Braley for Iowa will report raising over $1 million between October 1 and December 31

DES MOINES, IA - Braley for Iowa announced today that more than 6,200 Iowans from all 99 Iowa counties have contributed to Bruce Braley's campaign since he announced his candidacy for US Senate a year ago - helping Braley raise more than $4 million in 2013.

Braley for Iowa's Year-End Report to the Federal Election Commission, covering between October 1 and December 31, 2013, will show that the campaign raised over $1 million during the 4th quarter of 2013 and has over $2.6 million cash on hand. 

Braley for Iowa spokesman Jeff Giertz said, "The outpouring of Iowa grassroots support for Bruce Braley shows how hungry Iowans are for a Senator who will fight for the middle class to create jobs, help small businesses succeed, and work to create economic opportunities. Bruce has never forgotten where he's come from and the Iowa values fueling his campaign for Senate resonate with Iowans in all 99 counties."

Today's report is the latest sign of Iowa grassroots support for Braley's campaign. Last week, Braley announced that more than 1,000 veterans and military families have formally endorsed his candidacy

Bruce Braley was born in Grinnell and grew up in nearby Brooklyn, Iowa. His father, a Marine who fought on Iwo Jima in World War II, and his mother, a teacher, taught him the value of hard work. Braley worked jobs like road construction and truck driving to help pay his way through college and law school. As an attorney in Waterloo, Braley represented Iowans who took on powerful interests and big corporations. Elected to the US House in 2006, Braley has worked to create Iowa jobs, protect farms, strengthen small businesses, and stand up for veterans. Bruce Braley is running for Senate to fight for the things that matter most to Iowans. He'll fight for middle class families, because that's where he comes from.

Braley lives in Waterloo with his wife, Carolyn. They have three children: Lisa, David, and Paul.
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Veterans and their family members from all 99 counties say Braley is best to fight for Iowa
DES MOINES, IA - More than 1,000 Iowa veterans and family members of veterans from all 99 Iowa counties are formally endorsing Rep. Bruce Braley's candidacy for US Senate, Braley announced today at the Iowa Capitol.

The veterans and their family members are founding members of Veterans and Military Families for Braley, a group that will help lead grassroots organizational efforts for Braley's 2014 campaign. 

Braley has become known as a fighter for Iowa veterans in Washington, passing a law to give tax credits to businesses that hire unemployed veterans, taking on the Pentagon to secure combat pay for Iowa National Guard troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and expanding a program to help injured veterans secure disability-accessible housing.

Braley said, "I'm honored to have the support of so many Iowa veterans. My dad enlisted in the Marine Corps when he was 17 and landed on Iwo Jima the same day the flag was raised on Mount Suribachi. He taught me about service to country, and that's why I work hard to ensure that when our veterans return home, someone is fighting for them to help create jobs, expand educational opportunities, and ensure they get all the benefits they've earned."

Braley was joined at today's announcement by Afghanistan veteran Todd Eipperle of Marshalltown, a registered Republican and co-chair of the group, and a number of Iowa veterans.

Eipperle said, "Bruce Braley is genuinely concerned about Iowa veterans and their families. For him, it's about fighting for Iowans, not about politics. That's why I'm honored to stand with him today and endorse his candidacy for Senate. We need more people like him working for Iowa veterans in Washington."

Judy Voss of Davenport, a co-chair of the group, said, "We need Bruce Braley in the Senate, keeping up the fight for Iowa veterans. Supporting our troops means standing up for them not only when they're in harm's way, but when they come home. Bruce clearly understands that, and it's why so many veterans are standing behind him today."

Some highlights of Veterans and Military Families for Braley:
  • Includes more than 1,000 veterans and family members of veterans hailing from all 99 Iowa counties.
  • Comprised of veterans from every American war since World War II.
  • Members are registered Republicans, Democrats, and independents.
The co-chairs of Veterans and Military Families for Braley are:
  • Todd Eipperle, Marshalltown. Iowa National Guard.
  • Sen. Jack Kibbe, Emmetsburg. US Army.
  • Bill Knapp, Van Meter. US Navy.
  • Judy Voss, Davenport. US Air Force.
A full list of founding members of Veterans and Military Families for Braley can be viewed at the following link: www.brucebraley.com/veterans

Bruce Braley was born in Grinnell and grew up in nearby Brooklyn, Iowa. His father, a Marine who fought on Iwo Jima in World War II, and his mother, a teacher, taught him the value of hard work. Braley worked jobs like road construction and truck driving to help pay his way through college and law school. As an attorney in Waterloo, Braley represented Iowans who took on powerful interests and big corporations. Elected to the US House in 2006, Braley has worked to create Iowa jobs, protect farms, strengthen small businesses, and stand up for veterans. Bruce Braley is running for Senate to fight for the things that matter most to Iowans. He'll fight for middle class families, because that's where he comes from.

Braley lives in Waterloo with his wife, Carolyn. They have three children: Lisa, David, and Paul.
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Hosts Meet and Greet events in Boone, Algona, Garner, and Forest City

DES MOINES, IA - Rep. Bruce Braley took his campaign for US Senate in 2014 to four North Iowa communities today to host informal "Meet and Greet" events with local residents. The events in Boone, Algona, Garner, and Forest City marks his first campaign events in these communities since announcing his candidacy for Senate.

Braley said, "Today in Iowa, the middle class struggles with rising costs and shrinking opportunities. Politicians in Washington ignore the real problems and often make things worse. I'm running for Senate to fight for the things that matter most to Iowans.

"I grew up in Brooklyn, Iowa, and I've never forgotten where I come from. My parents taught me the value of hard work, and I worked hard in jobs like road construction to help put myself through college. In the Senate, I'll work for Iowa to create jobs, help small businesses succeed, and protect Social Security and Medicare. I'll fight for middle class Iowans, because that's where I come from."

Braley is continuing to travel the state to discuss his background and his campaign to create jobs, help small businesses succeed, and strengthen the middle class. 

Bruce Braley was born in Grinnell and grew up in nearby Brooklyn, Iowa. His father, a Marine who fought on Iwo Jima in World War II, and his mother, a teacher, taught him the value of hard work. Braley worked jobs like road construction and truck driving to help pay his way through college and law school. As an attorney in Waterloo, Braley represented Iowans who took on powerful interests and big corporations. Elected to the US House in 2006, Braley has worked to create Iowa jobs, protect farms, strengthen small businesses, and stand up for veterans. Bruce Braley is running for Senate to fight for the things that matter most to Iowans. He'll fight for middle class families, because that's where he comes from.

Braley lives in Waterloo with his wife, Carolyn. They have three children: Lisa, David, and Paul.
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WATERLOO, IA - On Monday, December 10th, 2012, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) will host a potluck event in Davenport to thank supporters in Scott County.  Braley has represented Scott County in Congress since 2007, but due to decennial redistricting effective in January, the First Congressional District will no longer include the Iowa Quad Cities.  Attendees are asked to bring a dish to share.  The event will also feature a cash bar.

Monday December 10th, 2012
5:00pm Thank You Potluck for Scott County Supporters, Hosted by Rep. Bruce Braley
Renwick Mansion
901 Tremont Ave.
Davenport, Iowa

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Group of Democratic, Republican and independent mayors want Braley back in Congress

WATERLOO, IA -- Citing his work to create jobs, strengthen the rural economy, and keep small town post offices open, a group of twenty eastern Iowa mayors have announced their endorsement of Bruce Braley for re-election to Congress today.  The mayors represent small towns and large cities, and are a mix of Democrats, Republicans, and independents.

Independence Mayor Carl Scharff, a Democrat, said, "Bruce Braley has successfully brought people together in Congress to create jobs.  His 'Back to Work Act' cutting taxes for small businesses helped create 100,000 jobs right here in Iowa.  We need Bruce Braley back in Congress."

Former Brandon Mayor Bob Bearbower, a Republican, said, "When the Postal Service wanted to close our post office, threatening the future of our community, Bruce Braley stepped in and fought for us.  He stood up to bureaucrats in Washington and kept our post office open, protecting our small town economy."

Mayor Chad Deutch of Evansdale, a registered independent, said, "Bruce Braley grew up in a small town, and he understands the unique challenges we face.  Bruce has fought for Iowa on the big issues, like jobs, healthcare, and the farm bill, but he's never forgotten where he's come from either.  He's always looking out for Iowa, and he'll keep working for us if he's re-elected."

The mayoral endorsements come as momentum behind Braley's campaign is strengthening.  Yesterday, the Des Moines Register endorsed Braley.  Last week, the Dubuque Telegraph-Herald announced their endorsement.

Today, Braley is launching a "Small Town Values" tour that will take him to communities in nearly every county in the First District over the next five days.  During the tour, Braley will discuss his small town upbringing in Brooklyn, Iowa, and his work to strengthen the rural economy and create jobs.

List of 20 Eastern Iowa Mayors Announcing Support of Bruce Braley

Dick Avenarius, Peosta

Former Mayor Bob Bearbower, Brandon

Buck Clark, Waterloo

Jon Crews, Cedar Falls

Chad Deutsch, Evansdale

Dave Fish, Belle Plaine

Bob Garms, Elkader

Alfred Hochkiss, Lamont

Adam Meyer, St. Olaf

Larry Murphy, Oelwein

Scott Peterson, Mt. Vernon

Dick Quackenbush, Jesup

Sandra Ricklefs, Center Junction

Darrell Rittmer, Sabula

Barb Robinson, Dundee

Jim Roling, St. Donatus

Carl Scharff, Independence

Curtis Thornhill, Onslow

Maurice Welch, Fairbank

Danny Zimmerman, Tama

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The Des Moines Register delivered a ringing endorsement of Rep. Bruce Braley for re-election to Congress in this morning's paper, saying "it's hard to think of many members of Iowa's delegation who have worked harder or smarter or who took his job more seriously."

Last Sunday, the Dubuque Telegraph-Herald endorsed Braley.


US House District 1: Bruce Braley
Des Moines Register
October 21, 2012
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20121021/OPINION03/310210050&Ref=AR

Bruce Braley has served three terms in Congress and clearly deserves another. It is hard to think of many members of Iowa's delegation who have worked harder or smarter or who took his job more seriously.
The Waterloo attorney has been intimately involved in a wide range of issues, from health reform to economic recovery to disaster relief. Unlike some lawmakers, Braley actually reads legislation and works hard to shape the final product to his liking before voting.
Braley's passion for working to help individual constituents in his district is obvious when he talks about Iowans he has helped, such as making homes adaptable for disabled veterans like the double amputees who fought in Afghanistan. "This is not an abstract thing to me," he said during a meeting with Register editors and writers.
Just as important, the Democrat understands the need to bridge the divide between parties, something he says he tries to do wherever he goes, including the House gym. "People don't trust each other," he said. Making progress is more likely "if you know and like the people you're working with."
Rather than getting mired down in the gridlock plaguing Congress, Braley focuses on finding areas of agreement to get something done. That included legislation making the writing in government publications easier for average people to understand. He also recognizes the importance of balancing the budget and has supported spending cuts as well as ending the country's involvement in Afghanistan.
Braley is being challenged for the second time by Independence Republican Ben Lange. Also a bright, young attorney with political talent, he has shown a more nuanced understanding of issues vital to the district this time around. Still, he relies too heavily on Republican talking points, and he falls short of making the case for ousting the incumbent.

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U.S. Senator from Minnesota to address Braley supporters in Waterloo


Waterloo, IA - On Sunday in Waterloo, Rep. Bruce Braley will hold his 8th annual "Bruce, Blues and Barbeque" Iowa grassroots fundraising event. U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) will headline the event and address supporters.

Bruce, Blues and Barbeque is open to the public. Tickets are still available at http://www.brucebraley.com/BBQ or at the door. Cost is $15 for students, $30 for individuals, $50 for couples, and $75 for families.


Sunday October 14th, 2012

5:30pm -- Bruce, Blues, and Barbeque
UAW Hall, Local #838
2615 Washington St.
Waterloo, Iowa


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WASHINGTON, DC -- Veterans and Military Families for Progress (www.vmfp.org) enthusiastically and proudly endorses Bruce Braley in the upcoming election for the 1st Congressional District of Iowa. Founded in 2005, VMFP is dedicated to ensuring that the rights and needs of veterans, active-duty service members (including national guard and reservists), and their families are understood by the American public, endorsed by our elected officials, and protected by legislation, regulation, and public policy initiatives.
Congressman Bruce  Braley is a strong supporter of our nation's veterans and active armed forces. While serving on the Veterans Affairs Committee Congressman Braley has clearly demonstrated his determination to work on behalf of  our nation's veterans by supporting legislation that would benefit all veterans in securing employment opportunities.  Congressman  Braley's strong commitment to the issues that are critical to veterans, those serving now, and their families is unsurpassed. His public support for priority funding of the Veterans Administration and his declared determination to provide for the establishment of a national veterans and military family policy give all veterans and their families especially those who are living in Iowa's 1st Congressional district hope that they will continue to have a Congressman who will vote in such a way as to keep faith with those who have served and sacrificed.
Because of his father's  courageous service  on Iwo Jima Congressman Braley  has a deep  personal understanding and commitment  to the men and women and families of those who have sacrificed for our nation. Through the knowledge and  experience that Congressman Braley has acquired while serving on the Veterans' Affairs Committee he has been instrumental in passing legislation to create jobs for veterans, improve the lives of countless disabled vets, and ensure that our military men and women get the benefits they've earned.

Mr. Braley's decision to support legislation for improving the treatment of veterans with traumatic brain injuries and PTSD, and his deep understanding of the need for providing and guaranteeing full health coverage for National Guard and Reserve personnel, demonstrate that he is a candidate who has the character and courage and personal family experience to do what is right for those in service to our country. We feel that veterans, active duty, military families, and in fact, all people of Iowa's First Congressional District will be well-served with Bruce Braley as their representative by ensuring that America remains strong in national defense and in fighting terrorism.

"I'm honored to have the support of the Veterans and Military Families for Progress," said Braley.  "I've worked hard in Congress to honor the service of my father on Iwo Jima by standing up for our veterans.  These brave men and women and their families deserve our unwavering support, not only when they're fighting for us abroad but when they return home."
Veterans and Military Families for Progress is a 501(c)(4) non-partisan, not-for-profit veterans' organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. It is a 21st Century organization made up of members located throughout the country, and from across the breadth of rank and military services, who served, are serving, or are family members of those who have heeded the call to serve their country in the U.S. military.
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Braley's working to cut middle class taxes; Lange plan could raise taxes on middle class

WATERLOO, IA -- The Braley for Congress campaign released a new television ad today contrasting Braley's record supporting middle class tax cuts with Ben Lange's proposed "two-tier" tax plan, which would threaten middle class families with a tax increase while millionaires pay less.
Lange wants to limit the number of federal income tax brackets to two: anyone making over $125,000 per year would pay 25 percent, and anyone making under that amount would pay 10 percent.  [Scott County Candidates Event, 9/28/2010; www.langeforcongress.com]
Unless Lange is willing to radically increase the federal budget deficit, his plan would endanger popular middle class tax breaks like the home mortgage interest deduction and tax credits for college and child care expenses.
In fact, the independent Tax Policy Center has warned against plans like Lange's, saying "...it is not mathematically possible to design a revenue-neutral plan that preserves current incentives for savings and investment and that does not result in a net tax cut for high-income taxpayers and a net tax increase for lower- and/or middle-income taxpayers..."  [Tax Policy Center, 8/1/12]
"Ben Lange's risky tax plan could bring the tax man to the door of thousands of middle class families while giving millionaires a huge tax cut," said Jeff Giertz, Braley for Congress campaign manager.  "The middle class is already struggling.  But Ben Lange would threaten tax breaks on college tuition, home mortgages, and child care.  Iowa families can hardly afford to pay for a new tax cut for the rich.
"Bruce Braley is working to cut taxes for small businesses and the middle class.  He passed a small business tax credit that put 100,000 Iowans back to work, and introduced legislation to cut taxes for 99 percent of Iowans."
Braley's ad can be viewed at the following link: http://youtu.be/CIi-5mnqlko
Iowans delivered copy of Ryan Budget to Lange last week

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA -- After delivering a fresh copy of Rep. Paul Ryan's budget to Ben Lange's campaign headquarters last week, a group of concerned Iowans said they were excited at the prospect of Lange's "major campaign announcement" today being a straight answer on whether or not he'd support the Ryan Budget.

Lange already supports key proposals in the Ryan Budget, including provisions that would end guaranteed Medicare and Social Security benefits for workers under age 55.  But for six months, Lange has said that because he hasn't read the entire Ryan Budget, he won't give a clear answer on whether he'd vote for it or against it.

Cedar Rapids resident Mike Olson said, "After dropping off a copy of the Ryan Budget at Ben Lange's office last week, I can only assume Mr. Lange has taken time to read the proposal and tell us where he stands.  We all know Ben Lange supports the big ideas in the Ryan Budget, like turning Medicare into a voucher program and privatizing Social Security.   But I'm excited to finally hear a straight answer from Ben Lange as to whether he'd vote for the Ryan Budget or oppose it."

Cedar Rapids resident Norm Sterzenbach, Sr., said, "Given all his talk of political courage, we expect Ben Lange to level with Iowa voters today and give us a clear answer on whether he'd vote for the Ryan Budget.  That would be a major announcement!"

Lange has said repeatedly he supports phasing out Social Security and Medicare's guaranteed benefits for workers under age 55 - proposals taken practically word-for-word from Rep. Paul Ryan's budget proposal.  

Yet for months, Lange has refused to say whether he'd vote for or against the Ryan Budget, saying he can't take a position because he hasn't read the bill. 

Last week, the group of Iowans delivered a copy of the Ryan Budget to Lange's headquarters, thinking Lange might have misplaced his copy.  A web video of the group delivering the budget can be viewed here: http://youtu.be/Gv9NyICp8kk


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