2017

Iowans can be forgiven for not recognizing the dramatic change occurring in how our state operates. After all, no one stood up and announced officials were embarking on this change. But it is time for the people of Iowa speak up and make their views known about the direction we are headed. Otherwise, we may…

GPS Impact, the Des Moines-based political consulting operation, is expanding its reach once again in Iowa and national politics with several new hires. Trent Schacht, a well-known Iowa digital strategist, is joining the Iowa office. Julia Rosen, their new Director of Digital Strategy who held top positions at ActBlue and MoveOn.org, will be based in Brooklyn.…

Guest post from Elle Smith Will the Northern Iowa town of Mason City see its first ever Pride event? Teanna Corcoran and AJ Bradbury will test the boundaries of acceptance in this “River City.” What distinguishes a small town from the fantasies that you and I have invented for them in our coastal cities? Born…

Saturday’s Johnston legislative forum with Senator Brad Zaun and Representative Jake Highfill resulted in a shocking and outrageous disclosure by Representative Highfill. A question from one of his constituents caused Representative Highfill to admit that he keeps a blacklist of constituents he considers threats because they disagree with him. Johnston resident Vicki Harris asked Representative Highfill why…

Throughout the debate over Secretary of State Paul Pate’s voter ID bill, the most vocal and consistent critic came from Johnson County. County Auditor Travis Weipert attended nearly every committee meeting and public hearing that discussed the bill, pushing back on Pate and Republicans’ assertions on voter fraud and challenging the need for new voting…

Guest post from Mark Langgin, Citizens for a Healthy Iowa Next week Senator Chuck Grassley will chair hearings considering Judge Neil Gorsuch for an appointment to the Supreme Court. Gorsuch was nominated by President Trump, who was chosen to be a rubber stamp as his administration moves to dismantle longstanding environmental protections. Judge Gorsuch’s philosophy…

The Polk County Democratic Party will elect their critically important County Chair next Monday night. The election includes these four officers: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. However, it is the Chair position that is so vital to the future success of not only Polk County Democrats but the State Democratic Party as well. There will…

Guest post from Leadership Team of the Main Street Alliance of Iowa, including: ReShonda Young, Waterloo, owner of Popcorn Heaven, Chris Petersen, Clear Lake, family farmer, Mike Draper, Des Moines, owner of Raygun With decision after decision out of the Supreme Court favoring big business over individuals and small business, we need a Justice who will…

The Republican takeover of government both nationally and in Iowa promises huge boosts in profits to corporate America. From Trump’s slashing of EPA protections to Iowa Republicans’ war on workers, corporate America is already counting the money. Wall Street gets it; just look at the Dow Stock Market rise since Trump was elected. The market…