February 2018
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Campaign Shakeup: Kim Reynolds’ Campaign Manager Departs
In a bit of ominous news for Governor Kim Reynold’s election hopes this year, her campaign manager has left the campaign. The Associated Press reported this morning that Phil Valenziano had stepped down from his role of running Reynolds’ campaign and that they would announce a new manager in a few weeks. Valenziano caused the campaign…
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Deepest Reasons To Be A Democrat
George Lakoff is perhaps the best-known writer on framing Democratic messaging. He suggests that the Democrats’ political future depends on how well they can explain why they are Democrats. Lakoff says Democrats must recall who they represent and why. He argues that Democrats fight for basic public resources that benefit all Americans. He says Democrats…
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What Are The Next Ten Words In 1st District Race? A Forum Reflection
A guest post from Linn County Supervisor Stacey Walker One of the greatest screenwriters of the modern era developed a political television series called The West Wing. While the series came to an end over a decade ago, it has become required watching not only for students of electoral politics, but for all civic-minded Americans.…
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Ep13: Early 2020 Iowa Caucus Preparation & Gun Safety Debate
Iowa Starting Line Podcast host Pat Rynard sits down with political consultant Sam Roecker to discuss preparing for the 2020 Iowa Caucus (as a candidate) followed by an interview with Senate District 19 candidate Amber Gustafson about her candidacy & the country’s ongoing gun debate.
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Iowa Subsidizing Huge State Companies With Runaway Tax Credits
Rockwell Collins, one of Iowa’s largest corporations with over $5.26 billion in sales, paid no Iowa income tax in 2017. However, because of an out-of-control state Research Tax Credit program, Rockwell Collins received a check from Iowa taxpayers for nearly $14 million dollars in 2017. Rockwell Collins is just one of 29 of Iowa’s largest…
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When Will We Ever Act?
That priest in Australia nailed it with his message on the Anglican church sign last week: “When Will They Love Their Kids More Than Their Guns.” The sign was a pointed reference to the latest St. Valentine’s Day massacre in the United States. This massacre didn’t involve a bunch of thugs shot to death with…
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Iowans Start Planning Gun Safety Rallies For March 24
Rallies planned by Iowa organizations to speak out on gun violence are quickly attracting attention and interest. A “March For Our Lives” rally will be held in conjunction with national marches on March 24 in Des Moines at the Capitol, organized by Progress Iowa (the Facebook event page is here). Well over 2,000 have expressed…
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Ep12: John Delaney’s 2020 Run & Statehouse Funnel Talk
Iowa Starting Line Podcast host Pat Rynard sits down for a discussion on key bills at the Statehouse with Representatives Amy Nielsen & Todd Prichard, followed by a special interview with Democratic 2020 presidential candidate John Delaney.
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Students Warn GOP Budget May Be “Final Nail In The Coffin” For College Affordability
Iowans gathered in a Statehouse conference room this morning to sound off in front of legislators about another year of deep budget cuts implemented by the Republican majority. Half of the speakers at the public hearing were college students from one of the three regent universities. At issue was Republicans’ Senate File 2117, which cuts…
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Iowa Caucus-Goers Need To Be On Guard For Russian Tricks In 2020
The release of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s indictment of 13 Russians charged with interfering with the American election added extra proof to what many already suspected and knew of Russia’s 2016 meddling. The 37-page indictment added plenty of new details to the far-reaching efforts of Russian operatives’ efforts to use social media to turn Americans…
