATION $5,000
BLUE HEN FEDERAL PAC $5,000
BLUE MAJORITY PAC $4,000
CARPENTERS LEGISLATIVE IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE UNITED BROTHERHOOD OF CARPENTERS AND JOINERS $10K
COMMUNICATIONS WORKERS OF AMERICA - COPE POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS COMMITTEE $5,000
DEFEAT EXTREMISTS $2,000
DEFEND THE VOTE $10K
ELECT DEMOCRATIC WOMEN $6,000
EMILYS LIST $10K
END CITIZENS UNITED $4,500
EVERYTOWN FOR GUN SAFETY ACTION FUND, INC. PAC (EVERYTOWN PAC) $1,500
FAIR SHOT PAC $5,000
FRIENDS OF CHERI BUSTOS $1,000
INT'L ASSOCIATION OF BRIDGE, STRUCTURAL, ORNAMENTAL AND REINFORCING IRON WORKERS (IPAL) $5,000
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SHEET METAL, AIR, RAIL AND TRANSPORTATION WORKERS POLITICAL ACTION LEAGUE $10K
INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF BOILERMAKERS CAMPAIGN ASSISTANCE FUND $5,000
INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE $10K
IOWA PEOPLE'S PAC $250
JENNIFER KONFRST FOR CONGRESS $4,000
KEVIN TECHAU FOR CONGRESS $4,000
LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS ACTION FUND $5,000
LORI TRAHAN FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE $1,000
MACHINISTS NON PARTISAN POLITICAL LEAGUE OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTS & AEROSPACE WORKERS $10K
MELTON FOR IOWA $400
MIDWEST REGION LABORERS' POLITICAL LEAGUE $5,000
MITTEN PAC $5,000
MOMS FED UP $5,000
NEA FUND FOR CHILDREN AND PUBLIC EDUCATION $5,000
NEW DEMOCRAT COALITION ACTION FUND $5,000
O'NEILL AND ASSOCIATES PAC $500
PATRIOT PAC $2,500
PURPOSE PAC $5,000
SILICORN VALLEY PAC $1,000
SQUARE ONE POLITICS $2,755
THERESA GREENFIELD FOR IOWA $2,000
UA UNION PLUMBERS & PIPEFITTERS VOTE! PAC (UNITED ASSOCIATION OF JOURNEYMEN AND APPRENTICES OF THE PLUMBING & PIPEFITTING INDUSTRY OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA) $5,000
UAW - V - CAP (UAW VOLUNTARY COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM) 'INT'L UNION UNITED AUTOMOBILE AEROSPACE & AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA UAW $10K
$2.9M through 2026-10-14individuals $2.1M · PACs $572K · party $7,000 · candidate's own money, incl. loans $100K · from the candidate's other committees $76K · cash on hand $546K
HMP— $3.3M opposing MitchellLargest donors:
HOUSE MAJORITY FORWARD $93.7M (39%) (an organization: its own funders aren't reported to the FEC); Reid G Hoffman $8.5M (4%), Greylock Partners, Partner; ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY FUND $5.0M (2%) (an organization: its own funders aren't reported to the FEC); Fred Eychaner $5.0M (2%), Retired; UNITED ASSOCIATION POLITICAL ISSUES FUND $4.8M (2%) (an organization: its own funders aren't reported to the FEC)YOUR COMMUNITY PAC— $2.1M opposing MitchellLargest donors:
SIXTEEN THIRTY FUND $2.7M (62%) (an organization: its own funders aren't reported to the FEC); NORTH FUND $900K (20%) (an organization: its own funders aren't reported to the FEC); AMERICAN OPPORTUNITY ACTION $515K (12%) (an organization: its own funders aren't reported to the FEC); GOVERNMENT THAT WORKS PAC $250K (6%)AB PAC— $1.0M opposing Mitchell
· 3 ads on this pageLargest donors:
AB FOUNDATION $13.0M (30%) (an organization: its own funders aren't reported to the FEC); DEMOCRACY MATTERS $5.6M (13%) (an organization: its own funders aren't reported to the FEC); Deborah Simon $5.0M (11%), Retired; DEMOCRACY PAC $4.0M (9%); Lynn S Stern $1.0M (2%), Self Employed, PhotographerNO GOING BACK PAC INC.— $541K supporting MitchellELECT DEMOCRATIC WOMEN— $299K opposing MitchellLargest donors:
URBANOWICZ, WENDY $1.4M (43%); PRO-CHOICE DEMOCRATS $500K (16%) (its largest donors: DURKIN, THOMAS $191K; ELECT DEMOCRATIC WOMEN $115K); PRO-CHOICE WOMEN $465K (15%) (its largest donors: WILLIAMS, JERRY SR $285K)and 16 more
Paid for by Lindsay For Iowafrom 2026-10-262 variantsspend $600–798100,000–119,998 impressions
Too many politicians turn a blind eye to people who are struggling. Lindsay James believes in the Good Samaritan: you stop and help. In Congress, she’ll fix the broken system that’s hurting working families.
no techniques found
Looks up the ad's factual claims in fact-checkers, primary sources and wire reporting. Takes up to a minute.
Paid for by CONGRESSIONAL LEADERSHIP FUNDfrom 2026-10-232 variantsspend $6,500–7,498125,000–139,998 impressions
Joe Mitchell says that Liberal Lindsay James “...made her home LA and San Francisco and Massachusetts before she conveniently moved to Iowa.” And brought their values with her.
Higher taxes on Social Security. Weaker sentences for criminals. And Lindsay James missed half her votes in the State Senate.
Joe Mitchell continues, “And when she was there, which was probably worse, she was voting to give illegal immigrants state-funded Medicaid, food stamps, housing assistance, sex changes for kids...”
Liberal Lindsay James. Wrong for Iowa.
Paid for by JOE MITCHELL FOR CONGRESSfrom 2026-10-23spend $0–994,000–4,999 impressions
The average age of a first-time homebuyer in America is now 40-years-old.
We need to cut red tape in DC and bring down mortgage rates.
That starts by replacing the bureaucrats in Washington with builders.
Lindsay James won. Get what Lindsay James says in office by email, analyzed for rhetorical techniques, once sworn in. And an email if the result changes: a recount or a call reversed. One-click unsubscribe.
Confirming also makes your free Semblen account, with a 14-day Pro trial. No card.
Paid for by JOE MITCHELL FOR CONGRESSfrom 2026-10-21spend $0–991,000–1,999 impressions
During her time in the legislature, Lindsay James has voted to give illegal aliens taxpayer funded welfare while voting against every single tax cut for working Iowans.
Those aren't Iowa values. They are Portland, Oregon values.
Loaded Language: The term 'illegal aliens' is a charged label chosen to provoke a negative reaction rather than neutrally describe people.
Exaggeration/Hyperbole: The absolute claim of voting against 'every single tax cut' overstates and flattens a voting record into a blanket position.
Card Stacking: It selectively presents two votes framed as welfare for illegal aliens versus opposition to tax cuts, omitting context such as the content of the bills. Flagged: “voted to give illegal aliens taxpayer funded welfare while voting against every single tax cut for working Iowans”.
Paid for by Lindsay For Iowafrom 2026-10-19spend $0–9915,000–19,999 impressions
Lindsay James is a minister and a mom running for Congress, and she’s lived by the words of the Bible: carry each other’s burdens. In Congress, that means making health care more affordable and bringing costs down for Iowa families.
no techniques found
Looks up the ad's factual claims in fact-checkers, primary sources and wire reporting. Takes up to a minute.
Paid for by CONGRESSIONAL LEADERSHIP FUNDfrom 2026-10-192 variantsspend $11,500–12,998205,000–239,998 impressions
There’s two Lindsay James. The Lindsay James from TV.
And the real Lindsay, a radical liberal who voted multiple times against lowering Iowa’s income taxes. She supports higher taxes for seniors on Social Security.
Lindsay James even voted for lower penalties for repeat domestic assault offenders. That’s the real Lindsay.
The real Lindsay’s an extreme liberal. And is way too radical for Iowa.
Name Calling: Labels the person a 'radical liberal' to discredit her instead of addressing her arguments.
Loaded Language: The word 'radical' is emotionally charged and meant to provoke a negative reaction.
Card Stacking: Presents a single selective vote without context (bill details, other provisions, reasons) to support a damaging conclusion. Flagged: “even voted for lower penalties for repeat domestic assault offenders”.
Paid for by JOE MITCHELL FOR CONGRESSfrom 2026-10-162 variantsspend $300–49840,000–49,998 impressions
Small towns built Iowa. The people here work hard and deserve a fair shot to get ahead.
Lindsay James wants higher taxes, benefits for illegal immigrants, and boys in girls sports.
Joe Mitchell will fight to lower costs, create opportunity, and put Iowa families first.
Glittering Generalities: Vague, emotionally positive praise of local people and a 'fair shot' that sounds noble but has no specific policy content.
Card Stacking: Presents a one-sided, stripped-down list of charged positions attributed to the opponent without context or nuance, so the reader sees only the most damaging framing. Flagged: “higher taxes, benefits for illegal immigrants, and boys in girls sports”.
Loaded Language: Uses emotionally charged, polarizing phrasing ('illegal immigrants', 'boys in girls sports') to provoke a reaction rather than describe policy positions neutrally.
Paid for by DAVE BUSHAW FOR CONGRESSfrom 2026-10-152 variantsspend $0–1988,100–9,998 impressions
RSVP: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21ST @ 6PM
Bootleggers Kitchen & Bar in WATERLOO, IA
Join Independent candidate for US Congress, Dave Bushaw, & Black Hawk County Supervisor, Justin Brandt, for a conversation about finding common ground to solve common issues. We'll be taking questions directly from the audience and will be joined by special guests!
RSVP here & we'll see you there: https://davebushawforcongress.nationbuilder.com/cdcw
no techniques found
Looks up the ad's factual claims in fact-checkers, primary sources and wire reporting. Takes up to a minute.
An ad is on this page because its own "Paid for by" line is a campaign in this race; or it comes from a national Senate group and ran mostly in IA; or it ran mostly in IA and names a candidate — unless its sponsor is a campaign for some other office. Ads from outside groups appear alongside the campaigns' own.
Campaigns run one text as many separate ads. Identical text from the same sponsor is one card here, marked with its number of variants.
A technique is a specific rhetorical move in the wording, found by our model and explained in one line. It is not a claim that the ad is false.
Claims are checked when a reader asks: press "Check this ad's claims" on a card. Running a check and seeing its verdicts are part of Semblen Pro, because each check costs money to run; anyone can see which claims an ad makes. The ten ads with the most money behind them in each race are checked ahead of time.
Claim verdicts say what the cited sources say. A verdict that an ad is wrong or misleading is shown only when it cites an established fact-checker or an institutional record — Congress, a federal agency, a court — and its confidence is not low; a weaker one is not shown at all. Each verdict shows what it rests on and how confident it is. If we got one wrong, press Disagree: a verdict that readers dispute and no one defends comes down.
Video ads come from the campaigns' own YouTube channels; the transcript is analyzed. Meta ads are analyzed on their text; their video and images are not, yet.