Politics

Newsboys to appear at Cruz religious liberty rally

Newsboys to appear at Cruz religious liberty rally

From Press Release   The nationally-acclaimed, Grammy Award-nominated and Dove Award-winning Christian pop rock band Newsboys will make a special appearance at Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz’ Rally for Religious Liberty on Aug. 21 in Des Moines. “Our campaign couldn’t be excited for the Newsboys to perform […]

by · August 6, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Dix responds to Paulsen announcement, Upmeyer says she wants chair

Dix responds to Paulsen announcement, Upmeyer says she wants chair

By Bob Eschliman Editor   Not long after Iowa Speaker of the House of Representatives Kraig Paulsen (R-Hiawatha) announced he would be vacating the chair prior to the start of the 2016 legislative session, Senate Minority Leader Bill Dix (R-Shell Rock) and House Majority Leader Linda Upmeyer (R-Clear Lake) issued […]

by · August 6, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Jesse Barton, a key figure who connects former U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, has been indicted by federal prosecutors for lying about his role in a 2012 pay-for-play scandal involving former state Sen. Kent Sorenson. Two other key Paul campaign staffers involved in the scandal have been indicted.

Report: Paul staffers indicted over 2012 pay-for-play scandal

By Bob Eschliman Editor   According to the Washington Times, three of former presidential hopeful Ron Paul’s 2012 campaign staffers were charged in an indicted unsealed today that accuses them of paying off former Republican state Sen. Kent Sorenson to switch allegiance in the last presidential race. “Federal campaign finance […]

by · August 5, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
(Iowa House of Representatives photo)

Paulsen resigns as House Speaker, will not seek re-election

By Bob Eschliman Editor   Speaker of the Iowa House of Representatives Kraig Paulsen (R-Hiawatha) has announced he will relinquish the chair and not seek re-election in 2016. The surprising news was announced this morning, catching many Republicans off-guard. Paulsen is one of the longest-serving Republican leaders in Iowa House […]

by · August 5, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
(Prezography photo)

Walker announces Iowa leadership team

From Press Release   Gov. Scott Walker today announced the first 65 members of his Iowa leadership team, which includes than one-third of the state’s senate Republicans, six state representatives, and numerous other current and former elected officials, business leaders, and party activists. “Our Iowa leadership team includes a […]

by · August 5, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
(Prezography photo)

Cruz announces additions to Iowa leadership team

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, today announced the addition of another lawmaker as well as several activists, pastors, and courageous conservatives to his Iowa Leadership Team. The ten new members will join the current team of 24 other individuals who make up the Iowa Leadership Team, […]

by · August 5, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Grassley launches inquiry into Planned Parenthood sale of fetal tissue

Grassley launches inquiry into Planned Parenthood sale of fetal tissue

From Press Release   Since media reports of videos describing in detail Planned Parenthood’s role in the harvesting of fetal tissue, Senator Chuck Grassley, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary, has opened an inquiry into the organization’s facilitation of activities described in the videos. Grassley previously made an inquiry to the […]

by · August 5, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Funeral services for Iowa Guardsman announced

Funeral services for Iowa Guardsman announced

From Press Release   Funeral services have been scheduled for Senior Airman Drew Bellairs, 20, of Osage. Bellairs, a member of the Maintenance Group, 185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard based in Sioux City drowned while swimming at Marbo Cave, Mangilao, Guam, on Saturday, July 25. Bellairs was […]

by · August 4, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
CMP releases fifth Planned Parenthood video

CMP releases fifth Planned Parenthood video

From Press Release   The fifth undercover video in the controversy over Planned Parenthood’s sale of aborted baby parts shows the Director of Research for Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast, Melissa Farrell, advertising the Texas Planned Parenthood branch’s track record of fetal tissue sales, including its ability to iver fully intact […]

by · August 4, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
IPIB Monthly Update: Can I talk with other board members?

IPIB Monthly Update: Can I talk with other board members?

By The Iowa Public Information Board   Question:  I am a member of a three member governmental body. Can I talk to another member away from public meetings? Answer:  It is difficult for two of three members of a governmental body to communicate outside an open, public meeting without violating […]

by · August 4, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Grassley to hold seven SW Iowa town hall meetings

Grassley to hold seven SW Iowa town hall meetings

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley will hold seven town meetings in Adams, Taylor, Fremont and Mills counties on Wednesday, Aug. 19, and Shelby, Cass and Audubon counties on Thursday, Aug. 20, as part of his annual 99-county meetings. Grassley has held a meeting in each of Iowa’s […]

by · August 4, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
Iowa Army National Guard Spc. Jared McKenna, Company A, 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, from Dubuque prepares to launch an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), at Fort Polk, La., during annual training at the Joint Readiness Training Center, July 28. McKenna is a certified operator and navigator for the reconnaissance aircraft. (Iowa National Guard Photo by Sgt. Renee Seruntine)

Soldiers discuss importance of UAV training

By Sgt. Renee Surentine 135th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Iowa National Guard   On a hot summer day in central Louisiana, Iowa Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Chris Jorgensen, of Garrison oversees the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) training of his 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division Soldiers. Iowa […]

by · August 3, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Cruz to host religious liberty rally Aug. 21

Cruz to host religious liberty rally Aug. 21

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, will hold a Rally for Religious Liberty on August 21 in Des Moines, IA, calling attention to the religious persecution of Christian business owners and employees who have been sanctioned by their government because of their religious beliefs. Sen. Cruz will […]

by · August 3, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Grassley responds to federal disaster declaration

Grassley responds to federal disaster declaration

From Press Release   Today the Obama Administration’s declared a major disaster for the state of Iowa following severe weather that occurred during the period of June 20 to June 25, 2015.  Grassley led the Iowa congressional egation last week in writing a letter to President Barack Obama adding their […]

by · August 3, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
(Prezography photo)

UPDATED: Santorum returning to Iowa this weekend

From Press Release   Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum has announced a three-day swing through Iowa this weekend. The winner of the 2012 Iowa Caucus will be traveling through northwest and north-central Iowa. His current itinerary follows. Additional events will likely be scheduled and announced later […]

by · July 31, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
UPDATE: Walker campaigning in Iowa today

UPDATE: Walker campaigning in Iowa today

From Press Release   Republican presidential candidate Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker will travel to southwest Iowa Friday, making several stops on a day-long tour of the region aboard the campaign’s Winnebago. At each stop, Walker will share his message as a fighter and a winner with a proven record of […]

by · July 31, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
Ernst adds four more town hall meetings in August

Ernst adds four more town hall meetings in August

From Press Release   U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) today announced she will host a series of town meetings across Iowa. In addition to the previously announced town meeting on Saturday in Pocahontas County, Senator Ernst will also hold town meetings in Allamakee, aware, Cedar and Marion counties as part of […]

by · July 31, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
The Big Story: Taxpayer-funded facility still performing taxpayer-paid abortions in Iowa

The Big Story: Taxpayer-funded facility still performing taxpayer-paid abortions in Iowa

By Bob Eschliman Editor   With the release of four (and counting) videos depicting the atrocities happening at Planned Parenthood facilities all around the country, there has been a renewed push to discontinue taxpayer funding for the organization. In Iowa, Gov. Terry Branstad has insisted that taxpayer money not be […]

by · July 30, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
CMP defies judge’s order, releases new video

CMP defies judge’s order, releases new video

From Press Release   New undercover footage shows Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains’ Vice President and Medical Director, Dr. Savita Ginde, negotiating a fetal body parts deal, agreeing multiple times to illicit pricing per body part harvested, and suggesting ways to avoid legal consequences. Planned Parenthood of the Rocky […]

by · July 30, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Huckabee continues to take heat — from all the right places?

Huckabee continues to take heat — from all the right places?

Republican presidential candidate and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee needed a shot in the arm if he hoped to break back into the top four or five of the GOP primary race, especially as a previous winner of the Iowa Republican Caucus. As one well-known political commentator pointed out last […]

by · July 30, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Branstad Chief of Staff resigns for public-sector job

Branstad Chief of Staff resigns for public-sector job

From Press Release   Matt Hinch, Gov. Terry Branstad’s and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds’ Chief of Staff since October 14, 2013, today announced he is departing the governor’s office to pursue an opportunity in the private sector. “It has been an incredible privilege to serve as Governor Branstad’s and Lieutenant […]

by · July 30, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
King authors bill to kill end-of-life counseling

King authors bill to kill end-of-life counseling

From Press Release   Congressman Steve King released the following statement after introducing H.R. 3251, the End-of-Life Counseling Bill. “On July 8, 2015, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced its plan to pay doctors to counsel patients about end-of-life care, effective January 1, 2016,” said King. “Americans […]

by · July 30, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Branstad makes two new appointments

Branstad makes two new appointments

From Press Release   Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad today announced appointments to Iowa’s boards and commissions. The following individuals’ appointments are effective July 29, 2015, unpaid, and are not subject to Iowa Senate confirmation: Iowa Statewide Interoperable Communications System Board Samantha Brear, Clive Andrew Buffington, Forest City

by · July 30, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Paul returning to Iowa this weekend

Paul returning to Iowa this weekend

From Press Release   Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Rand Paul will hit the campaign trail again this weekend and return to Iowa and Illinois. Paul will continue to discuss the importance of protecting the entire Bill of Rights, and being boldly for conservative ideals that limit the powers of […]

by · July 30, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
Guardsmen conducting annual training at Fort Polk

Guardsmen conducting annual training at Fort Polk

From Press Release   More than 2,000 Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade, 34th Infantry Division, Iowa Army National Guard, headquartered at Boone, Iowa, with subordinate and supporting units from across the state, are currently conducting annual training at the U.S. Army’s Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La. The […]

by · July 30, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Bertrand calls for Planned Parenthood to be dropped as Medicaid provider

Bertrand calls for Planned Parenthood to be dropped as Medicaid provider

From Press Release   During a Pro-Life rally Tuesday at Planned Parenthood in Sioux City, State Senator Rick Bertrand (R-Sioux City) called for the Iowa Chapter of Planned Parenthood to be dropped from the State of Iowa’s Medicaid approved provider list.  This procedural maneuver would prevent Planned Parenthood of Iowa […]

by · July 30, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Graham to host ‘No Nukes For Iran’ rally Friday in West Des Moines

Graham to host ‘No Nukes For Iran’ rally Friday in West Des Moines

From Press Release   Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham will return to Iowa on Friday where he will hold a “No Nukes for Iran” town hall meeting at the West Des Moines Marriott in Concord Rooms C & D. The event will begin at 1:30 p.m. This will […]

by · July 29, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
Defunding Planned Parenthood suddenly becomes a Senate priority

Defunding Planned Parenthood suddenly becomes a Senate priority

Three days ago, when the conservative/liberty wing of the Senate Republican Caucus attempted a measure to defund Planned Parenthood, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s response was, “Nope. Not going to happen.” And, shockingly, a majority of Senate Republicans agreed. Public response was, well … predictable. Then a key McConnell ally, […]

by · July 29, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Nelson to lead Governor’s STEM Advisory Council

Nelson to lead Governor’s STEM Advisory Council

From Press Release   Kemin Industries President and CEO Dr. Chris Nelson will serve as co-chair of the Iowa Governor’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Advisory Council starting this month. Appointed by Gov. Terry Branstad, Nelson succeeds Vermeer CEO and Chair of the Board Mary Andringa, who completed her […]

by · July 29, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Branstad’s HPAI disaster proclamation extended to Aug. 30

Branstad’s HPAI disaster proclamation extended to Aug. 30

From Press Release   Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad has announced that he is extending the State of Disaster Emergency in response to the avian flu outbreak through Aug. 30. This is the third extension the governor has made to the original disaster proclamation. The current disaster proclamation would have expired […]

by · July 29, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Latest CMP video shows former PP worker explaining profit motive

Latest CMP video shows former PP worker explaining profit motive

In what has been an ongoing and unfolding horror story for the past several weeks, the Center for Medical Progress has released yet another video of Planned Parenthood executives discussing the sale of body parts and tissue taken from aborted babies. In the latest video, released this morning, a former […]

by · July 28, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Blum joins call for IRS Commissioner’s resignation

Blum joins call for IRS Commissioner’s resignation

From Press Release   U.S. Rep. Rod Blum (R-IA) has joined 20 of his colleagues serving on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to formally request the President remove the Internal Revenue Service Commissioner John Koskinen from his position. Over the last two years, the OGR Committee has […]

by · July 28, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Iowa officials send letter to Obama, EPA regarding RFS

Iowa officials send letter to Obama, EPA regarding RFS

From Press Release   Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Department of Transportation Paul Trombino and Director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Chuck Gipp today sent a letter […]

by · July 28, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Republican lines up to primary Young in Third District

Republican lines up to primary Young in Third District

From Press Release   Retired elementary school physical education teacher Joe Grandanette will run as a Republican for the Third Congressional District of Iowa. Grandanette, 61, has provided decades of service in the Des Moines community as a teacher, coach, business owner and volunteer. “We need someone who will lead […]

by · July 28, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
The Presidential Pensieve for July 27, 2015

The Presidential Pensieve for July 27, 2015

Polling and the crowds that have d up both at his campaign event in Oskaloosa and with the Team Trump bus on RAGBRAI over the past week show Donald Trump to no damage from his about U.S. Sen. John McCain. And one straw poll result in northern Iowa indicates […]

by · July 27, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
(Prezography photo)

Huckabee returning to Iowa this week

Republican presidential candidate and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, by the end of this week, will have completed one-third of the “full Grassley” 99-county tour of Iowa. He has announced Iowa stops for this Thursday, which will have put him in 33 of the state’s 99 counties. His itinerary […]

by · July 27, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
Rubio to headline Dallas County GOP steak fry

Rubio to headline Dallas County GOP steak fry

From Press Release   Dallas County Republicans are pleased to announce the upcoming Annual Steak Fry Dinner and Pie Auction that will be held at Van Meter Legion Hall in Van Meter on Tuesday, Aug. 18. Doors will open at 5 p.m. with dinner beginning at 6 p.m. Van Meter […]

by · July 27, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
Ernst to host Pocahontas town hall

Ernst to host Pocahontas town hall

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) will return to Iowa this weekend to host a town hall meeting Saturday. The senator will speak and field questions from constituents on a wide range of topics beginning at 11:45 a.m. at Arlington Place, 101 NE Fifth Street, Pocahontas.

by · July 27, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
GOP Establishment steamrolls its own base

GOP Establishment steamrolls its own base

In a year when Republicans are trying to establish a reason why they should be trusted to control two of the three branches of government, leadership in the U.S. Senate showed Americans it doesn’t matter if you put Republicans or Democrats in charge. In rare Sunday votes, the Senate blocked […]

by · July 27, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Iowa airman dies in Guam

Iowa airman dies in Guam

From Press Release   The Iowa National Guard regrets to announce the death of Senior Airman Drew Bellairs, 20, of Osage, Iowa. Bellairs drowned while swimming at Marbo Cave, Mangilao, Guam on Saturday, July 25. Bellairs, a member of the Maintenance Group, 185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard […]

by · July 27, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Bozell endorses Cruz for GOP nomination

Bozell endorses Cruz for GOP nomination

From Press Release   Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz tonight received the endorsement of Brent Bozell, conservative stalwart and president of the Conservative Victory Committee. Bozell released a video announcing his support of Cruz’s candidacy for President. Scroll down to see the video. The article continues after the […]

by · July 23, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
(Prezography photo)

Trump to visit Iowa this weekend

Republican presidential candidate and businessman Donald Trump has announced he will be returning to Iowa this weekend. His campaign will be hosting a Making America Great Again rally and family picnic Saturday at Oskaloosa High School, 1800 N Third Street in Oskaloosa. The event will begin at 11 a.m. and […]

by · July 23, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
Branstad arms ING, requests presidential disaster declaration

Branstad arms ING, requests presidential disaster declaration

From Press Releases   Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad, as the commander-in-chief of the Iowa National Guard, today authorized Maj. Gen. Timothy Orr to strengthen current security measures and arm additional personnel at facilities under his purview, at the Adjutant General’s discretion, while he continues to assess security at National […]

by · July 23, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Topic A: Left standing by Planned Parenthood

Topic A: Left standing by Planned Parenthood

In the wake of a second Planned Parenthood video showing a top official haggling over the sale of body parts taken from aborted babies, and the subsequent release of full-length videos, the Left is still standing by the beleaguered organization. After the first video, the White House said federal funding […]

by · July 23, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Topic A: What you’ve been missing

Topic A: What you’ve been missing

Donald Trump vs. John McCain. Donald Trump vs. Rick Perry. Donald Trump vs. Lindsey Graham. Donald Trump vs. The Des Moines Register. For as much as NBC is covering The Donald’s presidential campaign, it’s difficult to understand why network execs cancelled “The Apprentice.” The lamestream media has been completely focused […]

by · July 22, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Branstad orders flags lowered

Branstad orders flags lowered

From Press Release   Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad ordered flags in Iowa will be lowered to half-staff Tuesday, July 21, until Monday, July 27, at 8 a.m., to honor the five soldiers killed in the terrorist attack at military facilities last week in Chattanooga, Tenn. President Barack Obama also issued […]

by · July 22, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Grassley pushing for government to act on ‘sanctuary cities’

Grassley pushing for government to act on ‘sanctuary cities’

From Press Release   Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) has introduced legislation to hold accountable sanctuary jurisdictions that are harboring illegal immigrants who have criminal records. Grassley’s legislation would withhold federal funding from sanctuary jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate on criminal aliens and other high priority […]

by · July 22, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
The Presidential Pensieve for July 22, 2015

The Presidential Pensieve for July 22, 2015

Typically, we publish our new projections on Monday, but with the situation that developed at the Family Leadership Summit over the weekend, we wanted to see how the first polls following the event were impacted. The polls have reacted in a mixed manner for Donald Trump, and few other candidates […]

by · July 22, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Watts to campaign in Iowa for Paul

Watts to campaign in Iowa for Paul

From Press Release   Former U.S. Rep. J.C. Watts (R-OK) will be traveling across Iowa the next few days, campaigning for Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Rand Paul. The “I Stand With Rand” Tour will begin at the Paul campaign headquarters in Des Moines and includes stops in Pella and […]

by · July 22, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
TIS files public information request

TIS files public information request

Following today’s release of a second video that shows a Planned Parenthood official negotiating the sale of body parts from aborted babies, The Iowa Statesman specifically asked Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad’s spesman, Jimmy Centers, if the governor intends to put a stop to taxpayer-funded abortions. In response, Centers said, “There […]

by · July 21, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State