CANTON, MO. (06/16/2011)(readMedia)-- Bettendorf, Iowa, native Kaitlyn Gutheil was named to the Culver-Stockton College President's List for the spring 2011 semester.

To be named to an honors list, Culver-Stockton College requires students to meet high academic standards. President's List students have earned a 4.0 GPA and were enrolled in a minimum of 12 hours. Dean's List students have earned between a 3.5 and 3.99 GPA and were enrolled in a minimum of 12 hours, with no grade lower than a C. Honor Roll students have earned between a 3.2 and 3.49 and were enrolled in a minimum of 12 hours, with no grade lower than a C.

Culver-Stockton College is a private, liberal arts college located in Canton, Missouri.

On the web: http://readabout.me/achievements/Kaitlyn-Gutheil-named-to-Culver-Stockton-Colleges-Presidents-List/2579783.

Bipartisan Group Urges Accelerated Transition of Forces

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today joined a bipartisan group of 27 senators in sending a letter to President Obama calling for a shift in strategy in Afghanistan ahead of next month's announced deadline to begin an accelerated transition to Afghan security forces. In the letter, the senators urge the President to use the deadline as an opportunity to begin a "sizable and sustained" drawdown of troops that puts the U.S. on a path toward removing all regular combat troops from the country.

In their letter, the senators noted that the primary objectives for U.S. involvement in Afghanistan have been largely met - including the removal of the Taliban government that sheltered al Qaeda, the killing of Osama bin Laden and the disruption of terrorist networks allied with Al Qaeda and those who planned the Sept. 11th attacks on the United States. Noting those successes and the ability to pursue counter-terrorism and humanitarian goals without a massive nation-building effort, the senators wrote, "the costs of prolonging the war far outweigh the benefits. It is time for the United States to shift course in Afghanistan."

"We urge you to follow through on the pledge you made to the American people to begin redeployment of U.S. forces from Afghanistan this summer, and to do so in a manner that is sizable and sustained, and includes combat troops as well as logistical and support forces. We look forward to working with you to pursue a strategy in Afghanistan that makes our nation stronger and more secure," the letter reads.

The full text of the letter is below:

June 15, 2011

The President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

We write to express our strong support for a shift in strategy and the beginning of a sizable and sustained reduction of U.S. military forces in Afghanistan, beginning in July 2011.

In 2001 the United States rightfully and successfully intervened in Afghanistan with the goals of destroying al Qaeda's safe haven, removing the Taliban government that sheltered al Qaeda, and pursuing those who planned the September 11 attacks on the United States. Those original goals have been largely met and today, as CIA Director Leon Panetta noted last June, "I think at most, we're looking at maybe 50 to 100, maybe less" al Qaeda members remaining in Afghanistan.

In addition, over the past few years, U.S. forces have killed or captured dozens of significant al Qaeda leaders. Then, on May 2, 2011, American Special Forces acting under your direction located and killed Osama bin Laden. The death of the founder of al Qaeda is a major blow that further weakens the terrorist organization.

From the initial authorization of military force through your most recent State of the Union speech, combating al Qaeda has always been the rationale for our military presence in Afghanistan. Given our successes, it is the right moment to initiate a sizable and sustained reduction in forces, with the goal of steadily redeploying all regular combat troops.

There are those who argue that rather than reduce our forces, we should maintain a significant number of troops in order to support a lengthy counter-insurgency and nation building effort. This is misguided. We will never be able to secure and police every town and village in Afghanistan. Nor will we be able to build Afghanistan from the ground up into a Western-style democracy.

Endemic corruption in Afghanistan diverts resources intended to build roads, schools, and clinics, and some of these funds end up in the hands of the insurgents. Appointments of provincial and local officials on the basis of personal alliances and graft leads to deep mistrust by the Afghan population. While it is a laudable objective to attempt to build new civic institutions in Afghanistan, this goal does not justify the loss of American lives or the investment of hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars.

Instead of continuing to be embroiled in ancient local and regional conflicts in Afghanistan, we must accelerate the transfer of responsibility for Afghanistan's development to the Afghan people and their government. We should maintain our capacity to eliminate any new terrorist threats, continue to train the Afghan National Security Forces, and maintain our diplomatic and humanitarian efforts. However, these objectives do not require the presence of over 100,000 American troops engaged in intensive combat operations.

Mr. President, according to our own intelligence officials, al Qaeda no longer has a large presence in Afghanistan, and, as the strike against bin Laden demonstrated, we have the capacity to confront our terrorist enemies with a dramatically smaller footprint. The costs of prolonging the war far outweigh the benefits. It is time for the United States to shift course in Afghanistan.

We urge you to follow through on the pledge you made to the American people to begin the redeployment of U.S. forces from Afghanistan this summer, and to do so in a manner that is sizable and sustained, and includes combat troops as well as logistical and support forces.

We look forward to working with you to pursue a strategy in Afghanistan that makes our nation stronger and more secure.

Sincerely,

Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA)
Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT)
Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO)
Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM)
Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA)
Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD)
Sen. Kent Conrad (D-ND)
Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL)
Sen. Al Franken (D-MN)
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA)
Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ)
Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT)
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT)
Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ)
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY)
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-NY)
Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM)
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR)

The Tea Party Express (www.TeaPartyExpress.org) announced today that more than 100 local tea party, 912 and conservative groups representing every state in the nation have signed on to cosponsor the groundbreaking Tea Party Presidential Debate on September 12, 2011.

The debate will take place in Tampa, Florida - a crucial state in the Republican presidential primary and the 2012  election.

Earlier this year, it was announced that Tea Party Express was teaming up with CNN to host the only national Tea Party debate, which will have a sharp focus on the core tea party issues of fiscal responsibility. Republican presidential candidates vying for the support of the tea party movement and would focus exclusively on the core tea party issues of fiscal responsibility.

"We are absolutely thrilled to have the power and influence of so many tea party co-sponsors in every state." said Tea Party Express Chairman Amy Kremer. "Tea party members across the country are more aware and engaged than ever. We are watching the presidential race very carefully, and preparing to support the best candidate that offers real solutions that will help secure the future prosperity of America."

Chief Strategist Sal Russo said, "Our expectation is that with the entire tea party movement engaged in this debate, candidates will emerge with strong tea party support and the momentum to win the Republican nomination. The many groups are looking to coalesce behind a constitutional conservative who can articulate clear vision and a way forward for the country."

Kremer and Russo are in Manchester, NH for the CNN/WMUR/New Hampshire Union Leader presidential debate. To schedule an interview with Kremer or Russo about the New Hampshire debate, contact Levi Russell at Levi@FrontlineStrat.com or

Local tea party groups seeking information on becoming co-sponsors of the Tea Party Debate are encouraged to send an email toInfo@TeaPartyExpress.org for more information.

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For months, political observers and handicappers have placed Iowa in the toss-up column for the 2012 Presidential election. This week, a memo from the Republican National Committee indicates Iowa will be squarely in play for 2012. Our state is 1of 9 President Obama won in 2008 but George Bush won in 2004.
The RNC memo describes the shifting landscape in Iowa as evidence that President Obama will have his work cut out for him when he returns to campaign. One staggering statistic for the incumbent is that since he took office, 1 in 10 Iowa Democrats has fled the party. During this time, Republicans have closed the registration gap for 27 consecutive months. Independents and Democrats alike understand that this administration's policies, from the failed stimulus bill to ObamaCare, have done nothing to revive our economy.
Beyond registrations, the RNC memo cites Iowa Republicans huge electoral gains in 2010 as cause for concern for the Obama Administration. With a Republican Governor and Republican controlled House, President Obama will find a much different political atmosphere in November of 2012.

Buy Straw Poll Tickets Online!
The Ames Straw Poll is 65 days away and interest in the event continues to bubble. Party staff is working overtime to make sure this event is a success. As part of that process, we have for the first time made tickets available to purchase online. Simply click on the link below to get your tickets securely online. We look forward to seeing you in Ames.

Grassley Continues Rigorous Oversight
Senator Grassley has always taken his constitutional role of oversight very seriously. As an elected representative, he has exposed waste, fraud and abuse in a effort to protect taxpayer dollars. He was on the case again this week, shedding light on unsatisfactory audits at the Department of Defense that leave "huge sums of money vulnerable to theft and waste."

Upcoming Dates
August 11-Iowa GOP/Fox News Presidential Debate
August 13- Ames Straw Poll
Governor Branstad Working "Hand in Hand" with Iowans
Takes common-sense budget ideas to 43 cities

Last November, voters rallied around Governor Branstad's message of working to create private sector jobs and restoring common-sense budgeting after years of reckless spending. Since taking office, Governor Branstad has offered a budget proposal that restores fiscal sanity to state government and helps establish a foundation for economic growth.

Earlier this week, the Governor Started his 43 city "Working Together for a Better Future" tour. He has spent this week listening to Iowans and advocating for budget that spends less than it takes in. By taking his message on the road, our Governor is working hand in hand with Iowans to craft a brighter future for our state.

WARSAW, POLAND (05/27/2011)(readMedia)-- President Barack Obama and twelve Illinois National Guard Soldiers laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Warsaw, Poland Friday. The Illinois troops and Polish Soldiers have been training together on responding to a chemical attack since May 19 as part of the crisis management exercise EPIFAKTOR 2011 in Warsaw, Poland.

Capt. Douglas Coop of Jacksonville, the State Partnership Program Director said the Illinois National Guard received the request to support the President's visit on Tuesday and the 12 troops were happy to assist.

"To meet the President and share with him the Illinois National Guard's cooperation with Poland was the icing on the cake of almost two years of hard work," said Coop.

Since 1993 Illinois Army National Guard and Polish force have trained together as part of the State Partnership Program.

Coop presented Obama with an Illinois National Guard State Partnership Program coin and said Obama expressed remorse about the Chicago Bulls playoff loss and thanked them for their service during their brief visit.

"The President took time to shake each of our hands and visit briefly with use, acknowledging that we're all from his home state," said Coop.

The Illinois Soldiers are part of the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High Yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP) and will return from Poland this weekend.

"Who gets to do this?," said Maj. Michael Eiter of Woodstock with the Joint Force Headquarters. "When I joined the guard I never imagined that I'd be part of something called the State Partnership Program and working with Polish counterparts and have a chance to meet the President."

Illinois and Poland have conducted exercises both in Illinois and Poland for 18 years. Polish forces and Illinois National Guard troops have deployed together to both Iraq and Afghanistan during every Polish rotation into theater.The Soldiers participating in EPIFAKTOR 2011 are from Carol Stream, Chicago, Bismark, Rockford, Granite City, Cottage Hills, Glenarm, Alton, Jacksonville, Chatham and Woodstock.

Lynchburg, VA - Attendees of The Awakening 2011 participated in a straw poll of possible Republican primary candidates for President in 2012. Rep. Michele Bachmann won the straw poll with 23%, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee came in just behind her at 22% and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich received 21% of the votes.

 

The complete results were: Bachmann, 23.30%; Huckabee, 22.82%; Gingrich, 21.36%; Ron Paul, 11.65%, "Other," 8.26%; Sarah Palin, 5.34%; Tim Pawlenty and Rick Santorum tied at 2.91%, Mitt Romney at 0.97% and finally Haley Barbour at 0.49%. The poll was conducted by ccAdvertising using a telephone call-in option that allows the user of the phone number to make one selection for a range of potential candidates. The poll was not intended to be an endorsement of candidates.

 

The Awakening 2011 is sponsored by the Freedom Federation, which is a federation of multiracial, multiethnic, and multigenerational faith-based and policy leaders and organizations representing over 40 million people who are united by one or more core values expressed in the Declaration of American Values.

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Washington, DC - February 14, 2011 - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement in response to the President's budget for fiscal year 2012:

"Today, the President released a budget that clearly involved some tough decisions - and I'm glad to see he is making an effort to address the very real problem of our outrageous deficit," said Rep. Braley. "I was pleased to see some of the President's proposed cuts, and while it's a good start, I think we can go even further.

"This budget clearly reflects our new national reality - the era of big borrowing and big spending is over. But we can, and must, go even further to reduce our deficit. As I said to the President and Speaker Boehner in a letter last week, we can't present Americans with false choices over issues as important as our national deficit and debt. We must work together - in the House, with the Senate and with the President - to present a responsible, common-sense budget plan to the American people. Our country's future depends on it."

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Monday, February 14, 2011

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa made the following comment on the President's proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2012 released today.  Grassley is a senior member of the Budget Committee and the Finance Committee.  He is former chairman and ranking member of the Finance Committee, with jurisdiction over tax policy.

"The President said families have to live within their budgets, but his proposal makes a mockery of that statement.  Over 10 years, the debt balloons from $14 trillion today to more than $26 trillion. On any measure of debt, his budget makes things worse, not better.  Instead of tax reform, there are the same scattershot tax increases used to pay for new spending.  The President isn't using his bully pulpit to develop a national consensus on any issues that require leadership and the use of political capital.  President Bush stuck his neck out on entitlement reform, and it seems to me this President is avoiding a national debate on entitlement spending.  It's hard to reconcile the President's stated goal of getting the economy moving with his preference for tax increases.  Businesses have been crystal clear on tax increases and excessive regulations being the enemies of job creation.  You add all that up, and the President's budget is very disappointing."

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 11, 2011 - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today issued the following statement after learning that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak had resigned.

"Today is an historic day on many levels, but none of greater significance than for the people of Egypt, who have clearly spoken.  It seems that the departure of President Mubarak is a step toward democracy.  But despite their intent, I cannot help but be concerned over the role of the Egyptian military in this transition.  There must be a transition to stable, civilian governance - something that will honor the Egyptian people's will - not just another strongman."
Asks President, Speaker for a plan to avoid raising debt ceiling


Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) sent a letter to President Barack Obama and Speaker John Boehner asking them to provide a plan to avoid raising the debt ceiling. Secretary of the Treasury Tim Geithner has stated that the U.S. will reach its debt limit sometime in April or May - and Speaker Boehner has indicated that the House will take a vote on raising the debt limit soon.

"Our national debt is around 14 trillion dollars and growing. That's unacceptable," said Braley. "Voters across the country spoke loud and clear last November - they want us to get spending under control. The President and Speaker are giving Congress and the American people a false choice - vote to raise the debt ceiling or vote to shut down the government. I know there's a better way. We must put forward a common sense, middle-of-the-road plan to bring down our debt and avoid having to make this false choice in April or May. That's why I hope the President and Speaker Boehner will propose a plan to avoid this scenario.

"I know, and the American people know, that we will have to make tough choices and tough cuts. I look forward to this process and to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get our spending under control. But I cannot accept a situation where we kick the can further down the road. If we don't stop borrowing and spending now, when will we?

"In December, I voted against the $850 billion package of Bush tax bonuses for the rich because I know those tax bonuses are such a significant part of our national deficit. Both the President and Speaker Boehner supported them. Now, I want to hear their plan for cutting government spending in a way that doesn't force us to raise the debt ceiling once again.".

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