News Articles Archives

View By: Date [Category]

Select a category:

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 25, 2006 Harkin says bill to protect veterans could be approved quickly Iowa Senator Tom Harkin says he's co-sponsored legislation to offer some protection to the millions of veterans who had their personal information stolen from a Veterans Administration employee. more...
May 22, 2006 Alert the Media Letter of the Week Letter Written by Becky Sisco of Dubuque County 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 15, 2006 Alert the Media Letter of the Week Letter Submitted by Bremer County Chair Mary Ann Ahrens 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...
Nov 29, 2005 Dems question Nussle contribution The head of the Iowa Democratic Party demanded Tuesday that Rep. Jim Nussle, R-Iowa, return a $1,000 contribution he got from California Rep. Duke Cunningham, who pleaded guilty to bribery charges and resigned from Congress this week. more...
Nov 27, 2005 Give us issues straight up And the biggest turkey of the week award goes to Jim Nussle for huffing and puffing about the prison escape and demanding that the investigation go all the way to the top, by which he means Vilsack, of course. more...
Nov 25, 2005 Proper steps Gov. Tom Vilsack deserves high marks for his handling of last week's escapes from the Iowa State Penitentiary at Fort Madison. Congressman Nussle is playing politics with the issue. more...
Nov 20, 2005 What I Knew Before the Invasion By Former Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Bob Graham more...
Nov 18, 2005 Vilsack Increases School Standards DES MOINES — Iowa high schools are heeding Gov. Tom Vilsack’s call for more rigorous graduation requirements, according to a report issued Thursday more...
Nov 14, 2005 Role in cutting farm subsidies may affect Nussle's campaign Farm subsidy trims are on the table as the House Budget panel leader and Republican runs for governor. more...
Nov 12, 2005 Pederson says Nussle irresponsible budgeter Iowa Democratic Party chairwoman Sally Pederson touched off a political crossfire this week when she accused U.S. Rep. Jim Nussle of a budgetary ''bait-and-switch'' that raises questions about his ability to balance the state budget if elected governor. more...
Nov 12, 2005 Iowa Democrats take jabs at Nussle over the budget Iowa Democrats have come out swinging at U.S. Rep. Jim Nussle, R-Iowa, and a Republican plan to trim about $50 million from the federal budget. more...
Nov 11, 2005 Budget bill struggle challenges Nussle Iowa Lt. Gov. Sally Pederson said Nussle would make cuts in "vital programs" with the legislation and increase the deficit through accompanying tax cuts. more...
Nov 10, 2005 Senator introduces bill to help schools with heating costs Iowa Senator Tom Harkin today is introducing what he calls the School Energy Crisis Relief Act. Harkin says it would authorize the U.S. Energy Secretary to award emergency grants to the poorest school districts in each state. more...
Nov 10, 2005 Senator introduces bill to help schools with heating costs Iowa Senator Tom Harkin today is introducing what he calls the School Energy Crisis Relief Act. Harkin says it would authorize the U.S. Energy Secretary to award emergency grants to the poorest school districts in each state. more...
Nov 8, 2005 Nussle first to hit airwaves in governor's race Democrats charged that Nussle's ad gives a misleading picture of his record because it ignores large federal budget deficits on his watch. more...
Nov 8, 2005 Nussle hits air waves with ads “The ad is remarkable for what it doesn’t say,” and Iowa Democratic Party Chairwoman and Lt. Governor Sally Pederson. “Congressman Nussle lists no accomplishments since his time as House Budget Chair, probably because he led us into the largest budget deficits in America’s history.” more...
Nov 7, 2005 Daschle: Plan must represent America The Democratic Party cannot only rely on GOP missteps if it wants to succeed, the former senator says in Iowa. more...
Nov 7, 2005 Boswell quashes rumors he won't run again The congressman, healing from surgery, and other Democrats address supporters at their annual dinner. more...
Nov 7, 2005 Daschle: Democrats must offer fresh ideas Former U.S. Sen. Tom Daschle of South Dakota told Iowa Democrats Saturday their party must offer fresh ideas in 2006 if it hopes to capitalize on what he called the “incompetence’’ of the Republican Party. more...
Nov 7, 2005 Boswell campaigns; gubernatorial wannabes debate U.S. Rep. Leonard Boswell returned to the campaign trail today, joining the major Democratic gubernatorial candidates, who competed with each other to tout alternative fuels. more...
Oct 31, 2005 Judge rules for Vilsack: Lawsuit over felon voting rights filed by Muscatine County Attorney A Seventh Judicial District judge ruled Friday afternoon that Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack did not exceed his authority when he signed a Fourth of July executive order granting automatic restoration of voting rights for ex-offenders who have served their sentences. more...
Oct 23, 2005 Vilsack crosses country for ideas Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack has been to nearly every region of the country over the past month on a mission to find ideas that he hopes will reverse the Democratic Party's losing ways nationally. more...
Oct 21, 2005 Vilsack sketches aggressive legislative agenda Gov. Tom Vilsack is sketching an aggressive legislative agenda that includes more funding for preschool programs and help for small businesses in providing health care for workers. more...
Oct 21, 2005 Students protest potential cuts in aid On a brisk, sun-filled afternoon, students wearing black-and-white striped shirts informed passersby of a chilling proposal. Introduced by Rep. Jim Nussle, R-Iowa, and Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., the Budget Reallocation bill proposes to eliminate $9 billion in student aid programs, according to the... more...
Oct 20, 2005 Harkin not happy with Ag budget plan Democrat Iowa Senator Tom Harkin says the agricultural budget plan okayed Wednesday by Republicans strips billions of dollars from farm and conservation programs in order to reward rich Americans with more tax cuts. Harkin says the proposal, which narrowly passed the Senate Ag Committee, would... more...
Oct 17, 2005 Harkin renews call for more low-income heating help Sen. Tom Harkin warned of the "cascading" effects of higher home heating costs and said Friday he will renew his fight to include more energy assistance for low-income Iowans in hurricane relief bills awaiting congressional approval. more...
Oct 15, 2005 Hurricane survivors, government workers object to reductions in entitlement programs "Without food stamps, we wouldn't have been able to survive," Larry Bellow said Friday at a forum organized by unionized government workers to lobby Iowa's delegation against welfare cuts that will be on the table when Congress returns to session Monday. more...
Oct 14, 2005 Bush approval rating dips to 39 percent President George W. Bush's job approval rating has fallen to a new low of 39 percent in an NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll released on Wednesday. more...
Oct 14, 2005 Katrina plan may cut into aid for poor As Hurricane Katrina put the issue of poverty on the national agenda, liberal advocates saw a glimmer of opportunity. The issues they most cared about - health care, housing, jobs, race - suddenly were staples of the news, with President Bush pledging "bold action. more...
Oct 14, 2005 Heartless: Bleeding the Weak House Budget Committee Chairman Jim Nussle, R-Iowa, has proposed cutting nearly $20 billion that could affect Medicaid, Head Start, student loans, child care and foster care. more...
Oct 13, 2005 Cuts That Heal Editorial by Governor Tom Vilsack. In just five years, the president and his party have turned the largest budget surpluses in our history into the largest deficits. They've already added $1.2 trillion to our national debt with unwise tax cuts and runaway spending. And if their policies are not... more...
Oct 12, 2005 Harkin: Tighten housing rules Regulations for college students' financial aid should apply at low-income residences, he says. more...
Oct 7, 2005 Quad-City Times: Deficit Crackdown Comes Three Years Late Rep. Jim Nussle finally discovered the deficit. Our Iowa 1st District Congressman heads the House Budget Committee. As he told us and frequently says on the campaign trail: “Everyone talks about the budget. I’m the guy who writes the bill.” Those would be the same budget bills that created a... more...
Oct 6, 2005 Energy costs continue rising To combat increasing gas prices, Gov. Vilsack suggests turning down thermostats. more...
Oct 5, 2005 Vilsack will switch to E85 vehicle U.S. Rep. Jim Nussle of Manchester, cruises around Iowa in a Ford Explorer, according to his campaign, and has no immediate plans to switch. more...
Oct 5, 2005 Vilsack proposes refinancing state tobacco settlement Gov. Tom Vilsack is praising a plan that will refinance the state's settlement with tobacco companies and will potentially reap tens of millions of dollars for state coffers. more...
Oct 5, 2005 Dems push GOP candidates to break with consultant involved in DeLay case Saying there is a "culture of corruption" in Washington, D.C., Democrats are pushing two Iowa Republican congressional candidates to distance themselves from a key figure in the indictment of U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas. more...
Sep 30, 2005 Marshalltown native named in DeLay case Officials with the Iowa Democratic Party distributed copies of the Times article to reporters and noted that Nelson also is a consultant for state Rep. Bill Dix of Shell Rock, a Republican running for the GOP nomination in the 1st District. more...
Sep 30, 2005 Iowa native involved in DeLay probe Iowa Democrats are saying Nelson's links to that case and his firm's consulting work on behalf of Republican congressional candidates are problematic. more...
Sep 30, 2005 No, Mr. King. Joe McCarthy wasn't a hero. Steve King, who represents western Iowa in the U.S. House, says people should look up the history of Joe McCarthy, whom King called "a great American hero." more...
Sep 30, 2005 Vilsack wants to expand early-childhood education Gov. Tom Vilsack said Thursday he will seek an expansion of the early-childhood education initiative approved by the Legislature just a few months ago. more...
Sep 30, 2005 Steve King 'continues to embarrass' 5th District, state of Iowa Except for Steve King, who as a congressman supposedly representing these generous people voted against a $52 billion aid package for hurricane victims. Totalling House and Senate votes on the aid package, his stance was defeated 507-11. more...
Sep 30, 2005 Walking the Walk Tom Vilsack is using his road show to make friends and tell Iowans that the good life here can be even better. more...
Sep 29, 2005 Democrats rip Nussle for ties to DeLay "Congressman Nussle has done nothing to sever his ties from the Republican culture of corruption in Washington," said Iowa Democratic Party Executive Director Mike Milligan, who also called on Nussle to return any campaign money he received from DeLay. more...
Sep 29, 2005 'McCarthy' cry follows King's comment on 'values' Democrats in Iowa objected Wednesday. Mike Milligan, executive director of the state party, said King is "out of touch with reality." more...
Sep 28, 2005 Grant aimed at helping Iowans with disabilities An effort to help Iowans with disabilities live more independently will get a boost from a $2.3 million federal grant announced this week. more...
Sep 23, 2005 Show us where to cut the money Give us your list of spending reductions, Mr. President. more...
Sep 22, 2005 Vilsack: We re paying too much 50-cent overcharges at gas pump alleged; federal inquiry urged more...
Sep 19, 2005 Edwards criticizes Katrina response, assistance plans Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards in Iowa Sunday attacked President Bush's plan to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina as inadequate, and proposed a Depression-era-style works project to rebuild the Gulf Coast. more...
Sep 16, 2005 Vilsack slams 'ideologues' in White House, Congress Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack on Thursday sharpened his criticism of the Bush administration's response to Hurricane Katrina, offering a stinging indictment of its competence and a challenge to its ultimate motives. more...
Sep 16, 2005 Harkin worried about Roberts on disabilities Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, author of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act, said Thursday he's worried about Supreme Court nominee John Roberts' position on the disabled and may seek a private meeting to ease his concerns. more...
Sep 16, 2005 Harkin joins group seeking gas inquiry Several federal lawmakers including Sen. Tom Harkin, D–Iowa, are calling for an investigation into reports of gasoline price gouging. more...
Sep 15, 2005 Pederson blasts Nussle over voting record on aid Iowa Democrats on Wednesday sloshed into the watery past to deliver some criticism of House Budget Committee Chairman Jim Nussle's record on deficits and disasters. more...
Sep 15, 2005 Iowa jobless rate falls to lowest level in 2 years Non-farm employment dips in August for first time in 6 months more...
Sep 15, 2005 Grassley, Harkin sound off about Katrina issues Grassley wants federal investigation about nursing home deaths; Harkin unhappy Bush has waived minimum wage requirement more...
Sep 14, 2005 Wrong Time to Make A Point Iowa 5th District Rep. Steve King is taking heat for his vote last week against a $52 billion aid package for victims of Hurricane Katrina - and deservedly so. more...
Sep 12, 2005 A Price To Be Paid For Folly In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, credible private experts are forecasting a federal budget deficit of $500 billion for this year, a sharp reminder of the government's fiscal folly. more...
Sep 10, 2005 Iowa congressman draws heat for voting against Katrina relief “I am surrounded by Iowans eager to help those who so desperately need a helping hand. His actions certainly don’t reflect the response of the people of our state,” said Pederson, who also serves as chairwoman of the Iowa Democratic Party. more...
Sep 10, 2005 Rebuild America's fiscal house In rushing to supply money for disaster relief, Congress did what most families do when faced with an emergency expense. It whipped out the credit card. more...
Sep 9, 2005 Sen. Harkin proposes temporary aid agency Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Ia., proposed Thursday that Congress create an agency with a limited life span that would handle aid for evacuees as well as the rebuilding of New Orleans, similar to the Tennessee Valley Authority of the 1930s. more...
Sep 9, 2005 King votes against hurricane relief package Iowa 5th District Congressman Steve King voted against the $52 billion Hurricane Katrina relief package Thursday, making himself one of only 11 representatives to cast a nay vote. more...
Sep 9, 2005 Caucus activists gauge responses from candidates regarding Katrina "With the high costs of disaster relief and running budget deficits, will Congressman Nussle and Republicans pursue dismantling programs that will assist hurricane victims, like Medicaid and food stamps, in order to fund more tax cuts for America's millionaires?" said Iowa Democratic Party... more...
Sep 8, 2005 Katrina: The Aftermath Iowa Republican Chair Ray Hoffmann recently charged Democrats stood for “higher taxes, more government, and crushing regulation.” His words have became so ironic. I am loathe to criticize Mr. Hoffmann, a fellow German-American. But his words were posted on his party’s website on August 25 – just... more...
Sep 8, 2005 Democrats Step Up Criticism of White House After 10 days of often uncertain responses to the Bush administration's management of Hurricane Katrina, Democratic leaders unleashed a burst of attacks on the White House on Wednesday, saying the wreckage in New Orleans raised doubts about the country's readiness to endure a terrorist attack and... more...
Sep 8, 2005 Iowa sues to toughen energy standards Iowa and 14 other states filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday accusing the U.S. Department of Energy of failing to boost efficiency standards for furnaces, clothes dryers and 20 other common household appliances. more...
Sep 6, 2005 Iowa Clearing A Path To Take In Evacuees Iowa is making plans to take in as many as 5,000 hurricane evacuees, Gov. Tom Vilsack said Friday. more...
Sep 6, 2005 Democrats Pledge More Intense Scrutiny of Roberts With His Confirmation Still Expected, the Real Battle Focuses on a Successor to O'Connor more...
Sep 6, 2005 Vilsack Reacts to Maytag Fears Kim Jackson spent Labor Day wondering how she'll keep her house, pay her utility bills and feed herself after she is laid off from Maytag Corp. today. more...
Sep 6, 2005 Public Begins Paying Respects to Rehnquist The flag-draped coffin of Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist was carried up the long marble stairs to the Supreme Court's Great Hall this morning by eight former law clerks, including John Roberts, the man nominated to succeed him as chief justice. more...
Sep 4, 2005 Storm Exposed Disarray at the Top The killer hurricane and flood that devastated the Gulf Coast last week exposed fatal weaknesses in a federal disaster response system retooled after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, to handle just such a cataclysmic event. more...
Sep 2, 2005 Vilsack: Iowa will help hurricane victims Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack ordered state agencies Thursday to make a list of all personnel, services and equipment that can used to help with the hurricane relief effort on the Gulf Coast. more...
Sep 2, 2005 In Iowa, Clark declares Bush mishandled storm Retired Gen. Wesley Clark, traveling in Iowa on Thursday, was sharply critical of the Bush administration's preparation for and response to the Hurricane Katrina disaster. more...
Sep 1, 2005 Clark describes war as strategic blunder Former general visits Iowa to help energize voters for the 2006 election. Says to win, U.S. must change course in Iraq, improve diplomacy more...
Aug 31, 2005 Dateline Alabama:Vilsack send help, seeks energy answers after hurricane Gov. Tom Vilsack will send flood control experts to Louisiana and Mississippi, where Hurricane Katrina slammed onto shore Monday. more...
Aug 31, 2005 Iowans to help victims in storm-ravaged states "We all want to pitch in and make a real difference," said Gov. Tom Vilsack , who recalled the help from other states that flowed into Iowa after the Floods of 1993. more...
Aug 30, 2005 Vilsack: Probe high gas prices Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack asked federal leaders Monday to investigate high gasoline prices and to resist cutting assistance for low-income Iowans facing a jump in heating bills this winter. more...
Aug 26, 2005 Gronstal says he'll stay out of '06 gubernatorial race He will instead focus on helping Democrats regain control of the Iowa Senate. more...
Aug 26, 2005 King, Pederson clash over immigration policy A tour through Iowa that featured some of the nation's most critical foes of illegal immigration set off a verbal sparring match Tuesday between two of the state's politicians. more...
Aug 26, 2005 Vilsack takes on bullying Governor wants districts to deal with student safety and bullying more...
Aug 26, 2005 Some lawmakers back longer school year DES MOINES -- As students ease into the routine of school this week, state lawmakers from both parties say they are open to Gov. Tom Vilsack's plan reshape the school year. more...
Aug 23, 2005 We get Kingisms instead of statesmanship At some point in following his career one just gets this creepy sense that if you showed up at our congressman’s house just before midnight, you may very well find Steve King in the backyard howling at the moon. more...
Aug 22, 2005 King Holds Immigration Reform Forums Pederson Calls Speakers' Views 'Extreme' more...
Aug 18, 2005 Labor forum hears 4 hopefuls for governor Labor leaders got an early peek at four of the Democrat hopefuls for governor Wednesday. more...
Aug 18, 2005 Governor defends unions' contribution Speaking before the Iowa Federation of Labor state convention Wednesday, Gov. Tom Vilsack defended unions' contribution to the state. more...
Aug 18, 2005 David Yepsen: Let's have the courage to make major education reforms Gov. Tom Vilsack has been jawboning school administrators, legislators and anyone else who'll listen about the need for some controversial changes in local schools. more...
Aug 15, 2005 2nd District Democrats: We're on a roll Discovering strategies for political victory in Iowa during the next couple of years as well as good old-fashioned social interaction were on the minds of approximately 80 area Democratic Party activists attending an all-day workshop in West Liberty on Saturday. more...
Aug 13, 2005 Vilsack says try again on grades for athletes Gov. Tom Vilsack said Friday he will send the State Board of Education back to work on the eligibility threshold for athletes. more...
Aug 9, 2005 Governor defends criticism of economy Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack defended his stewardship of the economy Monday, firing back after U.S. Rep. Jim Nussle said last week that the governor's economic development agenda is "all based on photo ops." more...
Aug 4, 2005 DMR: The entire speech: Everyone deserves health-care coverage On the 40th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid, the vision should be expanded to all Americans. more...
Aug 4, 2005 Governor calls for longer school year, uniform calendar Gov. Tom Vilsack on Wednesday proposed lengthening Iowa's 180-day school year and establishing a statewide uniform school calendar as two ways to make the state more competitive nationally and globally. more...
Aug 4, 2005 In Congress, the GOP Embraces Its Spending Side Having skirted budget restraints and approved nearly $300 billion in new spending and tax breaks before leaving town, Republican lawmakers are now determined to claim full credit for the congressional spending. Far from shying away from their accomplishments, lawmakers are embracing the pork,... more...
Aug 3, 2005 Bayh opens conversations with Iowa activists Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., opened a three-day visit to Iowa on Tuesday to raise money for local politicians and tests the waters for a potential run for the Democratic presidential nomination. more...
Jul 28, 2005 Vilsack blasts tax cuts Gov. Tom Vilsack took aim at federal tax cuts Wednesday, questioning their appropriateness at a time when soldiers and families are sacrificing, military equipment is in disrepair, and homeland security needs are going unmet because of scarce resources. more...
Jul 26, 2005 Vilsack: Democrats must focus on unifying Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, in his first speech as chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council, challenged his party Monday to channel its frustration over the party's election failures into productivity. more...
Jul 22, 2005 Just a huge deficit? Don't brag The early estimate of this year's deficit was $427 billion. The revised estimate is a "mere" $333 billion. This led administration officials and U.S. Rep. Jim Nussle of Iowa, chairman of the House Budget Committee, to crow about how their policies are working. Baloney. A deficit of $333... more...
Jul 21, 2005 Two GOP Senators won't run again Two Republican members of the Iowa Senate have announced they will not seek re-election next year when Republicans and Democrats try to break out of a 25-25 tie in the Senate. more...
Jul 15, 2005 Improving high schools - Leaders search for ways to make classes more rigorous Too many students are leaving public high schools unprepared for college or the workplace, prompting governors gathering in Des Moines to search for ways to make high school more rigorous. more...
Jul 10, 2005 Vilsack: Governors, roll up sleeves Welcome to the new, vital Iowa By Tom Vilsack more...
Jul 4, 2005 Felons to gain right to vote Monday Gov. Tom Vilsack is set to restore the voting rights Monday of tens of thousands of felons who have completed their sentences, including several hundred offenders whom he previously turned down. more...
Jul 1, 2005 Iowans React To O'Connor's Retirement In a statement from the Iowa Democratic Party Chair Lt. Gov. Sally Pederson said O'Connor broke barriers for women at the highest levels of government. more...
Jul 1, 2005 Iowans React To O'Connor's Retirement In a statement from the Iowa Democratic Party Chair Lt. Gov. Sally Pederson said O'Connor broke barriers for women at the highest levels of government. more...
Jun 30, 2005 Boswell opposes plan to cut Amtrack funding Amtrak backers are trying to engineer a deal in Congress to at least maintain funding for the railroad's operations. The U.S. House is scheduled to discuss the transportation appropriations bill this week, and Congressman Leonard Boswell, a Democrat from Des Moines, opposes the plan which would... more...
Jun 27, 2005 Vilsack to lead Democratic council The governor will be chairman of the group that helped Bill Clinton win the presidency. more...
Jun 26, 2005 Harkin: Address long-term solvency of benefit For nearly six months now, President Bush has been telling us that Social Security is going bankrupt, it's out of date and it needs to be privatized. It's clear that the American people aren't buying it. more...
Jun 22, 2005 Senator Grassley Continues to Push for Private Accounts In a conference call today, Senator Grassley continued his risky scheme to include private accounts in Social Security reform. As his Democratic counterpart on the Senate Finance Committee Max Baucus said today, "We need to be strengthening Social Security, not weakening it." more...
Jun 22, 2005 Social Security Group Targets Jim Nussle Americans United to Protect Social Security calls on Congressman Nussle to take a stance on Social Security. more...
Jun 21, 2005 The right move on voting rights By REGISTER EDITORIAL BOARD With the stroke of a pen Gov. Tom Vilsack will soon restore a cherished constitutional right - the right to vote - to tens of thousands of Iowans. He already provoked a debate, however, about the rights of convicted felons vs. their debts... more...
Jun 21, 2005 Harkin and Vilsack attend BRAC Hearings on the Rock Island Arsenal Harkin and Vilsack attended the Base Realignment and Closure Commission Hearings in St. Louis to fight for over 1,200 jobs that could be lost in the Rock Island Arsenal proposal. more
Jun 14, 2005 Nussle set to defend budget role in '06 race A double burden rests on U.S. Rep. Jim Nussle's shoulders as he enters the race for Iowa governor. First off, no one has ever moved from Capitol Hill in Washington directly into the Iowa Capitol's southwest wing, home of the governor's formal offices. In addition, Congress' standing with the... more
Jun 2, 2005 Nussle launches bid for governor “Mr. Nussle is responsible for the largest deficit in American history,” said Lt. Gov. Sally Pederson, who also serves as chairwoman of the Iowa Democratic Party. “This is not a record to be proud of and not the kind of fiscal management that Iowa can afford.” more...
Jun 2, 2005 Nussle formally enters gubernatorial race "This is a guy who is going to have to run away from his record in Washington, D.C.," said Lt. Gov. Sally Pederson, chairwoman of the Iowa Democratic Party. She said Nussle has presided over record increases in the nation's budget deficit and said, "I consider this man to be responsible for... more...
Jun 2, 2005 Democrats on Nussle: Iowa can do better Jim Nussle the right answer for Iowa? The numbers don't add up, according to State Sen. Mike Gronstal, D-Council Bluffs. "He inherited a $128 billion surplus in 2001, the year he became chairman of the House Budget Committee," Gronstal said. "Since then, he has presided over growing... more...
May 27, 2005 Highlights of the 2005 Session of the Iowa Legislature The highlights of the 2005 Session of the Iowa Legislature includes several bipartisan initiatives that will improve our quality of life by creating more educational, health care and job-creation opportunities for Iowans. more...
May 25, 2005 Lt. Governor Pederson Praises 2005 Legislative Session Citing investments in education and economic development, Iowa Lt. Gov. Sally Pederson called the 2005 legislative session completed last week “historic” during a news conference Tuesday in Davenport. more...
May 20, 2005 Legislative Update There's work to be done until the legislature agrees on a budget that protects education and health care and supports the Values Fund. more...
May 20, 2005 A Message from Senate Democratic Leader Michael Gronstal Who are we fighting for? You! more...
May 13, 2005 News from the Iowa Senate Finishing strong for Iowans; Early childhood compromise legislation passes; Governor signs health care reform legislation; toll-free number for food assistance help. more...
May 13, 2005 Legislative News Inside the Iowa Legislature by House Democratic Leader Pat Murphy. May 13, 2005 more...
May 6, 2005 News from the Iowa Senate Budget logjam broken, common ground sought with house; Senate approves tough new sanctions to rein in sex offenders; Governor signs mental health insurance bill; and job creation moves forward. more...
May 6, 2005 Legislative News Inside the Iowa Legislature, May 6, 2005, by House Democratic Leader Pat Murphy more...
Apr 29, 2005 News from the Iowa Senate Senate OK's bill to require mental health insurance parity; Senate remains focused on proven measures to protect children; Iowa recognized for preschool investment proposal; Republican leadership blocks safer schools bill. more...
Apr 29, 2005 Legislative News Inside the Iowa Legislature, April 29th, 2005 By House Democratic Leader Pat Murphy more...
Apr 25, 2005 Congratulations Richard Machacek On April 23rd, the Iowa Democratic State Central Committee elected Richard Machacek Democratic National Committee Member. more...
Apr 17, 2005 Bush's ratings: New Iowa low The president's work on Social Security and the federal budget hurt his marks the most, a poll shows. more
Apr 15, 2005 News from the Iowa Senate Iowa Senate helps small, local producers of wind energy; Senate continues progress on effort to crack down on sex offenders; Senate OK's spyware ban to protect Iowa computer users; Vilsack urges Senate approval of one-of-a-kind Medicaid Reform. more...
Apr 15, 2005 Legislative News Inside the Iowa Legislature, April 15, 2005; by House Democratic Leader Pat Murphy more...
Apr 14, 2005 GOP: We'll give a little on cigarette tax GOP: We'll give a little on cigarette tax more...
Apr 11, 2005 State Central Committee to Elect new Democratic National Committeeman Last week, Lt. Governor Sally Pederson, Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party, received the resignation of our long-time Democratic National Commiteeman Ken Rains. Ken’s resignation creates a vacancy on the Democratic National Committee that will be filled at the next meeting of the Iowa Democratic... more...
Apr 8, 2005 News from the Iowa Senate, April 8, 2005 News from the Capitol: Local or State Control? more...
Apr 8, 2005 Legislative News Inside the Iowa Legislature, April 8, 2005 by House Democratic Leader Pat Murphy more...
Apr 1, 2005 KWWL: Democrats Rally to Protect Social Security A large crowd of Democrats, labor union members, and peace and health care advocates are making their voices heard. They say the White House social security plan won't solve the predicted funding shortfall. more...
Apr 1, 2005 News from the Iowa Senate Linn county tragedy prompts review of child abuse laws; health insurance pilot projects will help small businesses; proposal would expand coverage for Iowans; legislature continues to work to stop Iowa's brain drain. more...
Apr 1, 2005 Legislative News Inside the Iowa Legislature, April 1, 2005 by House Democratic Leader Pat Murphy more...
Mar 25, 2005 Legis.News by House Democratic Leader Pat Murphy Inside the Iowa Legislature, March 25, 2005 more...
Mar 25, 2005 News from the Iowa Senate Meth and deer legislation are models for finding common ground. Two significant bills unanimously approved by the Iowa Senate recently are models for how to get things done this year. more...
Mar 18, 2005 News from the Iowa Senate Senate gives final approval to toughest anti-meth law in the nation; tax credits would boost energy production and rural job creation; Senate keeps working together to fund budget priorities; Legislature still has chance to do the right thing for Iowans; student essay winners announced. more...
Mar 18, 2005 Legis.News by House Democratic Leader Pat Murphy Inside the Iowa Legislature, March 18, 2005. more...
Mar 10, 2005 News from the Iowa Senate The Legislature is working to fund Iowans' priorities; Early Childhood proposals receive support; Senators step up efforts to promote renewable fuels; pro-consumer telephone equity plan passes Senate; and "Employed by Walmart, insured by the State of Iowa" more...
Mar 10, 2005 Legis.News--by House Democratic Leader Pat Murphy Inside the Iowa Legislature, March 11, 2005 more...
Mar 4, 2005 News from the Iowa Senate Senate Democrats announce plan to boost creation of good jobs; protecting against identity theft; small businesses need support to provide affordable health coverage; community colleges and high schools improve opportunities; Legislature moves to stop abuses of donations, contributions. more...
Mar 4, 2005 Pederson: Finding inspiration in women, for women Lieutenant governor lends a voice to those who have little say By SALLY PEDERSON March 4, 2005 I was drawn into activism and public service as a mother. Nineteen years ago, my son Ronald was diagnosed with autism. In my efforts to help him succeed in life, I became even more aware of... more...
Mar 4, 2005 A FLURRY OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY Inside the Iowa Legislature, March 4, 2005 By House Democratic Leader Pat Murphy more...
Feb 25, 2005 This Week's News from the Iowa Senate Deer bill advances; community college enrollment growing; committee ok's recommendations for improving school technology;wind energy creates new opportunities for Iowans; Iowa gets high marks for Guard, Reserve Benefits; and Iowa grades high in management of governmental responsibilities. more...
Feb 25, 2005 Legislative News Legis.News--Inside the Iowa Legislature by House Democratic Leader Pat Murphy more...
Jan 31, 2005 Vilsack, Pederson fund Iowa’s priorities, purchase results for kids and communities DES MOINES – Governor Tom Vilsack and Lt. Governor Sally Pederson today submitted to the General Assembly their budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2006, laying out a bold and aggressive agenda to transform Iowa by upholding our responsibility to provide Iowa’s children a world-class... more...
Feb 6, 2004 Bush Budget Cuts Programs Vital to Hispanic Families President Bush sent Congress a budget proposal that would cut vital programs for the same Hispanic families that President Bush is asking to vote for him. more...

Economy

Jun 24, 2005 Iowa economy fastest growing in nation, study says "In a press release, the party praised Vilsack and blasted U.S. Rep. Jim Nussle, a Republican gubernatorial candidate who has been critical of Vilsack's economic stewardship." more...

Health Care

Feb 16, 2005 Senate Democrats Unveil Health Care Package DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- A health care plan released by Senate Democrats on Tuesday would give $5 million to community health care centers, rural health clinics and free clinics in fiscal 2006. more...
Go to Current News