2019
-
When A Rural Iowa County’s Only Shoe Store Closes
If you’re on the hunt for a new pair of off-brand Crocs or high-end work boots, look no further than Ringgold County, Iowa. But for the county’s residents who are looking for anything in between, a 45-minute drive to Creston, the next county seat over, or an online shopping-spree are the only purchasing options. As…
-
It’s Wrong To View Iowa Citizens As Nuisances
There have been plenty of examples that raise questions whether government boards in Iowa truly understand they work for the people, not for government officials and employees — and that they are supposed to be looking out for the best interests of taxpayers. The latest example comes from Polk County, where county officials seemed determined to…
-
Ep103: Amy Klobuchar Interview & U.S. Senate Candidate Announcements
The Iowa Starting Line Podcast host Pat Rynard interviews Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar about her plan to help struggling farmers, new restrictive abortion laws, and her Honest Ads proposal. Plus, we talk with Patty Judge about the developing Democratic primary field for Senate, the big upcoming Hall of Fame Dinner, and Trump’s E15 decision.
-
Can Iowa Democrats Avoid A Family Feud In 2020?
Can the Iowa Democratic family avoid a repeat of the 2016 family feud that seriously fractured party unity?Because the Sanders-Clinton race was so close that year, there was a plethora of hard feelings and theories about unfair or a rigged result in the 2016 caucuses. Some argue that the deep division dampened support for Hillary…
-
Consistency And Iowa Advantage Key For Amy Klobuchar’s Hopes
Senator Amy Klobuchar has so far seen a lower national profile in the 2020 race than some Midwestern Democrats may have hoped. But Iowa is her home field advantage. As more than a few candidates for president have already said – mostly in defense of their own lackluster standings in polls – that this race…
-
Theresa Greenfield Pitches “Farm Kid” Upbringing In Senate Launch
Theresa Greenfield made it clear in her campaign launch video that she’ll go toe-to-toe with Senator Joni Ernst over who the real “farm kid” is in the 2020 Senate race. A small business owner who grew up on a farm in a rural Minnesota town near the Iowa border, Greenfield announced her anticipated Senate run…
-
See You Again In June!
Hey everyone – Starting Line will be going dark for the next week and a half as we prepare to bring on new staff to help cover the Iowa Caucus. We are opening a new office, getting all the paperwork sorted out, shoring up our finances, and getting story ideas ready. To get all this…
-
Marcia Nichols: Why I’m Endorsing Cory Booker
Guest post from former AFSCME Council 61 political director Marcia Nichols. Endorsing a presidential candidate is not a decision I take lightly. However, when we’re facing the most consequential election of our lifetimes, I think it’s incredibly important that we get this decision right. Which is why I have decided to support Cory Booker for…
-
Health Care Ads Bolster Finkenauer And Axne
A new seven-figure ad campaign will promote the work of Cindy Axne and Abby Finkenauer for their efforts to protect Iowans with pre-existing conditions and reduce the cost of care and prescription drugs. The national group Protect Our Care is running the ad campaign, called “Better Care, Lower Costs” across the country, focusing on twenty…
-
Inside Abby Finkenauer’s Quiet Rise In Congress
Two weeks ago, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer presided over the U.S. House chamber, sitting in the Speaker’s chair as the chamber discussed and passed a major flood relief package. The bill was of particular importance to Iowa, which has seen crippling flooding in recent months. Congresswoman Cindy Axne, who made history last year with Finkenauer as…
