Articles by: Bob Eschliman

Jimmy Centers (submitted photo)

Centers leaving Branstad Administration

From Press Release   Jimmy Centers, who has served as communications director for Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds since December 2013, and has worked for Branstad-Reynolds in various capacities since 2009, will depart the governor’s office to pursue a career in the private sector. Centers’ last […]

by · September 14, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Grassley asks for details on Obama Administration’s refugee announcement

Grassley asks for details on Obama Administration’s refugee announcement

From Press Release   Friday, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) pressed Secretary of State John Kerry to clarify the administration’s plans to increase the number of refugees allowed into the United States in fiscal 2016, including up to 10,000 additional refugees from the war torn country of Syria. […]

by · September 14, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
State to launch new biofuels initiative with USDA grant

State to launch new biofuels initiative with USDA grant

From Press Release   Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa Sec. of Agriculture Bill Northey announced last week the state will receive funding for the new “Fueling Our Future 100” initiative from a competitive grant from the United States Department of Agriculture Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership program. This […]

by · September 14, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Today should be a day of remembrance

Today should be a day of remembrance

By Bob Eschliman Editor Today, we are taking the day off from reporting on the news, because we think you should be spending your time doing something much important. On this, the 14th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, we hope you will join us in remembering the day’s […]

by · September 10, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Thompson: I’m seeing red (and that makes me happy)

Thompson: I’m seeing red (and that makes me happy)

John Thompson Republican Party of Iowa State Central Committee Member   As a conservative, I am happy to see Hillary Clinton as the Democratic front-runner. There isn’t a Republican challenger that couldn’t beat her and she isn’t firing people up in Iowa. As she limps from one scandal to the […]

by · September 10, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Editorial
(Prezography photo)

Cruz adds to Iowa leadership team

From Press Release   Today, the Cruz for President Campaign announced dozens of additions to Sen. Cruz’s Iowa leadership team and county chairs coalition – comprised of Iowa activists and influencers who are taking an active role in the campaign.  The release also includes the first round of pastors joining […]

by · September 10, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
(Prezography photo)

Rubio to tailgate at Cy-Hawk Game

By The Iowa Statesman   Saturday, Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio will be in Ames to tailgate at the Cy-Hawk game between the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. Marco will be joined by his state chairman and former Cyclone football player Jack Whitver and a special guest as he […]

by · September 10, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
Branstad orders flags lowered to half-staff

Branstad orders flags lowered to half-staff

From Press Release   Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad today ordered flags be flown at half-staff 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow in remembrance of those killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Flags will be flown at half-staff on the state Capitol building and on flag displays in the […]

by · September 10, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
RPI State Central Committee to consider Planned Parenthood resolution

RPI State Central Committee to consider Planned Parenthood resolution

By Bob Eschliman Editor   At its next meeting, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19, the Republican Party of Iowa State Central Committee has on its agenda consideration of a resolution calling on Iowa Gov. Branstad and legislative Republicans to defund Planned Parenthood. The draft resolution, created by SCC member David […]

by · September 10, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Gun Owners of America endorses Cruz

Gun Owners of America endorses Cruz

From Press Release   Gun Owners of America, a premier Second Amendment and gun-rights advocacy organization, endorsed U.S. Senator Ted Cruz for President. In a statement released by Tim Macy, Chairman of GOA, the group lauded Cruz’s consistent record of consistently fighting to protect the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens. “Cruz has […]

by · September 10, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Walker back in Iowa this weekend

Walker back in Iowa this weekend

From Press Release   Republican presidential candidate Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker will travel to Iowa this weekend for several stops over three days. Throughout the trip, which follows today’s speech at President Ronald Reagan’s alma mater, Eureka College, Walker will discuss his record of wreaking havoc on the status quo in Madison, […]

by · September 10, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
Shep Smith’s epic anti-Christian rant as told by The Birdcage

Shep Smith’s epic anti-Christian rant as told by The Birdcage

As has been previously reported today, FOX News’ Shepard Smith unleashed an epic rant during his network’s coverage of Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee’s “#ImWithKim Liberty Rally” outside the Carter County Detention Center in Grayson, KY, yesterday. During the rant, Shep called the than 5,000 Christians in attendance “haters,” […]

by · September 9, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Editorial
(Prezography photo)

Trump explained … hold onto your hats

By The Iowa Statesman   The Iowa Statesman editor and co-publisher Bob Eschliman authored a piece this week that explains why Donald Trump’s campaign has been so successful, and why he seemingly can’t be brought down by missteps and gaffes that would have destroyed previous GOP frontrunners. The op-ed, written […]

by · September 9, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Editorial
(Prezography photo)

Trump tells Zucker: Give the money to the vets

By Bob Eschliman Editor   Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has a message for CNN boss Jeff Zucker: give the proceeds from the upcoming GOP presidential debate to veterans. In a letter written to Zucker, Trump (as usual) takes the credit for a 4,000-percent increase in advertising rates for the […]

by · September 9, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Huckabee escorts Kim Davis from jail; blocks Cruz from press

Huckabee escorts Kim Davis from jail; blocks Cruz from press

By Bob Eschliman Editor   Tuesday afternoon, Rowan County (KY) Clerk Kim Davis was released from jail by U.S. Judge David Bunning after spending five days behind bars for contempt of court after refusing Bunning’s order to issue marriage licenses. At her side as she emerged from the jail facility […]

by · September 9, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley considering immunity for former Clinton IT specialist

Grassley considering immunity for former Clinton IT specialist

From Press Release   Citing the unique information he may possess, Senate Judiciary Committee and Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee chairmen Chuck Grassley and Ron Johnson are considering next steps to obtain the testimony of former State Department and Clinton family employee Bryan Pagliano, who was reportedly paid to […]

by · September 9, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
(Prezography photo)

Trump to tailgate at Iowa-Iowa State

By The Iowa Statesman   Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has announced he will be taking part in the GOP tailgating event at the Iowa-Iowa State football game this Saturday. His weekly itinerary released Tuesday states he will be at the event, planned for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at […]

by · September 9, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
That time Paul supporters made their own Iowa Straw Poll …

That time Paul supporters made their own Iowa Straw Poll …

The Ron/Rand Paul campaign’s affair with polls is legendary. They’ll quote polls that no one else even knows exist, especially if they show a Paul out front, or “gaining momentum” in the field. They also d the Iowa Straw Poll, because they’re really good at getting people to show […]

by · September 8, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Editorial
It’s the Law

It’s the Law

Editor’s Notes: This article was submitted over the weekend while Rowan County (KY) Clerk Kim Davis remained in jail for contempt of court. At the time it is now being published, she has been released. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of The Iowa […]

by · September 8, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Editorial
(Prezography photo)

Paul returning to Iowa this weekend

From Press Release   Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Rand Paul will hit the campaign trail this week for a two-day college tour through Iowa. During the tour, he will host two events at Iowa State University and three meet and greets, discussing the importance of protecting the entire Bill […]

by · September 8, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
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   Today, we gather with family and friends to commemorate the last days of summer and pay tribute to the American workforce’s great contributions throughout our history.  From firefighters to nurses, these men and women are the backbone of the U.S. economy. […]

by · September 7, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Editorial
Pottawattamie County GOP calls for defunding Planned Parenthood

Pottawattamie County GOP calls for defunding Planned Parenthood

By The Iowa Statesman   According to Pottawattamie County Republican Party chairman Jeff Jorgensen, the party’s Central Committee met last night and voted overwhelmingly to call on the state’s elected officials to act on defunding Planned Parenthood. “Our resolution to defund Planned Parenthood passed last night at our Central Commite […]

by · September 4, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
By The Numbers: How many candidates are even attempting ‘The Full Grassley’

By The Numbers: How many candidates are even attempting ‘The Full Grassley’

By Bob Eschliman Editor   Republican presidential candidate former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum completed “The Full Grassley” earlier this week, stopping in Lyon County in extreme northwest Iowa to celebrate hitting all 99 counties. The fete, named for Iowa’s senior U.S. Senator, who has been traveling to all 99 counties […]

by · September 4, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Branstad, Reynolds comment on new U of I president

Branstad, Reynolds comment on new U of I president

From Press Release   Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today released the following statements after learning of the Iowa Board of Regents’ selection of a new University of Iowa President.  J. Bruce Harreld was selected as the new University of Iowa president and will succeed Sally […]

by · September 4, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Huckabee, Cruz react to Kentucky clerk’s jailing

Huckabee, Cruz react to Kentucky clerk’s jailing

By Bob Eschliman Editor   Rowan County (KY) Clerk Kim Davis, a devout Christian, was sent to jail Thursday morning after she continued to refuse to issue marriage licenses to those who wished to participate in homosexual “marriages.” The federal judge who sent her to jail said he had “no […]

by · September 4, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Kelly Paul, wife of US Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), speaks to supporters during the kickoff of the  National Stand with Rand tour on April 7, 2015 in Louisville, Kentucky. Conservative US Senator Rand Paul announced on April 7 that he is running for his party's nomination for the 2016 presidential race, making him the second major Republican to join the contest.   AFP PHOTO / MICHAEL B. THOMASMichael B. Thomas/AFP/Getty Images ORG XMIT: 546053942 ORIG FILE ID: 539498464

Paul’s wife to campaign in Iowa

From Press Release   Kelley Paul, wife of Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, will hit the campaign trail next week for a two day tour through Iowa. Details of her trip can be found below. Tuesday, Sept. 9 Noon — Polk County GOP Women’s Club, Polk County GOP Headquarters, […]

by · September 3, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
Grassley-090507-18363- 0032

Grassley named ‘Friend of Iowa Wind Energy’

From Press Release   Sen. Chuck Grassley today was awarded the Dr. Harold D. Prior “Friend of Iowa Wind Energy” award by the Iowa Wind Energy Association in appreciation for his efforts in championing the wind industry. “I’m honored to receive this award.  In Iowa, wind produces 28 percent of […]

by · September 3, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
IPIB Monthly Update: Can a government body charge a fee for a public records request?

IPIB Monthly Update: Can a government body charge a fee for a public records request?

The Iowa Public Information Board   Iowa Code section 22.2 grants every person the right to examine and copy a public record.   This right includes “the right to examine a public record without charge while the public record is in the physical possession of the custodian of the public record.” […]

by · September 3, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Schneider to participate in Young Leaders Exchange Program in China

Schneider to participate in Young Leaders Exchange Program in China

From Press Release   State Sen. Charles Schneider (R-West Des Moines) has been selected to participate in a young leaders exchange program this month in China. He will be one of the representatives from the United States to attend the Chinese Association for International Understanding’s second annual Chinese-US-European Young Leaders […]

by · September 3, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Blum, FreedomWorks to host candidate forum in Cedar Rapids

Blum, FreedomWorks to host candidate forum in Cedar Rapids

From Press Release   U.S. Rep. Rod Blum (R-IA 1) and FreedomWorks announced yesterday they will be joining together to host the Rising Tide Summit for grassroots activists to engage with presidential candidates on Dec. 5. “FreedomWorks has millions of activists across the country, and I am proud to partner […]

by · September 3, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Republicans to tailgate at Cy-Hawk football game

Republicans to tailgate at Cy-Hawk football game

By The Iowa Statesman   Republicans from Boone and Story counties, as well as the College Republicans from Iowa State University and the University of Iowa will be tailgating at this year’s Cy-Hawk football game to be played at the newly remoed Jack Trice Stadium in Ames. The party, which […]

by · September 2, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Branstad makes more STEM Advisory Council appointments

Branstad makes more STEM Advisory Council appointments

From Press Release   Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad yesterday announced appointments to Iowa’s STEM Advisory Council.  The following individuals’ appointments were effective immediately, are unpaid, and are not subject to Iowa Senate confirmation:   STEM Advisory Council: State Senator Mark Chelgren, Ottumwa State Senator Brian Schoenjahn, Arlington State Representative Liz […]

by · September 2, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Three new CMP videos expose even more Planned Parenthood horrors

Three new CMP videos expose even more Planned Parenthood horrors

By The Iowa Statesman   The Center for Medical Progress has released three new videos that continue to expose the horrors happening inside Planned Parenthood abortion clinics. The videos also introduce a new player in the unfolding story. The first of the three, the ninth video in the Planned Parenthood […]

by · September 2, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
New Project Veritas video shows Clinton staffer accepting foreign donation

New Project Veritas video shows Clinton staffer accepting foreign donation

By The Iowa Statesman   Sometimes, when you’re conducting an investigation, luck flies with you. Such was the case for a Project Veritas journalist who was conducting an investigation into a Hillary Clinton campaign rally. In the video, recorded with a hidden camera at the launch of her campaign, Clinton’s […]

by · September 2, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
(Prezography photo)

Jindal, Blum to host Cedar Falls event

From Press Release   Thursday, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal will attend a meet and greet with U.S. Rep. Rod Blum (R-IA 1) from noon to 1 p.m. at Beck’s Sports Grill located at 2210 College Street in Cedar Falls. The event will be free to the public. CLICK HERE to […]

by · September 1, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
The Pursuit of Happiness

The Pursuit of Happiness

By Bob Eschliman Editor   The Founders were men of two minds: the deeply theological, and the deeply philosophical. The two crossed paths in the mid-18th century to light a lamp that still burns today, albeit not with the same intensity it once illuminated the world. The document that first […]

by · September 1, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Editorial
Huckabee receives Rounds’ endorsement

Huckabee receives Rounds’ endorsement

From Press Release   Republican presidential candidate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has announced the endorsement of former two-term governor and current U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) for his campaign for president. Sen. Mike Rounds joins Sen. John Boozman (R-AR) as the second U.S. Senator to endorse Gov. Huckabee. In a […]

by · September 1, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
More legislators sign on to investigate Planned Parenthood

More legislators sign on to investigate Planned Parenthood

By Bob Eschliman Editor   Overnight, a second letter was submitted to Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller with the names of additional legislators who have called on him to investigate abortion providers in Iowa to ensure no laws have been bren. The original letter, dated Aug. 24, states: We, the […]

by · September 1, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Second Perry state chair jumps ship

Second Perry state chair jumps ship

By Bob Eschliman Editor   Now Republican presidential candidate former Texas Gov. Rick Perry has lost both of his state chairs to competitors. This time, however, there seems to be far less backlash from conservatives as Karen Fesler joins the staff of former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum as National Caucus […]

by · September 1, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
USS Virginia sails out of Groton, CT, following her delivery to the U.S. Navy in 2004. The latest ship in the class to be named is USS Iowa, which will be officially announced tomorrow at Iowa State University. (U.S. Navy photo)

Ceremony tomorrow at ISU to name USS Iowa

  By Bob Eschliman Editor   Tomorrow afternoon, U.S. Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, will hold a ship-naming ceremony at Iowa State University for a new Virginia-class attack submarine. He will be joined in the Campanile Room at the Memorial Union at 3 p.m. by Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad […]

by · September 1, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Branstad announces broadband expansion

Branstad announces broadband expansion

Bob Eschliman Editor   A key component of Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad’s 2014 campaign pledge to expand broadband Internet access to areas of rural Iowa got a big boost recently, it was announced at his weekly press conference today. But, it will come at a cost to taxpayers of […]

by · August 31, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
The Presidential Pensieve for August 31, 2015

The Presidential Pensieve for August 31, 2015

It’s now clear that Democrats and Independents are flocking to the non-traditional Republican candidates. There are a lot of potential reasons why, but it’s safe to say traditional conservative Democrats feel like they’re being marginalized in their own party. This is boosting the candidacies of the non-traditional candidates. It’s also […]

by · August 31, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Grassley-090507-18363- 0032

Grassley: State Dept. emails raise questions about vetting, conflicts

From Press Release   State Department ethics officials were not included on recently-released es in which top Clinton aides debated potential conflicts that former President Bill Clinton’s speaking engagements may have posed for Hillary Clinton in her role as the nation’s top diplomat.  In some es, Bill Clinton aides and […]

by · August 31, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
(Prezography photo)

Cruz announces first round of county chairs

From Press Release   Following the recent publication of the second round of Statewide Leadership Team members, the Cruz for President Campaign today released its first round of Iowa County Chairs. “Our Iowa team continues to demonstrate the strength and diversity of support we are seeing in Iowa and across […]

by · August 31, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Branstad launches ‘work group’ to focus on justice reforms

Branstad launches ‘work group’ to focus on justice reforms

From Press Release   Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad announced Friday the formation of the Governor’s Working Group on Justice Policy Reform at the Iowa Summit on Justice and Disparities. The summit was organized by the Iowa-Nebraska State Conference of Branches for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People […]

by · August 31, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Thompson: The Democrats’ War on Words

Thompson: The Democrats’ War on Words

By John Thompson State Central Committee Member Republican Party of Iowa   The Democrats continue their war on language. After all, if they convince people that it is bad manners to talk about bad liberal policies it is harder to fight them. It’s also thought control. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the […]

by · August 29, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Editorial
Three more counties join call to defund Planned Parenthood

Three more counties join call to defund Planned Parenthood

By Bob Eschliman Editor   While the Branstad Administration continues to insist that “no item” exists in the state budget to directly fund Planned Parenthood, the fact still remains that the organization continues to receive funding through federal block grants administered by the state departments of Human Services and […]

by · August 28, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
UPDATE: Santorum to celebrate second ‘Full Grassley’ next week

UPDATE: Santorum to celebrate second ‘Full Grassley’ next week

By The Iowa Statesman   Republican presidential candidate former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum won the 2012 Iowa Republican Caucus, in large part, by working like a door-to-door salesman, hitting every one of Iowa’s 99 counties in an effort to win over the voters face-to-face. Facing a very similar set of […]

by · August 28, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
Grassley continues to dig into State Department

Grassley continues to dig into State Department

By Bob Eschliman Editor   If either the Hillary Clinton campaign or the Obama Administration thought U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was going to get cold feet after a little media backlash over his investigation of the U.S. State Department, they need to think again. In two separate actions, the […]

by · August 28, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Project Veritas claims Clinton skirting Iowa election laws

Project Veritas claims Clinton skirting Iowa election laws

By The Iowa Statesman   Well-known conservative documentary maker James O’Keefe today released a new undercover video shows evidence the Hillary Clinton campaign may be “playing fast and loose” with Iowa election laws, directly contradicting statements made to TIME Magazine. In the video, Hillary campaign organizer Sarah Sterner states, “We […]

by · August 27, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State