Articles by: Bob Eschliman

What is Liberty?

What is Liberty?

By Bob Eschliman Editor   So, last time, we talked about the importance of Life, as our Founders and Framers saw it, and why it is still important to Americans yet today. This time, however, I’d like to focus on Liberty. After all, it did come next in Thomas Jefferson’s […]

by · August 14, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Editorial
(Prezography photo)

Santorum asks supporters to pick his next ad

From Press Release   Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) launched a contest for supporters to choose the campaign’s first radio advertisement. Supporters of the Santorum for President campaign are being given the choice between two advertisements: “Take Back America” features the campaign theme song and […]

by · August 14, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Young to visit State Fair this weekend

Young to visit State Fair this weekend

From Press Release   U.S. Rep. David Young (R-IA 3) will be at the Iowa State Fair serving drinks and visiting with Fair goers at the Iowa Pork Producers tent tonight from 5 to 7 p.m. He will be an honorary chef for the evening. Additionally, he will be at […]

by · August 14, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
Huckabee to seniors: I won’t mess with your Social Security

Huckabee to seniors: I won’t mess with your Social Security

By The Iowa Statesman   In modern politics, it’s become almost as American as apple pie. At least one politician — if not all of them — make a pledge to senior citizens that they won’t touch their Social Security checks. Well, 2016 isn’t going to see a change. Thursday, […]

by · August 14, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
(Prezography photo)

The Donald wants to see The Butter Cow

By The Iowa Statesman   Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump will be visiting the Iowa State Fair on Saturday so he can see the Butter Cow. The Butter Cow has been an institution at the Iowa State Fair since 1911, during which time five people have held the title “Butter […]

by · August 13, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
(Prezography photo)

UPDATE: Santorum completes Iowa itinerary

By The Iowa Statesman   Republican presidential candidate former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum will be back in Iowa later this week as part of “Rick’s Road to 99,” the 2012 Iowa Republican Caucus winner’s effort to hold campaign stops in all 99 Iowa counties. This morning, his campaign released the […]

by · August 13, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
Branstad launches Future Ready Iowa program

Branstad launches Future Ready Iowa program

From Press Release   Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today held the first of a series of roundtable meetings across the state to focus on ways to better align education and workforce initiatives to close the skills gap and meet future employer needs. The roundtable series […]

by · August 13, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Walker back in Iowa on Monday

Walker back in Iowa on Monday

By The Iowa Statesman   Republican presidential candidate Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker will return to Iowa with his “Walker Winnebago” on Monday for a stop at the Iowa State Fair and The Des Moines Register’s soapbox, followed by campaign stops throughout central Iowa. As has been the case in the […]

by · August 13, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
Paul releases new ad attacking Trump

Paul releases new ad attacking Trump

By The Iowa Statesman   Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Rand Paul’s campaign released a new advertisement Wednesday morning, to not only promote his own struggling campaign, but to also attack one of his competitors. In the ad, which will run through the weekend in both Iowa and New Hampshire, […]

by · August 13, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
County GOP central committees call for defunding Planned Parenthood

County GOP central committees call for defunding Planned Parenthood

By The Iowa Statesman   Two Iowa Republican county central committees have called on state and federal officials to stop providing taxpayer funds to Planned Parenthood in the wake of the Center for Medical Progress’ investigative videos that detail the abortion provider’s use on unethical and illegal practices to obtain […]

by · August 13, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Fairgoers walking along the Grand Concourse at the 2004 Sesquicentennial Iowa State Fair on Saturday August 21, 2004 in Des Moines, IA.  (Iowa State Fair Photo)

Not from Iowa? Here are 10 things you need to know about the Iowa State Fair

By Bob Eschliman Editor   Our state fair is a great state fair. Don’t miss it. Don’t even be late. It’s dollars to donuts that our state fair is the best state fair in our state. OK, enough Rodgers and Hammerstein. The eyes of the political world have descended upon […]

by · August 13, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Rand Paul’s Kentucky GOP issues as told by Jerry Maguire

Rand Paul’s Kentucky GOP issues as told by Jerry Maguire

According to a new report from Politico, Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Rand Paul may have to make a very difficult choice in a couple weeks. Currently, according to Republican Party rules in Kentucky, a candidate may not run for than one political office in the same election cycle. […]

by · August 12, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Editorial
CMP releases new installment of ‘Human Capital’ series

CMP releases new installment of ‘Human Capital’ series

By The Iowa Statesman   The Center for Medical Progress has released the second installment of its “Human Capital” series. In this episode, a former procurement technician for Planned Parenthood’s partner, Stem Express, discussed the procurement consent process and how it was oftentimes circumvented when highly desired babies — usually […]

by · August 12, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Intelligence Community Inspector General: highly classified emails were stored on Clinton’s server

Intelligence Community Inspector General: highly classified emails were stored on Clinton’s server

By The Iowa Statesman   Tuesday, there were two major developments in the investigation into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s e server. U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is loing into the matter, commented on both developments. The first was a report from the […]

by · August 12, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Rick Perry’s implosion, as told by Montgomery Brewster

Rick Perry’s implosion, as told by Montgomery Brewster

The rumor started circulating when the South Carolina staff was told it was no longer going to be paid: former Texas Gov. Rick Perry was out of money. It wasn’t a big surprise to anyone who had been paying attention: Perry had struggled to raise $1 million, lagging far behind […]

by · August 11, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Editorial
(Prezography photo)

Trump stumps the grumps

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of The Iowa Statesman.   By Krusty Konservative Dictator of the Iowa Blogosphere   Personally, I can’t stand Donald Trump. He engages his mouth before he thinks way too often. He thinks his [defecation] doesn’t stink. […]

by · August 11, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Editorial
Grassley-090507-18363- 0032

Grassley announces more town hall meetings

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley will hold eight town meetings in Poweshiek, Tama, Osceola, Plymouth, Clay, Palo Alto, Emmet and Dickinson counties during the week of Aug. 24 as part of his annual 99-county meetings. He has held a meeting in each of Iowa’s 99 counties at […]

by · August 11, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
Young named ‘Hero of Main Street’ by NRF

Young named ‘Hero of Main Street’ by NRF

From Press Release   Last week Iowa Congressman David Young accepted the “Hero of Main Street” award from the National Retail Federation. The award is given to Members of Congress who show outstanding support of the retail industry’s public policy proposals. Congressman Young said, “I was honored to accept this […]

by · August 11, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Branstad announces new appointments

Branstad announces new appointments

From Press Reelase   Iowa Governor Terry Branstad today announced appointments to Iowa’s boards and commissions. The following individuals’ appointments are effective Aug. 6, unpaid, and are not subject to Iowa Senate confirmation:   College Student Aid Commission Amy Brace, Ankeny   Mississippi River Parkway Planning Commission Lisa Walsh, Burlington […]

by · August 11, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Branstad, Reynolds to launch roundtable to discuss workforce skills gap

Branstad, Reynolds to launch roundtable to discuss workforce skills gap

From Press Release   Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced they will launch a series of roundtable meetings across the state to focus on ways to better align education and workforce initiatives to close the skills gap and meet future employer needs. The roundtable […]

by · August 11, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Cruz campaign launches new ad

Cruz campaign launches new ad

By The Iowa Statesman   U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) has the largest amount of cash on hand of any candidate in the Republican presidential primary campaign. And now he’s showing signs he intends to use it. The Cruz for President campaign today released a 30-second TV spot called ‘Values’ […]

by · August 11, 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 past few weeks you may have been hearing about the possibility of a federal government shutdown in October. As we head toward the fiscal year dead things are bound to get a bit bumpy in Washington. I think a blame […]

by · August 11, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Editorial
(Prezography photo)

Huckabee to make Iowa swing this week

By The Iowa Statesman   Republican presidential candidate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee will be back in Iowa this week, including a stop at the Iowa State Fair, which officially begins Thursday. His campaign unveiled an itinerary that includes stops throughout the state beginning tomorrow.   Tuesday, Aug. 11 7:30 […]

by · August 10, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
The Presidential Pensieve for August 10, 2015

The Presidential Pensieve for August 10, 2015

Two debates and a candidates forum did little to change the landscape of the race, other than to reinforce trends we were already seeing on the ground. But, a couple of tweets from Donald Trump may unravel the whole thing. It’s too early to tell if Trump vs. Megyn Kelly […]

by · August 10, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Editorial
CMP videos expose some long-held lies

CMP videos expose some long-held lies

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of The Iowa Statesman.   By Jon the Southern Baptist On the Front s of the Culture War   Unless you’ve had your head stuck in the sand for the past month, you’re probably well aware […]

by · August 10, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Editorial
Post-Debate Post-Mortem: TIS columnists discuss FOX News GOP presidential debate

Post-Debate Post-Mortem: TIS columnists discuss FOX News GOP presidential debate

The following conversation to place Friday afternoon in a nondescript coffee shop, somewhere in Central Iowa. The opinions expressed herein are those of the participants, not necessarily The Iowa Statesman.   •  •  • Bob Eschliman — Editor, The Iowa Statesman Whenever there is a presidential debate, myself, Krusty, and […]

by · August 8, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Editorial
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 wanted to give you a quick update about some of the work I’m doing on one of my top priorities in Congress, boosting Iowa’s economy. Recently, I joined with Rep. Adam Kinzinger to introduce a bill that will increase access […]

by · August 7, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Editorial
The Fox News GOP presidential debates as told by …

The Fox News GOP presidential debates as told by …

From format to finished product, the Fox News Republican presidential debates on Thursday were a certifiable hot mess. There were no winners, and only the American people were the losers. But, The .Gif Shop staff decided to break it down anyway. •  •  • After just missing out of the […]

by · August 6, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, 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: Looking ahead as Medicare turns 50

Grassley: Looking ahead as Medicare turns 50

By Chuck Grassley United States Senator   Two summers ago, Barbara and I visited the Harry S. Truman Library in Independence, Missouri. It’s also the place where President Lyndon B. Johnson chose to sign Medicare into law 50 years ago on July 30, 1965.  It was a signature moment in […]

by · August 3, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Editorial
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
It starts with life

It starts with life

By Bob Eschliman Editor   I am oftentimes asked, “Why are you doing this? What’s the point?” And my response is very simple: two terms for Barack Obama. The only way that happens is with an electorate that is so disconnected from the principles that founded our nation that it […]

by · July 31, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Editorial
There’s a difference between audacity and absurdity

There’s a difference between audacity and absurdity

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of The Iowa Statesman.   By Krusty Konservative Dictator of the Iowa Blogosphere     Audacity (n) — the willingness to take bold risks.   Absurdity (n) — the quality or state of being ridiculous or […]

by · July 31, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Editorial
(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
Yes, you do, Donald

Yes, you do, Donald

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of The Iowa Statesman.   By Jon the Southern Baptist On the Front s of the Culture War   I apologize for not jumping on this sooner, but I was a little under the weather last […]

by · July 31, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Editorial
Grassley releases weekly video address

Grassley releases weekly video address

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) has released his weekly video address, in which he discusses Whistleblower Appreciation Day. During the video, he says that government employees are entrusted with the responsibility of serving the people of this country, and that while most take their work very […]

by · July 31, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Editorial
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