2018
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Legislative Democrats Roll Out Main Themes For 2018 Agenda
Iowa Democrats rolled out a four-part plan this week called “Putting Iowans First,” outlining what they want for the future of the state. Democrats hope to focus on what Iowans have said are their biggest concerns. The plan to improve “lives for everyday Iowans” includes bringing higher-paying jobs to the state, rejuvenating rural towns across…
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Who Raised The Most Money In The Iowa Legislature
The 2018 elections could see Democrats retake a chamber in the Iowa Legislature. But which candidates are best prepared financially to defend their seats? Starting Line compiled the fundraising totals of every incumbent and legislative candidate to find out. You can download the spreadsheet I made here if you want to play around with the…
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Students Hit Hardest In Senate Republicans’ $52 Million Cuts
Iowa students could see a sharp spike in their tuition next semester if Senate Republicans successfully pass their de-appropriations bill for the current Fiscal Year 2018, which includes a $19.2 million cut for Iowa Board of Regents universities. That’s drastically higher than what Governor Kim Reynolds proposed two weeks ago – her de-appropriations proposal had…
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Rizer, Miller, Baudler Retirements Shake Up Iowa House Map For 2018
A trio of retirements announced in the past several days could have a big impact on who controls the Iowa House after the 2018 elections. Open seats always create more competition, and the retirements of Ken Rizer, Helen Miller and Clel Baudler could turn districts with strong incumbents into key battle ground races. Rizer’s Marion-based…
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John Forbes Backs Fred Hubbell, As Do Half-Dozen Former Legislators
Fred Hubbell added to his list of endorsements from state legislators today – Democratic State Representative John Forbes of Urbandale announced his support of the Des Moines businessman’s campaign. Forbes’ backing adds another lawmaker who’s been heavily involved in crafting healthcare policy at the Statehouse on to Hubbell’s team. Both Forbes and Matt McCoy, who…
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An America Without Newspapers
If the falling circulation for the nation’s newspapers continues, that headline could become a reality. What would an America without newspapers mean to political understanding and awareness? Investigative journalists led by the New York Times and the Washington Post have exposed the Trump administration’s lies and their attempted cover-up. If America didn’t have newspaper journalists…
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Ep6: Statehouse Reporting & An Interview With John Norris
Iowa Starting Line Podcast episode #6 begins with host Pat Rynard & a conversation between Statehouse reporters Brianne Pfannenstiel of the Des Moines Register & Erin Murphy of Lee Newspapers, followed by an interview with Gubernatorial candidate John Norris.
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Iowa House Clerk Arrested For A Drunk And Disorderly, Escorted From Capitol
The big lights of the Iowa Capitol aren’t for everyone, and each session one or two young clerks or pages invariably find a way to publicly embarrass themselves or get fired for something ridiculous. One Iowa House clerk made their exit from the state’s august debating chamber in style today, being forcibly removed from the…
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Which Legislative Candidates Stood Out In Fundraising Reports
The gubernatorial fundraising totals drew the big headlines from the January 19 fundraising deadline, but there was plenty of other interesting news in some of the legislative filings. Today, we’ll just look at the people challenging incumbents or running for open seats, most of whom are first-time candidates. Later in the week we’ll delve into…
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The Top Two Of The Top Ten Things I Want In A President
Recently the Register ran a “Letter to the Editor” I wrote entitled “Ten Attributes We Need in a President.” They were in no particular order and were bi-partisan in nature. Here they are as listed: Be honest. Have empathy. Put your ego on hold. Do not engage in or support “Fake News” Respect the “Rule…
