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Mar 16, 2007 Ten months before caucuses, Iowa in campaign mode The Iowa caucuses are 10 months away, but the hall where Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards was to speak on a recent Friday afternoon here in Council Bluffs had standing room only – and this in a town considered a Republican stronghold. more...
Mar 14, 2007 Culver touts renewable energy plans in Osage Gov. Chet Culver called on legislators to approve his proposed $100 million Iowa Power Fund on Wednesday at a public meeting with community and business leaders in Osage. more...
Mar 12, 2007 Power Fund plan heads in right direction If you had $100 million to spend to keep Iowa on the cutting edge of renewable energy, how would you spend it? Gov. Chet Culver's staff announced Friday how the governor would answer: In short, he would appoint a committee of experts to decide. more...
Mar 11, 2007 Culver, Legislature made big moves in session's first half The first two months of the legislative session have been the best of times for Democrats and the worst of times for Republicans. more...
Mar 9, 2007 Boswell Meets With Soldiers At Walter Reed Congressional hearings put the spotlight on squalid conditions in a section of Walter Reed Army Medical Center. more...
Mar 7, 2007 Braley angered by care for vets He lays problems revealed at an Army medical center in Washington, D.C., at the feet of the Bush administration. more...
Feb 23, 2007 Loebsack back from Iraq Visit convinced him resolution was 'right thing' more...
Feb 14, 2007 Miller wins auditor post Democrat garners 55.7% of Linn vote more...
Feb 14, 2007 Governor signs veteran aid bill Governor Chet Culver has approved a bill which sets aside four-million more dollars for a state program that provides financial aid to Guard soldiers injured in Iraq or Afghanistan and another which provides home-buying assistance to active duty Iowa Guard troops returning to the state. more...
Feb 8, 2007 Boswell speaks out against troop surge Iowa Congressman Leonard Boswell, a democrat, says he continues to oppose U.S. involvement, including the plan to send more troops to Iraq. more...
Feb 6, 2007 Lawmakers demand hardship pay for extended Guard members A letter signed by 39 state senators demands hardship pay for National Guard troops whose tour of duty in Iraq has been extended. more...
Feb 2, 2007 Culver encourages passenger rail efforts Proposal would revive passenger rail service between C.R. and I.C. more...
Feb 2, 2007 House passes car title loan bill The Iowa House Thursday night voted to crack down on so-called car title loans. more...
Jan 31, 2007 $25 million sought to start energy plan Gov. Chet Culver, as anticipated, made a splash Tuesday with his proposals for revving up Iowa's renewable energy industry by seeking an immediate $25 million down payment on his proposed $100 million Iowa Power Fund. more...
Jan 31, 2007 Culver proposes big bump for schools It looks like it will be a good year for education, school officials and key lawmakers say. more...
Jan 25, 2007 Culver signs into law a $7.25 minimum wage Flanked by cheering lawmakers and a couple low-wage workers, Gov. Chet Culver signed into law on Thursday a package raising the state's hourly minimum age to $7.25 by Jan. 1. more...
Jan 25, 2007 Culver calls for $12.5 million stem-cell center Gov. Chet Culver said today he would push state lawmakers this session to ease Iowa's limits on embryonic stem cell research and to pour money into a new research center at the U of I to put the science into practice. more...
Jan 18, 2007 House acts to lower student-loan interest The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation Wednesday that could reduce recent college graduates' debt over the next five years - an action touted by Democrats as a much-needed relief to students struggling to pay tuition that is rapidly outpacing the rate of inflation. more...
Jan 17, 2007 Iowa lawmakers call on Sinclair to restore stations on Mediacom Six state senators have called on Sinclair Broadcast Group to restore two Iowa television stations on the cable system owned by Mediacom Communications Corp. more...
Jan 13, 2007 Culver inauguration: 'Iowans, this is our time' In his inaugural address, Culver challenges residents to take charge of future State needs to lead the nation in renewable energy, he says more...
Jan 13, 2007 Governor Culver's solid start For those looking for clues about what to expect from Gov. Chet Culver, his inaugural speech Friday provided a good place to begin. more...
Jan 13, 2007 Boswell now "Dean" of delegation Congressman Leonard Boswell went from being the only democratic congressman from Iowa to being one of three as two newcomers were recently sworn in. more...
Jan 11, 2007 Inaugural bash Come one, come all: Iowa parties with Chet Culver. www.culverinaugural.com more...
Jan 11, 2007 Bringing the soul The Rev. Al Green instantly said "yes" to Gov.-elect Chet Culver's gala invitation. more...
Jan 11, 2007 Lt. Gov.-elect Judge amazed at post she will hold on Friday Lt. Gov.-elect Patty Judge has never lost an election. However, she remains amazed at the post she will hold on Friday. more...
Jan 10, 2007 Newcomer Braley learning the ropes As he was leaving one of the many receptions for freshmen congressmen last week, U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley, D-Iowa, was told he was needed to speak on the House floor. more...
Jan 10, 2007 Loebsack named to Armed Services Committee Rep. Dave Loebsack was named yesterday to the Armed Services Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives. The committee works on issues involving military personnel, military operations and counter terrorism initiatives. more...
Jan 10, 2007 Loebsack opposes increasing troops Dave Loebsack said Tuesday that he opposes President Bush's expected plan to send additional troops to Iraq to quell sectarian violence. more...
Jan 4, 2007 Braley named House at-large whip Iowa's congressmen take oath today more...
Jan 4, 2007 Iowa freshmen Congressmen sworn in Iowa's two new congressmen were sworn into office this (Thursday) morning in Washington. Democrat Bruce Braley represents Iowa's first district, which includes Davenport, Dubuque and Waterloo. Democrat Dave Loebsack represents the second district, which includes Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. more...
Jan 4, 2007 Dems want to ease commercial tax pain The incoming Democratic speaker of the Iowa House promised lawmakers will make progress toward ‘‘alleviating some of the pain’’ commercial property taxpayers feel but said it’s unlikely the problem will be solved this year. more...
Jan 4, 2007 Iowa democrats: teacher pay, health care will lead agenda Democrats who will lead the Iowa Legislature said they will push for key election priorities in the upcoming session, but they also pledged during a Wednesday stop in the Quad-Cities to work across the aisle with Republicans. more...
Jan 4, 2007 Culver vows to push $1 a pack cigarette tax increase Governor-elect Chet Culver says he will seek up to a one-dollar a pack increase in the Iowa's cigarette tax, nearly tripling the current tax. more...
Dec 21, 2006 Gov.-elect Culver makes six staff appointments Gov.-elect Chet Culver ’s first appointments, announced Wednesday, were a mix of new and old, with four existing department heads agreeing to carry over from the outgoing Vilsack- Pederson administration. more...
Dec 12, 2006 Loebsack adjusting to public life Congressman-elect makes first trip to Ottumwa since upset win more...
Dec 12, 2006 Iowa Democrats draw key U.S. House committees Iowa’s three Democratic congressmen have landed new berths on three key committees, according to an announcement today by Speaker-elect Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. more...
Dec 9, 2006 Braley says "diplomatic offensive" promising Congressman-elect Bruce Braley says the Iraq Study Group's call for a "diplomatic offensive" in the Middle East is one of the key findings in the group's report, which was issued this week. more...
Dec 9, 2006 Farm bill to back money for biofuels, leader says House Democrats will support boosting spending on development of biofuels, a key priority of farm-state lawmakers, according to the incoming chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. more...
Dec 7, 2006 Culver budget plan offers tax changes Gov.-elect Chet Culver said Tuesday the fiscal 2008 budget he submits to lawmakers Jan. 30 will propose raising the state’s cigarette tax but will not seek a gas tax increase. more...
Dec 3, 2006 Democratic chairman promises fair caucuses New leader says he'll remain neutral toward Vilsack more...
Dec 3, 2006 Harkin wants 'shackles' off stem cell work The Iowa Democrat says that there will be enough support in Congress to approve expansion. more...
Dec 2, 2006 Iowa Dems Declare Neutrality in Caucuses Iowa Democrats declared on Saturday the party would remain neutral in the state's leadoff presidential caucuses in 2008 even though popular Gov. Tom Vilsack is seeking the nomination. more...
Oct 24, 2006 Democrats say Nussle must have "secret plan" for casinos The chairwoman of the Iowa Democratic Party says if you use Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Nussle's logic, then Nussle must have a "secret plan" to aid the state's gambling casinos. more...
Oct 20, 2006 The Issue: Economy; Bottom line: Edge goes to Culver Both candidates grasp the big picture about the potential for developing Iowa as a center for renewable-fuels research and production. That could provide an underpinning of new strength for Iowa’s economy for the rest of the century. Culver presents more detailed plans, though. more...
Oct 17, 2006 Alert the Media Letter of the Week Letter sent by State Central Committee Member Chris Peterson more...
Sep 21, 2006 We don't have to live with people like that House speaker Rants, scum-ladened authors don't represent the decency of Iowa more...
Sep 19, 2006 Democrats broaden attack on GOP campaign tactics Democrats broadened their assault on Republican legislative campaign tactics Tuesday, accusing the GOP of "outright lies" in a series of local elections scattered around the state. more...
Sep 1, 2006 Gov. Vilsack: ‘There’s still work to be done’ He’s had some job offers and admits he’s ‘‘obviously, seriously’’ thinking about running for president, but Gov. Tom Vilsack insists he’s still focused on finishing the job he started nearly eight years ago. more...
Aug 27, 2006 Alert the Media Letter of the Week Letter by State Central Committee Member Dori Rammelsberg Dvorak; Printed in the Des Moines Register and the Cedar Rapids Gazette. more...
Aug 21, 2006 Alert the Media Letter of the Week Letter submitted by Judy Rose to the Anamosa Journal-Eureka more...
Aug 18, 2006 'Iowa Values' Touted by Culver Democratic candidate for governor Chet Culver spoke at The Des Moines Register's "soapbox" at the Iowa State Fair Thursday, capping the fair tradition with a call for "Iowa values." more...
Aug 18, 2006 Culver: Time to repeal ‘official language’ law Democratic candidate for governor Chet Culver said Thursday he favors repealing Iowa’s law designating English as the state’s official language, but remains opposed to offering in-state college tuition to undocumented immigrants. more...
Aug 18, 2006 Schulte wants education reform Joyce Schulte, a Democratic candidate for U.S. House in Iowa's 5th District, spoke at The Des Moines Register's "soapbox" at the Iowa State Fair on Thursday morning, calling for increasing federal Pell grants and for Iowa to elect its first female representative to Congress. Here's a summary: more...
Aug 18, 2006 Loebsack predicts 'sunny' Nov. 7 David Loebsack, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. House in Iowa's 2nd District, spoke Thursday morning at The Des Moines Register's soapbox at the Iowa State Fair, calling for policies to help the working poor. more...
Aug 15, 2006 Boswell signs stem cell research petition at fair During a Monday stop at the State Fair, Congressman Leonard Boswell highlighted his support for an expansion of federally-funded stem cell research. more...
Aug 15, 2006 Boswell Stresses Security, Stem Cells Rep. Leonard Boswell, a Democrat running for re-election to the U.S. House from Iowa's 3rd District, spoke at The Des Moines Register's soapbox at the Iowa State Fair on Monday, emphasizing his position on national security and calling for stem cell research. more...
Aug 12, 2006 Spencer says Iraq policy has failed Democratic candidate for Iowa's 4th U.S. House District Selden Spencer spoke at The Des Moines Register's political "soapbox" at the Iowa State Fair on Friday, calling President Bush's performance "not good enough." more...
Aug 11, 2006 Culver shifts focus to minimum wage Chet Culver, the Democratic candidate for governor, campaigned Thursday in Ottumwa and added his voice to the call for a higher minimum wage. more...
Aug 11, 2006 Braley stresses family's history Bruce Braley, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House, opened The Des Moines Register's political "soapbox" at the Iowa State Fair on Thursday, calling for troop reductions in Iraq and a sharper focus on bread-and-butter issues important to Iowa seniors. more...
Aug 8, 2006 Alert the Media Letter of the Week Letter submitted by Becky Sisco to the Dubuqe Telegraph Herald more...
Aug 2, 2006 Alert the Media Letter of the Weed Letter submitted by Jerald Thomas Hawhee to the Des Moines Register more...
Jul 21, 2006 Sen. Barak Obama to attend Harkin fundraiser Sen. Tom Harkin announced Thursday that Illinois Sen. Barack Obama will be the featured guest at his annual fundraiser in Indianola in September. more...
Jul 19, 2006 Culver leads Nussle in new money for gov's race Democratic candidate for Iowa governor Chet Culver raised almost $1 million more than his Republican opponent Jim Nussle from the end of May through mid-July, according to reports filed today by the candidates today. more...
Jul 17, 2006 Labor council feels Culver ’best person to lead Iowa forward’ CEDAR RAPIDS — The Hawkeye Labor Council, AFL-CIO, is endorsing Democratic Secretary of State Chet Culver for governor. more...
Jul 14, 2006 Most Americans Plan to Vote for Democrats Republicans are in jeopardy of losing their grip on Congress in November. With less than four months to the midterm elections, the latest Associated Press-Ipsos poll found that Americans by an almost 3-to-1 margin hold the GOP-controlled Congress in low regard and profess a desire to see... more...
Jul 13, 2006 Beware the spinning about federal deficits Make candidates address fiscal realities. more...
Jul 12, 2006 Revenues up, but Dems pound Nussle over policies It’s great that an uptick in revenues is bringing down the federal deficit faster than anticipated, but it may not last, Mark Warner, a potential 2008 Democratic presidential candidate, said Tuesday in Cedar Rapids. more...
Jul 10, 2006 Braley targets Social Security during response Iowa U.S. House candidate Bruce Braley delivered the Democrats’ response to President Bush’s weekly radio address Sunday, saying that Social Security is under attack. more...
Jun 23, 2006 Lieutenant governor begins tourism campaign across Iowa Playing the spoons with a Blue Grass group and dishing out root beer floats may not seem typical duties for a lieutenant governor. more...
Jun 23, 2006 Harkin criticizes failure to raise minimum wage United States senators have raised their wages seven times in the last nine years, but haven't done anything to increase the nation's minimum wage, U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, said Thursday. more...
Jun 19, 2006 Culver's Remaks at the Democratic State Convention Culver Gives Speech to Convention Delegates more...
Jun 19, 2006 Patty Judge's Remarks at the Democratic State Conventon Patty Judge's Remarks to Delegates more...
Jun 19, 2006 Governor Tom Vilsack's Remarks at the State Convention Governor Vilsack's Remarks to Delegates more...
Jun 9, 2006 Dems hold united rally after divided primary The state’s top Democrats, including a few former rivals, joined hands Thursday morning to show support for gubernatorial nominee Chet Culver and lay out a plan of attack against Republican opponent Jim Nussle. more...
Jun 9, 2006 Culver rallies the faithful during campaign-opener MASON CITY — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chet Culver walked into the second floor meeting room at the Mason City Airport Thursday afternoon with two thumbs up and his supporters cheering. more...
Jun 8, 2006 Harkin says eliminating estate tax makes the rich richer Legislation that would eliminate the federal estate tax is up for a vote today (Thursday) in the U.S. Senate. President Bush calls the estate tax a "death tax'' and wants it scrapped while Democrats, like Iowa Senator Tom Harkin, say eliminating the estate tax would just make the rich richer. more...
Jun 8, 2006 Culver returns to Ottumwa, this time as Dem nominee OTTUMWA – Chet Culver barnstormed Iowa in the last days of his primary campaign. Now he’s doing it again. more...
Jun 7, 2006 Pederson reviews 2006 Legislature Iowa Lt. Gov. Sally Pederson offered comments on the 2006 Iowa Legislature in an exclusive interview with The Estherville Daily News last week. more...
Jun 5, 2006 Reading is the thing at annual Spring Fling Tom and Christie Vilsack brought big-top talent in from across Iowa to perform at their eighth and final literacy event at Terrace Hill on Sunday. more...
May 18, 2006 Democrats: Donations to Speaker Rants influenced debate Democrats in the Iowa House accused Speaker Christopher Rants of putting the House “up for sale” by trading favors for campaign contributions to a political group he helped found. more...
May 5, 2006 Vilsack flying to Michigan to meet Whirlpool execs Governor Tom Vilsack's flying to Michigan this (Thursday) morning for a meeting with Whirlpool executives to discuss the future of Maytag and Amana operations in Iowa. more...
May 5, 2006 Gronstal: Legislative session 'successful' Increased funding for education and renewable energy incentives were the session's top highlights, Gronstal said. more...
May 5, 2006 Vilsack pleased with outcome of '06 Legislature Actions 'will allow us to keep our promises to Iowa's kids, teachers, seniors, veterans and working families.' more...
May 3, 2006 Governor says state needs higher education standards Governor Tom Vilsack says the state needs to set new and significantly higher standards for high school coursework. more...
May 2, 2006 Harkin aid listens to area Veterans’ concerns Indianola resident is senator’s state director more...
May 2, 2006 Pederson touts education funding during visit to Webster City Says $55 million will go toward early childhood education more...
May 1, 2006 Alert the Media Letter of the Week Letter submitted by Jean Marie Hall to the Clayton County Register. more...
Apr 28, 2006 Senate passes job-training salary cap A proposal to cap the salaries of officials in job-training agencies that receive federal money was approved by the Senate on Thursday night. more...
Apr 23, 2006 Alert the Media Letter of the Week Letter Submitted by Ray Benter to the Des Moines Register. more...
Apr 21, 2006 Vilsack signs renewable energy bill On Wednesday officials announced that a $52 million biodiesel plant to be built near Marcus, Iowa, would run on pellets converted from trash. more...
Apr 21, 2006 Eight states making pitch to dislodge importance of Iowa Caucuses Officials from eight different states will make their case today that Iowa and New Hampshire should not retain their "first-in-the-nation" status in the presidential selection process. more...
Apr 20, 2006 Alert the Media Letter of the Week Letter submitted to the Des Moines Register by Jim Hutter more...
Apr 20, 2006 Vilsack asks for money to fight mumps Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack said Wednesday that he will ask state lawmakers for an additional $400,000 to expand the availability of mumps vaccinations. more...
Apr 19, 2006 Vilsack offers budget solution CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - After a five-day visit to Iraq and Afghanistan where he met with Iowans serving in the military, followed by a Wednesday morning breakfast with the president, an exhausted Gov. Tom Vilsack touched down in Cedar Rapids Wednesday and called legislative leaders to encourage them... more...
Apr 19, 2006 Governor to meet with President ask for disaster declaration The governor will ask for a presidential disaster declaration in the wake of damaging tornadoes last week in east-central Iowa. Governor Tom Vilsack, who spent Easter weekend in Iraq visiting American troops, has a breakfast meeting today (Wednesday) in Washington, arranged by the White House so... more...
Apr 18, 2006 Vilsack takes aim at funeral protests Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, traveling in the Middle East, enacted legislation Monday outlawing protests near funerals in Iowa in hopes of sparing an Ogden family from a planned anti-military demonstration today. more...
Apr 17, 2006 Alert the Media Letter of the Week Letter to the Editor Written By Marilyn Leggio of Council Bluffs. Printed in the Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil. more...
Apr 16, 2006 From Iraq, Vilsack urges end to political deadlock The governor visits Baghdad to meet with Iowans and study what must happen before U.S. forces can leave. more...
Apr 13, 2006 Vilsack gets bill to pump up renewable fuels He's expected to sign the measure, which says that by 2020, 25% of all fuel sold in Iowa must be renewable. more...
Apr 12, 2006 Alert the Media Letter of the Week Letter submitted by Monica McCarthy to the Creston News Advertiser more...
Apr 12, 2006 President's critics gather, sound off One says he's been silent too long about mistakes he thinks Bush has made. more...
Apr 12, 2006 Meanwhile, Democrats eat soup While Republicans paid at least $250-per-plate to see the president Tuesday in Des Moines, Democrats ate chicken noodle soup and raised money for food banks. more...
Apr 5, 2006 Nussle passes unbalanced federal budget without wavering Jim Nussle took a little time off from his campaign last week to handle a small chore in Washington: Writing a budget for the U.S. government. more...
Apr 3, 2006 Alert the Media Letter of the Week Letter Submitted by Kurt Hansen to the Dubuque Telegraph Herald more...
Mar 31, 2006 Board votes to move on with probe of possible ethics violation by Nussle more...
Mar 31, 2006 Board votes to move on with probe of possible ethics violation by Nussle DES MOINES — A board that regulates Iowa’s campaign finance laws voted Thursday to move forward with an investigation into a possible ethics violation by GOP gubernatorial candidate Jim Nussle’s campaign. more...
Mar 30, 2006 Nussle lacks 'Iowa values,' Democrats say DES MOINES, IA - Democrats kept up their attack on U.S. Rep. Jim Nussle's lack of "Iowa values" Thursday, with Sen. Tom Harkin and Lt. Gov. Sally Pederson blasting the GOP gubernatorial candidate for supporting more tax cuts for the wealthy and deep cuts in finding for program they said would... more...
Mar 29, 2006 Senator Harkin speaks in favor of immigration plan Iowa Senator Tom Harkin today spoke in favor of the proposed Senate immigration plan. During debate on the Senate floor, the democrat, defended the controversial program that would let immigrants already illegally in the U.S. gain their citizenship. more...
Mar 29, 2006 Vilsack says federal cuts would hammer poor Iowans Washington, D.C. — Poor Iowans risk losing emergency food supplies, housing and energy assistance, and many other services under federal budget proposals by President Bush set for debate beginning today in the U.S. House, Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack warned Tuesday. more...
Mar 28, 2006 Vilsack warns of federal budget impacts Washington, D.C. — Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack launched an aggressive letter-writing campaign to members of the Iowa delegation in the House today, telling them that the federal budget proposed by President Bush would "disrupt or dismantle services and protections for Iowans" in key areas. more...
Mar 28, 2006 Vilsack: Nussle-crafted federal budget plan would devastate Iowa WASHINGTON, DC - Gov. Tom Vilsack of Iowa said Tuesday the federal budget plan overseen by Republican Jim Nussle would devastate social and educational programs in the state Nussle wants to lead as governor. more...
Mar 27, 2006 Vilsack says deaths underscore need to tackle tobacco Vilsack said the intent behind his effort is to stop people from smoking and reducing addiction. more...
Mar 23, 2006 Democrats create website critical of Republican Jim Nussle Last year Republicans created a website to criticize Democrat Governor Tom Vilsack's out-of-state travel. Now, Democrats have created a website to criticize the Republican candidate for governor's actions in Washington, D.C. more...
Mar 22, 2006 Spend-and-spend Republicans Our Position: U.S. can't afford any more 'get tough' pledges. more...
Mar 22, 2006 Boswell holds forum on Medicare drug coverage Rep. Leonard Boswell held an open forum at the William Penn University Union Tuesday to answer questions concerning Medicare, with a focus on Medicare Part D, the new prescription drug coverage plan. more...
Mar 22, 2006 Dems accuse Iowa candidate of conflict of interest on ethanol Iowa Democrats are accusing Republican congressional candidate and state Sen. Jeff Lamberti of a conflict of interest because he voted against legislation requiring gas stations to sell ethanol-blended fuel while having a significant financial interest in his family’s chain of convenience stores... more...
Mar 22, 2006 Vilsack to intervene in ethanol flap DES MOINES, IA - Gov. Tom Vilsack said Wednesday that he will intervene to solve a dispute over what the next step should be in promoting ethanol use in the state. more...
Mar 22, 2006 Vilsack to ask for Asian trade office DES MOINES, IA - Returning from a trade mission to India, Gov. Tom Vilsack said Wednesday that he will ask the Legislature to open a trade office in Asia to get an edge in that fast-growing market. more...
Mar 21, 2006 Lieutenant governor visits Rue to promote Strong Start initiative Iowa's second-in-command paid a visit to a Council Bluffs elementary school Friday as part of her continued push to promote the Strong Start initiative and preschool education. more...
Mar 21, 2006 Harkin announces grant funding for farmers markets WASHINGTON, D.C. - Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, has announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will now accept applications for competitive grants for the Farmers Market Promotion Program. more...
Mar 16, 2006 Boswell says offensive in Iraq could be good or bad Iowa Congressman Leonard Boswell is on the House intelligence committee, but says the committee was not briefed prior to today's big military offensive in Iraq. Boswell says the generals in Iraq apparently made the decision on the offensive. more...
Mar 16, 2006 Governor says trade trip to India a success Governor Tom Vilsack says strong ties between Iowa and India are being solidified this week during his trade trip to the world's second-largest country. more...
Mar 16, 2006 Harkin blasts Bush again on the budget Iowa Senator Tom Harkin, a democrat, is blasting President Bush again as the Senate prepares to vote today on the budget. Harkin says that Bush is "the most fiscally reckless President in our nation's history" who is running up a record national debt. more...
Mar 15, 2006 Alert the Media Letter of the Week Letter submitted by Denny McGinnis to the Sioux City Journal. Letter was printed on February 15, 2006. Thanks Denny for your letter! more...
Mar 15, 2006 Pederson pushes tobacco tax Lt. Gov. Sally Pederson visited Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa Tuesday, promoting an increase in the tobacco tax that she said will save lives. more...
Mar 13, 2006 What's next in Iraq? Pull out troops caught in sectarian fight BY SEN. TOM HARKIN more...
Mar 9, 2006 Courtney wants wage vote Democrat says GOP senator blocking minimum wage bill. more...
Mar 7, 2006 CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll - Democrats Stretch Lead in Vote for Congress Fourteen-point Democratic lead is among the widest since 1994 more...
Mar 6, 2006 Declining value With no minimum–wage debate, earning power of the poorest continues to slide more...
Mar 2, 2006 Vilsack: Innovation key to economic success Governor talks about demands of competitive global economy. more...
Feb 23, 2006 Vilsack calls for statewide ethanol targets Gov. Tom Vilsack pressured the Legislature on Wednesday to set a statewide goal of how much fuel sold in Iowa should be alternative and renewable. more...
Feb 22, 2006 Governor opens conference on gay student harrassment Governor Tom Vilsack convened a conference at Drake University this (Tuesday) morning to talk about the harassment gay, lesbian, bisexual and "transgender" kids face in school. more...
Feb 21, 2006 Democrats file ethics complaint against Nussle The state's Democratic Party filed an ethics complaint Tuesday against Rep. Jim Nussle, R-Iowa, claiming he financed some of his gubernatorial campaign with money from his congressional campaign account without required disclosures. more...
Feb 17, 2006 Vilsack: Cigarette tax hike would deter youth sales If Iowa's cigarette tax were raised by 80 cents, almost 1,000 young people in Pottawattamie County would not pick up the smoking habit because of its high cost, Gov. Tom Vilsack said Wednesday. more...
Feb 15, 2006 Boswell says V-P should "come clean" The only Democrat in Iowa’s congressional delegation says Republican Vice President Dick Cheney needs to “come clean” about what happened last Saturday on a Texas hunting expedition. more...
Feb 14, 2006 House Dems outline ‘Year of the Child’ Iowa House Democrats announced a “Year of the Child” initiative Monday, a series of proposals intended to expand access to health care, improve education and boost resources devoted to fighting child abuse. more...
Feb 7, 2006 GOP offers no new money for teacher salaries The opening offer is zero. more...
Feb 7, 2006 Democrats propose energy efficiency package Democrats on Tuesday introduced a $33.8 million plan to reduce energy costs for Iowans. more...
Feb 6, 2006 Republicans Raising Student Loan Costs By Drake University Democrats President Patrick Rynard more...
Feb 3, 2006 Harkin calls for more heating assistance The infamous groundhog predicts another six weeks of winter, while Iowa Senator Tom Harkin renews his call to boost money for a program that helps low-income Americans pay their heating bills. Harkin, a Democrat, says the Bush Administration must support a critically-needed increase in funding... more...
Feb 3, 2006 Democrats want to increase minimum wage Republicans not willing to follow more...
Feb 1, 2006 Lawmakers say survey shows schools will focus on teacher pay A survey of Iowa school superintendents shows additional state money would be used to increase teacher pay and enhance programs for student achievement, Democratic lawmakers said Wednesday. more...
Jan 31, 2006 Democrats offer $111 million energy plan House Democrats proposed Monday the state invest more than $111 million in an alternative energy and renewable fuels plan that would expand the use of ethanol and biodiesel, create jobs, invest in research and development and establish a renewable fuel standard. more...
Jan 30, 2006 Dems propose giving parents time for school events Businesses would be required to give parents at least 20 hours of unpaid leave for attending school events under an education reform bill unveiled by Senate Democrats Thursday. more...
Jan 29, 2006 Harkin addresses health care issues Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, told a weekend symposium that the nation's healthcare system is in crisis because it ignores poor health habits, including obesity.
Jan 29, 2006 Harkin addresses health care issues Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, told a weekend symposium that the nation's healthcare system is in crisis because it ignores poor health habits, including obesity. more...
Jan 24, 2006 Governor signs bill providing support to injured soldiers Governor Tom Vilsack has signed legislation that will provide up to 10-thousand dollars to Iowa Guard and Reserve soldiers who're seriously injured while on active duty. more...
Jan 20, 2006 Senate to add $150M to school budget Proposal makes a 6% increase more...
Jan 19, 2006 Senator proposes incentives for E-85 fuel Iowa Senator Tom Harkin is proposing a bill that would provide a tax credit of up to 30-thousand dollars per gas station to outfit them to sell the 85-percent ethanol fuel, which is made from corn. more...
Jan 19, 2006 Bill to help injured veterans passes Legislation giving Iowa soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan help to cover the cost of being injured will likely receive the governor's signature early next week. more...
Jan 17, 2006 Democrats move to reclaim identity The Democratic Party's value system has for too long been wrongly defined by Republicans and other outsiders, participants in Monday night's Woodbury County Democratic caucuses said. more...
Jan 13, 2006 Vilsack touts cigarette tax while in Q-C During a Quad-City visit to push his legislative agenda, Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack said Thursday that an 80-cent tax on cigarettes would save lives and help small businesses afford catastrophic health-care coverage for their workers. more...
Jan 13, 2006 Vilsack open to debating pension tax plan Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack said Thursday that he would be willing to talk about eliminating the tax on retirement income if Republicans are willing to consider elimination of federal deductibility from the state tax code. more...
Jan 13, 2006 ‘We need to be innovative’ MASON CITY — Gov. Tom Vilsack made light of his potential as a presidential candidate Thursday — but didn’t say anything to dispel the talk of a possible candidacy. more...
Jan 12, 2006 If we can beat mob, we can fight DeLay-style politics Experience in Las Vegas similar to D.C. corruption By Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid more...
Jan 11, 2006 Vilsack budget would benefit education most Spending increases would go toward teachers' salaries and preschools, among other programs. more...
Jan 11, 2006 Vilsack outlines busy finale Gov. Tom Vilsack on Tuesday urged state lawmakers to help preschoolers, teachers and small-business owners during his final year in office, but he offered cold comfort to smokers and beer drinkers. more...
Jan 11, 2006 Pederson touts health proposal at Fort Dodge manufacturer Lt. Gov. Sally Pederson strolled amid robotic welding machines and big paint booths as she got a crash course in making radiators during a Wednesday afternoon visit to Fort Dodge. more...
Dec 27, 2005 Target the Top Issues Facing Working Families By Iowa Democratic Party Chair Sally Pederson "Rightly so, Iowans are overwhelming concerned about the high costs of health care and gas prices. That is why Iowa Democrats are taking the lead to provide real solutions to the issues facing Iowa’s working families." more...
Dec 22, 2005 Vilsack assails budget cuts Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack on Wednesday railed against a federal spending plan in Congress he said will mean the loss of tens of millions of dollars to Iowa’s working poor and to parents who rely on child support. more...
Dec 17, 2005 Gov. Vilsack: "You have done a great service to your country" Prior to the celebrations, the citizen soldiers heard from Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, who said: "I promised you last year that I would leave a light on for you. Today, I went to my house at 402 N. Main St. and turned the light out in the attic because you came home. more...
Dec 16, 2005 Harkin blasts federal spending bill The Iowa senator said the lack of an increase in energy money likely is one of the biggest impacts on Iowans in the measure. more...
Dec 16, 2005 Carlson: You pulled through for soldiers, Iowa "I'd read in the paper about these troops not being able to come home for Christmas," Boswell said. "I couldn't resist going back to the microphone. I told people there was a problem, that these Iowa troops in Mississippi can't afford to get home for Christmas." more...
Dec 16, 2005 Basu: Nussle's budget sells out the vulnerable to benefit the wealthy As chairman of the House Budget Committee, and the one who takes primary credit for the so-called Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 that came out of it, Nussle's agenda was the target of protests by 300 religious leaders and various advocacy organizations this week, in anticipation of a vote on a... more...
Dec 16, 2005 Brian Quirk named to Veterans' Affairs Committee State Representative Brian Quirk has been appointed to the House Veterans Affairs Committee by House Democratic Leader Pat Murphy of Dubuque. more...
Dec 16, 2005 State leaders discuss 2006 session CLINTON — Democratic and Republican state legislators must continue to work cooperatively in the 2006 session to achieve “bold goals.” more...
Dec 16, 2005 Legislative Dems point to renewable energy OTTUMWA — Democratic leaders arrived in Ottumwa to try and build support for their agenda entering the 2006 legislative session. more...
Dec 16, 2005 Senate leader Kibbie visits Kuemper students Carroll, Iowa -- State Senator Kibbie (D-Emmetsburg), one of the longest-serving Iowa legislators, recently was a guest speaker in Barbara Hackfort’s sixth grade classes at Kuemper Middle School. more...
Dec 15, 2005 Heat funds leave Iowa in the cold A $1 billion package of additional low-income heating assistance awaiting congressional action this week would leave Iowa and several other northern states out in the cold. more...
Dec 14, 2005 Protest expected against Nussle-led budget proposal Activists criticize a bill that would trim spending on social programs Religious leaders and activists protesting a budget plan spearheaded by House Budget Committee Chairman Jim Nussle, R-Ia., plan to conduct a "kneel-in" and prayer vigil today on the steps of Nussle's office building here. more...
Dec 13, 2005 Democrats outline '06 session plans Democrat leaders from the Iowa Legislature say renewable energy issues are ripe for picking during the 2006 session. more...
Dec 13, 2005 Groups run ads criticizing Nussle A national union and coalition of interest groups is running ads criticizing U.S. Rep. Jim Nussle, R-Manchester, for supporting budget cuts they say hurt struggling Iowa families. more...
Dec 13, 2005 Cigarette tax hike would address two worthwhile areas We hope House Speaker Christopher Rants changes his mind this time. more...
Dec 11, 2005 Democratic panel votes to keep Iowa caucuses first The plan would add more presidential nominating contests to the early part of the 2008 schedule. more...
Dec 9, 2005 Iowa Poll Vilsack Approval Rating Sixty-two percent of Iowans approve of Gov. Tom Vilsack's job performance, The Des Moines Register's latest Iowa Poll shows. more...
Dec 8, 2005 Vilsack: State may help with heat bills With temperatures plunging and Congress frozen in gridlock, Gov. Tom Vilsack said Tuesday that state government may step in to help low-income Iowans pay high heating bills. more...
Dec 7, 2005 Panel Doesn't Want Junk Food Aimed at Kids SpongeBob SquarePants and characters like him should promote only healthy food for kids, a panel of scientists said Tuesday. Food marketing strongly influences what children eat, the Institute of Medicine said in a comprehensive review of scientific evidence on the issue. Overwhelmingly, food... more...
Dec 6, 2005 Boswell supports amendment on prisoner handling Iowa Congressman Leonard Boswell said today (Tuesday) he supports an amendment to a Defense Department appropriations bill that would ban "cruel and inhumane treatment" of military detainees. more...
Dec 5, 2005 Democrats to focus on renewable energy Legislative Democrats said Friday they will push measures to make Iowa the ‘‘Saudi Arabia of renewable energy’’ and to increase the state’s minimum wage by $1 an hour during the 2006 session. more...
Dec 4, 2005 Bolkcom to seek third Senate term I.C. Dem cites work in education, job growth in run for District 39 more...
Dec 2, 2005 Stench of sleaze rises from Congress It takes two to commit bribery — the person who takes the bribe and the person who gives it. more...
Dec 2, 2005 Prison break spurs tough responses Fallout from the escapes at the prison in Fort Madison nearly two weeks ago continued to rain down last week, as Gov. Tom Vilsack replaced the warden, reprimanded several security personnel and fired a prison industries employee who reportedly failed to make a head count. more...
Dec 1, 2005 Vilsack wants churches to help with sex offenders Gov. Tom Vilsack is consulting with church leaders to help figure out the best ways to deal with residency restrictions for sex offenders. more...