Articles by: Bob Eschliman

Ernst stresses impact of HPAI in Homeland Security hearing

Ernst stresses impact of HPAI in Homeland Security hearing

From Press Release   U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) questioned the panel Wednesday at a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing titled, “Stopping an Avian Influenza Threat to Animal and Public Health” on the need for a plan to prevent a future outbreak of such magnitude. The Iowa […]

by · July 9, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley disappointed by Obama’s denial of Branstad’s disaster designation request

Grassley disappointed by Obama’s denial of Branstad’s disaster designation request

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today made the following comment after Gov. Terry Branstad’s request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration to assist with the impact of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza was denied. “I’m disappointed that Governor Branstad’s request was denied by the Obama Administration.  […]

by · July 9, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
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Huckabee hammers ‘Democrat policies’ that have created sanctuary cities — but conservative Iowa counties have them too

By The Iowa Statesman   In a statement to press yesterday afternoon, Republican presidential candidate and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee railed against “Democrat policies that have created sanctuary cities.” He reinforced the need to “address the growing problems with illegal immigration.” He also pointed out the recent murder of […]

by · July 9, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Grassley releases tax reform group’s report

Grassley releases tax reform group’s report

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) today said a report from a bipartisan tax working group he co-chaired reflects input he received from Iowans on the need to consolidate or otherwise simplify the tax code. “Iowans are frustrated with the complexity of the tax code,” Grassley said.  […]

by · July 8, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
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Santorum to speak at NRLC in New Orleans

From Press Release   Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA) will address the National Right to Life convention at approximately 10 a.m. Friday in New Orleans, LA.  Senator Santorum will address the need for America to be a society that values the dignity of each and […]

by · July 8, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
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Walker announces three-day swing through Iowa

By The Iowa Statesman   Soon-to-be Republican presidential candidate Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker will kick off an announcement tour next week with a blitz across all four early voting states, followed by a tour of several early March primary states where he has seen grassroots support. Walker’s announcement event will […]

by · July 8, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
Grassley urges ‘fair shake’ for wind energy in tax credit extension discussion

Grassley urges ‘fair shake’ for wind energy in tax credit extension discussion

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa is urging fair treatment of the wind energy production tax credit whenever the committee of jurisdiction takes up expired or expiring tax provisions. “Good tax policy requires certainty that can only come from long-term predictable tax laws,” he wrote to […]

by · July 8, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley comments on technology, privacy issues

Grassley comments on technology, privacy issues

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) made the following statement at the onset of a Senate Judiciary Hearing titled “Going Dark: Encryption, Technology, and the Balance Between Public Safety and Privacy.” •  •  • Today’s hearing is intended to start a conversation in the Senate about whether […]

by · July 8, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
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Graham outlines national security agenda in speech

By The Iowa Statesman   During a speech given this morning at the Atlantic Council in Washington, DC, Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham outd his national security agenda, highlighting what he says shows he’s “ready to be Commander-in-Chief from Day One.” At the onset of the speech, he […]

by · July 8, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Dix: Senate Republicans refuse to support special session

Dix: Senate Republicans refuse to support special session

From Press Release   Iowa Senate Minority Leader Bill Dix (R-Shell Rock) said Tuesday Senate Republicans will not support a petition calling for a special session to substantially increase the state budget. He issued the following statement, which said “puts an end to the discussion” on the topic of a […]

by · July 8, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Capitol Commentary with U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack

Capitol Commentary with U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack

U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack Iowa’s Second Congressional District   I recently wrote a guest column in the Quad-City Times about a bill I helped introduce that would permanently ban former Members of Congress from ever becoming lobbyists. In light of the recent scandal involving a former Speaker of the House, […]

by · July 8, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Editorial
Grassley co-sponsors companion to Small Business Healthcare Relief Act

Grassley co-sponsors companion to Small Business Healthcare Relief Act

From Press Release   U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) have introduced bipartisan companion language to H.R. 2911 in S. 1697, otherwise known as the Small Business Healthcare Relief Act, to roll back existing Treasury Department guidance issued under the authority of the Affordable Care Act prohibiting […]

by · July 8, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
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Rubio to address National Right to Life Convention

From Press Release   Friday, July 10, Marco Rubio will address the annual National Right to Life Convention in New Orleans, LA. Beginning at 9 a.m., he will discuss the sanctity of all life, and his vision for creating a New American Century through innovative conservative reforms.

by · July 8, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
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Fiorina responds to Clinton interview on CNN

From Press Release   Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina released the following statement regarding Hillary Clinton’s interview yesterday on CNN. “Stunning…and yet completely unsurprising. Hillary Clinton managed not to answer any substantive questions during that interview. And she wasn’t even asked about her track record as Secretary of State. If […]

by · July 8, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley responds to IRS whistleblower report

Grassley responds to IRS whistleblower report

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) made the following comment on the Internal Revenue Service’s 2014 whistleblower program report to Congress. Grassley authored the 2006 whistleblower office improvements. “The point of the whistleblower office changes was to encourage the IRS to work as closely as possible with whistleblowers […]

by · July 8, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
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Trump: ‘It’s not hurting me’

By The Iowa Statesman   Those in the mainstream media who are attempting to paint a picture of desperation for Donald Trump over the reaction to he made about illegal immigration and border security during his presidential campaign announcement last month are making fools of themselves, the billionaire businessman […]

by · July 8, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Ernst reinforces support for Kurdish Peshmerga forces

Ernst reinforces support for Kurdish Peshmerga forces

From Press Release   At Tuesday’s Senate Armed Services Committee hearing titled, “Counter-ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) Strategy,” U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) pressed Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter and General Martin E. Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on the urgent need to […]

by · July 8, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Senate hearing held on HPAI outbreak

Senate hearing held on HPAI outbreak

By The Iowa Statesman   At Tuesday’s Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee hearing titled, “Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza: The Impact on the U.S. Poultry Sector and Protecting U.S. Poultry Flocks,” U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) highlighted the devastating harm that the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has had on farmers […]

by · July 8, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Jeff Kaufmann’s Confederate battle flag meltdown as told by Dr. Strangelove

Jeff Kaufmann’s Confederate battle flag meltdown as told by Dr. Strangelove

By The .Gif Shop Staff   During the Independence Day weekend festivities, a Marion County GOP Central Committee member — who also happens to be a member of Sons of Confederate Veterans — placed three Confederate battle flags (one for each of three Confederate veterans buried in Marion County) on […]

by · July 7, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Editorial
Walker in video: ‘Recall the Recall’

Walker in video: ‘Recall the Recall’

By The Iowa Statesman   Soon-to-be Republican presidential candidate Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker today released a new web video, “Recall the Recall,” to mark three years since he made history by becoming the only governor to survive a recall election. In a statement about the video, his campaign said, “When […]

by · July 7, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
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Huckabee: Obama ‘in denial about ISIS’

From Press Release   As the Senate Armed Services Committee holds hearings on the Obama administration’s strategy against ISIS, Republican presidential candidate and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee released the following statement in response to President Obama’s on ISIS. “President Obama is still in denial about the threat we […]

by · July 7, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
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Rubio delivers policy speech on 21st Century job creation

By The Iowa Statesman   Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio ivered a policy speech on technology and the 21st Century job market at 1871 in downtown Chicago. During his speech, he discussed the need for the U.S. to overcome its economic challenges by fostering innovation to create high-paying […]

by · July 7, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
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Graham: ‘How I would defeat ISIL’

From Press Release   Today, New Hampshire’s Union Leader published Senator Graham’s opinion editorial explaining how he would defeat ISIL if he were President of the United States. Read the full text below. •  •  • The Obama-Clinton Doctrine of “strategic patience” is a failure. It has led to allies […]

by · July 7, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Cruz: Time to tell truth about Obama’s deal with Iran

Cruz: Time to tell truth about Obama’s deal with Iran

From Press Release   Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz released the following statement regarding the disastrous nuclear deal the Obama Administration is trying to make with Iran. “It is time to acknowledge that the Iran talks have been a disaster. Today I am calling upon former Secretary of State […]

by · July 7, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
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Graham responds to new details of Iran nuke deal

From Press Release   Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham released the following statement regarding the push by Iran for an end to the United Nations arms embargo in the Iranian nuclear negotiations. “Iran’s demands that restrictions on arms sales be lifted as part of the ongoing nuclear talks […]

by · July 7, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
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Trump stands by comments on illegal immigration, border security

From Press Release   Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump issued the following statement this afternoon in response to continued attacks over his statements about illegal immigration and border security during his announcement speech last month. •  •  • I don’t see how there is any room for misunderstanding or misinterpretation […]

by · July 6, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Presidential Pensieve for July 6, 2015

Presidential Pensieve for July 6, 2015

In politics, there are two ways to move up the food chain: money and power. Those with either will do well; those with both are in control. In presidential politics, however, the commodities are money and votes. In the run-up to the 2016 Iowa Caucus, conventional wisdom says there are […]

by · July 6, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Gortz Haus owner to speak at Sioux City TFL event

Gortz Haus owner to speak at Sioux City TFL event

By The Iowa Statesman   The Family Leader will host a showing of the documentary “One Generation Away,” a fast-paced film that travels the United States in search of a deeper understanding of the religious freedom clauses in the Constitution’s First Amendment, on Sunday, July 12, in the Yockey Room […]

by · July 6, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
Branstad, Reynolds encourage Iowans to travel in-state

Branstad, Reynolds encourage Iowans to travel in-state

By The Iowa Statesman   Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad this morning urged Iowans to travel in-state this summer, announcing several travel deals have been arranged by the Iowa Tourism Office with nearly 70 destinations in the state. He and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds said the money-saving deals found at traveliowa.com/deals […]

by · July 6, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
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Santorum announces staff hire

From Press Release   Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum announced this morning that one of the key figures in his 2012 Iowa Caucus-winning team, senior advisor for Iowa Cody Brown, is returning to lead his 2016 efforts in the first-in-the-nation caucus state. “Our campaign is proud […]

by · July 6, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Cruz campaign, SuperPACs claim to have $51M in the bank

Cruz campaign, SuperPACs claim to have $51M in the bank

By The Iowa Statesman   As the last of the candidates expected to join the GOP presidential race are finally hopping in, the volunteers supporting one of the first to throw his hat in the ring made a surprising announcement over the weekend. Sunday morning, the Ted Cruz campaign released […]

by · July 6, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
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Walker to announce Monday

By The Iowa Statesman   Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is planning to announce his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination one week from today. The event is planned to take place at the Waukesha County Expo Center in Waukesha, WI. It will begin 4:45 p.m. with the introduction set to […]

by · July 6, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
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Graham to talk about national security in DC

From Press Release   Republican presidential candidate and U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham will speak at the Atlantic Council’s launch of its new series, “America’s Role in the World,” 9 a.m. Wednesday in Washington, DC, as a part of the Council’s “Strategy Initiative” led by the Brent Scowcroft Center on International […]

by · July 6, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
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Rubio to make campaign swing through Iowa this week

By The Iowa Statesman   Republican presidential candidate and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio will be making a policy speech in Chicago on Tuesday morning. After that, he will start a three-day swing through Iowa, beginning in Des Moines. While on the trail, his campaign says Rubio will “meet with supporters […]

by · July 6, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
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Cruz sticks up for Israel

From Press Release   Republicans presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz released the following statement in response to the United Nations Human Rights Council vote in condemnation of Israel: “Our single vote in opposition is just and the abstentions of our friends are welcome, but at this point they are […]

by · July 3, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Paul: ‘We must embolden our conservative message, not dilute it’

Paul: ‘We must embolden our conservative message, not dilute it’

From Press Release   Thursday evening, Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, along with roughly 300 members of the ‘Leave me alone’ coalition, officially opened his Iowa campaign office in Des Moines. At the office opening, he sho hands and to photos with the crowd and spe at length […]

by · July 3, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Capitol Solutions with U.S. Rep. David Young

Capitol Solutions with U.S. Rep. David Young

U.S. Rep. David Young Iowa’s Third Congressional District   The United States Supreme Court issued significant rulings last week generating much discussion and debate from the Affordable Care Act to same-sex marriage. Behind those heads were other significant rulings. One other notable ruling came down earlier this week on Monday […]

by · July 3, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Editorial
Grassley seeks updates on Medicaid pediatric dental fraud

Grassley seeks updates on Medicaid pediatric dental fraud

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley is asking key government agencies what they’re doing to prevent and punish Medicaid dental fraud, including billing for unnecessary treatments for children, in light of inspector general audits and related media reports documenting worrisome practices. “Some dentists are clearly performing unwanted and […]

by · July 3, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Branstad clears the stack of bills on his desk

Branstad clears the stack of bills on his desk

From Press Release   Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad to action on 14 bills Thursday, representing the conclusion of bill action resulting from the 2015 legislative session.  He had until Monday to consider those bills.   Budget Overview: General Fund appropriations in Fiscal Year 2016 are $7.17 billion. PreK-12 Funding totals […]

by · July 3, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Grassley: Let’s restore the integrity of visas

Grassley: Let’s restore the integrity of visas

By Chuck Grassley United States Senator   For than 200 years, America’s system of free enterprise has sparked innovation and economic mobility in communities across the country. A nation founded by immigrants seeking economic, religious and personal freedoms, our society has flourished thanks to the ingenuity and work ethic […]

by · July 3, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Editorial
Grassley asks for more information about Clinton’s uranium deal

Grassley asks for more information about Clinton’s uranium deal

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley is asking the key government agencies involved for a full accounting of their actions to approve a controversial uranium deal, despite disapproval of similar foreign takeovers and amid potential conflicts of interest concerns over millions of dollars in financial donations to the […]

by · July 3, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
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Walker responds to decision to open Cuban embassy

From Press Release   Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker issued the following comment on President Obama’s announcement that the U.S. and Cuba will establish full diplomatic relations: “President Obama’s decision to establish full diplomatic relations with Cuba and open an embassy there is yet another example of his appeasement of dictators. […]

by · July 2, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Walker discusses leadership on FOX News

Walker discusses leadership on FOX News

From Press Release   Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a presumptive Republican presidential candidate, joined FOX News’ “Fox & Friends” Wednesday morning to discuss conservative leadership and his plans going forward. During the interview, he said, “It’s one thing to fight. A lot of people are good at fighting. We’re good […]

by · July 2, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Trump: Obama admits to ‘gang-bangers’ crossing border

Trump: Obama admits to ‘gang-bangers’ crossing border

From Press Release   Wednesday, at a town hall event in Nashville, TN, President Barrack Obama referred to some illegal immigrants as “gang-bangers”.  President Obama’s quote in its entirety is below: “We should not be encouraging illegal immigration,” he remarked to the group. “What we should be doing is setting […]

by · July 2, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
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Graham reacts to Cuba embassy decision

From Press Release   Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham released the following statement on President Obama’s decision to open the embassy in Cuba: “As president, I would not honor this decision with Cuba and I would close the embassy until the Castro brothers actually change their behavior.  By […]

by · July 2, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Branstad makes new appointments

Branstad makes new appointments

From Press Release   Iowa Governor Terry Branstad announced Wednesday several appointments to Iowa’s boards and commissions. The following individuals’ appointments are effective July 1, are unpaid, and are not subject to Iowa Senate confirmation. •  •  • Council on Agricultural Education: Larry Marek, Riverside Iowa Arts Council: Heidi Pierson, […]

by · July 2, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
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Paul discusses need to stand up for Bill of Rights

From Press Release   Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Rand Paul hosted four meet and greets Wednesday in Council Bluffs, Sioux City, Sioux Center and Okoboji. After greeting all attendees, he spe at length on the importance of protecting the entire Bill of Rights. This is the first day on […]

by · July 2, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Nine of 81 Iowa GOP legislators vow to protect Natural Law

Nine of 81 Iowa GOP legislators vow to protect Natural Law

By The Iowa Statesman   In a press release from The Family Leader this afternoon, a letter signed by nine Republican Iowa legislators was unveiled, pledging to “protect Natural Law.” Republicans control 81 of the 150 seats in both chambers of the General Assembly. It is not clear how many […]

by · July 1, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
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Walker pens op-ed on Obama’s ‘failed leadership’ on Iran

By The Iowa Statesman   Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker wrote an op-ed published Tuesday at National Review On. In it, he assailed President Obama’s “failed leadership” on the issue of Iran’s nuclear weapons program. Excerpts of the editorial follow; the entire article may be read by clicking here. Today marks […]

by · July 1, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
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Huckabee releases ‘Day One’ plan to defend religious liberty

From Press Release   Republican presidential candidate and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee released his plan to defend religious liberty from ‘Day One’ of his administration, as he launched his statewide “Religious Liberty Townhall Tour” across Iowa Tuesday, which will continue through Thursday. 1. Sign executive orders in support of traditional […]

by · July 1, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics