Readers sound off on Iowa issues: May 12, 2026
On Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate turning over confidential voter rolls to Trump:
“I feel extremely betrayed by the governor of the state of Iowa for turning over my personal and private voter information to the Trump regime.
I felt protected and assured whenever I voted that my voter information would remain secret. But I never imagined my own home state would hand over my voter rights for nefarious purposes to steal elections.
There was no asking permission—no public notification. What personal rights did they violate?! And what’s next on Iowa’s betrayal list to keep a dictator and his sycophants in power?” — Karen M.
Gas prices:
“$5.06 cash, $5.16 credit in Oak Park, Michigan, yesterday.” — Jeff S.
Iowa’s workforce shortage:
“Dubuque County has always seemed to have stronger retention of its alumni. Cascade’s town slogan is, ‘A place we call home,’ and many of its kids take that to heart and come back here or as close to here as soon as possible right after college.
To the north of Cascade, Peosta has grown like crazy over the last twenty years. But it seems most of that has come from people wanting to move out of Dubuque. So I don’t know how many brand spanking new people are moving to the area. I don’t know how many young adults are moving here or staying. No matter how many alumni return, there’s only so much opportunity here.
I don’t know what the solution is. Young folks are understandably always going to want things rural Iowa can’t give them, whether it’s career opportunities or things to do on the weekend. The ‘place we call home’ argument doesn’t work on everyone.
Dubuque County is doing better than neighboring counties and will always have Dubuque to help a bit. But I can’t say with certainty this will still be a thriving area a decade or two from now.” — Don C., Cascade
New Iowa 3-strikes law isn’t racially biased:
“We have a crime problem in the United States. (NOTE: Crime is down, per the FBI.) In recent months, there have been many violent acts committed by Black men who have rap sheets of 20 or more arrests. (NOTE: There are more White men committing violent crimes, per the FBI.)
Judges and prosecutors give in to the false narrative that these offenders are somehow ‘disadvantaged’ or ‘racially targeted’ and oftentimes the offenders are handed light sentences if prosecuted at all. (NOTE: Nope and nope, please read Michelle Alexander’s book.)
All you have to do is look at the FBI’s crime statistics to see that Blacks disproportionately commit the majority of crimes.” — Jim H. (NOTE: This is untrue, but it has been a favored talking point of those trying to divide the working class for many decades.)
Supporting WolfTornabane in Iowa’s 4th District:
“I am tired of the chaos and negativity dominating our politics. It hasn’t led to effective governance—only frustration for the people being served.
With the primaries just weeks away, this is the moment to take a serious look at the candidates in both parties and choose a better path forward. Recent months have shown a lack of meaningful progress, and it’s clear we need new leadership.
In Iowa’s 4th District, Ashley WolfTornabane offers a refreshing alternative. Running a true grassroots campaign, she has spent countless hours meeting with voters across the district, listening and engaging directly.
Ashley brings energy, honesty, and a positive vision—qualities too often missing in today’s political climate. I believe she will remain grounded and focused on representing Iowans, not becoming another Washington insider.
If you’re looking for a change, take a closer look at Ashley WolfTornabane. She has my support in the primary and in November.” — Margaret H., Storm Lake
Feedback:
“Thank you to you and your team for the wonderful reporting–interesting, fun and accurate pieces!” — Deborah G.
A link to pass along:
“Uncensorable: The front lines of resistance journalism.” — Dirk F.
