15 Jan 2015

Illinois National Guard supports Gubernatorial Inauguration

By Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

SPRINGFIELD, IL (01/14/2015)(readMedia)-- SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The Illinois National Guard supported the inauguration of Governor Bruce Rauner, Jan. 12, at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield, Illinois.

Illinois Governor Rauner is commander in chief to the Illinois National Guard when they are not under federal activation.

"We had a great chance to represent the Guard," said Maj. Bryan Miller of Naperville, Illinois, 566th Air Force Band (AFB) commander. "It's an honor to be part of an integral part of the inauguration."

The 144th Army Band and 566th AFB performed more than 20 songs during the event, playing an hour before the event as well as post inauguration. The two bands prepared for the event every four years as a part of their ongoing mission. Nevertheless, there are many different pieces to coordinate with such a large event.

"We have to take care of the logistics and protocol within the convention center," said Miller. "We have to work with the technical aspect and the governor's staff to ensure we have the correct script and timing. We must be prepared to start the event late and remain on time with the script."

Miller said this is his fifth inauguration he attended with the band and commends the band members for their long history performing at inaugurations.

"It's an honor to have the opportunity to represent the Guard on a personal and unit level," said Miller. "It's challenging; things are constantly changing. Equally, it's very humbling to stand in front of our Soldiers and Airmen. It's an honor to be on that team and lead that team."

The Illinois Army and Air Force National Guard's four-man color guard team rehearsed together in support of the inauguration.

In preparation for the event, the color guard teams went over procedures and rehearsed for the event.

"I have been in the honor guard more than a year. This if my first color guard event," said Sgt. Jacob A. King of Monticello, Illinois, with the 233rd Military Police Company in Springfield, Illinois. "I felt honored to be a part of this event."

19 Dec 2014

Governor Quinn Calls Legislative Special Session

By Dave Blanchette

Governor Urges Legislature to Set Up 2016 Special Election for Comptroller

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today called legislators back to Springfield on Jan. 8, 2015, to consider legislation that would allow voters to fill the elected position of Illinois Comptroller. A special election will give voters the opportunity to choose their Comptroller in the next statewide election on Nov. 8, 2016. The primary election is scheduled for March 15, 2016. Governor Quinn issued the following statement:

"Judy Baar Topinka's passing has not only left us heartbroken - the people of Illinois have been left without their elected representative in the Comptroller's Office.

"Nobody but Judy Baar Topinka was elected to do this job. That's why it's so important that voters have the soonest possible opportunity to elect their Comptroller. Holding a special election is the right thing to do.

"Members of the legislature should set up a special election for 2016 so that voters can exercise their democratic right to decide who will serve as their Comptroller."

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09 Dec 2014

American Bridge Kicks Off the 2016 Presidential Campaign with New Book: 2016 Scouting Report - American Bridge's Media Guide To The Republican Presidential Field

By Randy Stalsberg
Democratic Opposition Research Playbook Will Be Shared with Allies, Press and the Public and Represents the Most Comprehensive Early Look Ever at a Presidential Field


Washington, D.C. - American Bridge is setting the stage for the 2016 Republican primary contest today by releasing the first-ever presidential playbook on the wide field of potential GOP candidates. At nearly 200 pages, 2016 Scouting Report: American Bridge's Media Guide to the Republican Presidential Field is the most comprehensive early look ever assembled and will give allies and operatives a head start on defining the 2016 field.

This playbook represents the first glance at some of the critical intelligence American Bridge's researchers have begun to assemble on 20 potential Republican candidates. 2016 Scouting Report exposes some of the GOP field's biggest vulnerabilities and foreshadows impending lines of attack against them. It will be shared with allies, the press, and the public as a reference point for when these candidates move to the right to appeal to the most conservative wing of the Republican Party. The guide will ensure they are held accountable for their words and actions as they attempt to win the nomination. American Bridge has printed over 2,000 initial hard copies of the 2016 Scouting Report to date and is distributing it to activists, operatives, and reporters across the country. 

The new book, E-book, and companion website assembles critical information about these candidates and presents it as a single streamlined, user-friendly book - 23 months before Election Day 2016. From Chris Christie to Scott Walker and from Jeb Bush to Ben Carson, the 2016 Scouting Report is full of the must know career highlights and statistics on the field as well as issues to watch and potential questions to ask for each candidate as he or she navigates the primary contest.

"The 2016 Scouting Report: American Bridge's Media Guide to the Republican Presidential Field is an essential resource for anyone interested in politics. Whether you're an embed on a campaign, a talking head on television, a political operative or activist, or just a concerned citizen trying to sift through all of the Republican contenders, 2016 Scouting Report is the perfect introduction to a Republican presidential field that is as large and undistinguished as any in my lifetime," writes Paul Begala in his foreword.

"There is no doubt that the battle for the 2016 Republican nomination will produce fireworks. The field is a mix of long-time Tea Party favorites and candidates who are desperately racing right to prove their conservative bona fides. I'm proud to say that there will be no better way to get smart fast on each of the candidates and no better reference point to keep them honest than our 2016 Scouting Report. This effort demonstrates once again that democratic opposition research is miles ahead of the competition," said American Bridge President Brad Woodhouse.

As American Bridge has demonstrated for the last two campaign cycles, in-depth candidate research is as ongoing and dynamic as the candidates and campaigns themselves; this playbook is the beginning of the conversation, not the end. The Scouting Report is available for download for Kindle and iPad, and will be regularly updated at AmericanBridgePAC.org as the cycle picks up steam.

04 Dec 2014

Branstad sets House District 4 special election for January 6, 2015

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad today signed a proclamation directing a special election to be held on Jan. 6, 2015, for Iowa House District 4, following the passing of State Rep. Dwayne Alons.

House District 4 is in Sioux County and includes the cities of Sioux Center, Orange City, Rock Valley, Hull, Hawarden, Alton, Maurice, Granville, Ireton and Chatsworth.

Iowa Code 69.14 outlines the authority given to the governor to set a special election. The proclamation ordering the special election can be read below and the signed proclamation can be found here.

WHEREAS, The Office of State Representative from the fourth representative District, consisting of the following areas in Sioux county:  Buncombe, Capel, Center, Eagle, East Orange, Garfield, Holland, Lincoln, Logan, Nassau, Plato, Reading, Rock, Settlers, Sherman, Sioux, Washington, Welcome, and West Branch townships.

has become vacant by the reason of the death of Dwayne Alons.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Terry E. Branstad, Governor of the State of Iowa, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the law do hereby proclaim and direct that a special election to fill said vacancy shall be held within said District on

TUESDAY, THE 6th DAY OF JANUARY 2015, A.D.

WHEREFORE, all electors within said fourth representative District will take due notice and the County Commissioners of Elections of said counties will take official notice as provided in Iowa Code section 39.6, 2014.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I HAVE HERE­UNTO SUBSCRIBED MY NAME AND CAUSED THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF IOWA TO BE AFFIXED.  DONE AT DES MOINES THIS 2nd DAY OF DECEMBER IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD TWO THOUSAND FOURTEEN.

___________________________

TERRY E. BRANSTAD

GOVERNOR OF IOWA

 

ATTEST:

_________________________________

MATT SCHULTZ

SECRETARY OF STATE

 

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03 Dec 2014

United States Senator-elect Joni Ernst submits resignation from Iowa State Senate

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

Branstad sets special election for Senate District 12 for December 30, 2014

(DES MOINES) - The Office of Governor Terry E. Branstad today announced that United States Senator-elect Joni Ernst has submitted her formal resignation from the Iowa State Senate. Ernst, who was elected to the United States Senate on November 4, 2014, delivered the letter of resignation on Friday, November 28, 2014. Her resignation was effective immediately on Friday, November 28, 2014. The full letter can be read here.

"United States Senator-elect Joni Ernst has served her state and country as a soldier in the Iowa National Guard, local elected official and as a State Senator," said Branstad. "Though I'm disappointed to lose Senator-elect Ernst's leadership in the Iowa Legislature, I know she will be a strong voice of Iowa common sense in Washington, D.C."

Branstad has ordered a special election for Iowa State Senate District 12 to be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2014. Senate District 12 includes Fremont, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Ringgold and Taylor counties.

"As a State Senator, Joni helped Governor Branstad and I reduce burdensome government regulations, lower taxes, balance the budget, pass transformational education reform and, fight the Federal Government's attempt to gut the Renewable Fuel Standard," said Iowa Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds, who recruited Ernst to run for Montgomery County Treasurer and Iowa State Senate. "I'm confident Joni will take our Iowa values to the United States Senate."

Iowa Code 69.14 outlines the authority given to the governor to set a special election. The proclamation ordering the special election can be read below and the signed proclamation can be found here.

WHEREAS, The Office of State Senator from the 12th Senatorial District, consisting of the following areas:

a.  Fremont county; and

b.  Mills county; and

c.  In Montgomery county, Douglas, Garfield, Lincoln, Pilot Grove, Red Oak, Sherman, and Washington townships, and that portion of Frankfort township lying outside the corporate limits of the city of Stanton; and

d. Page county; and

e. Ringgold county; and

f. Taylor county; and

g. In Montgomery county: (1)  The city of Stanton (2) East, Grant, Scott, and West townships

has become vacant by the reason of the resignation of Senator Joni Ernst.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Terry E. Branstad, Governor of the State of Iowa, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the law do hereby proclaim and direct that a special election to fill said vacancy shall be held within said District on

TUESDAY, THE 30th DAY OF DECEMBER 2014, A.D.

WHEREFORE, all electors within said 12th Senate District will take due notice and the County Commissioners of Elections of said counties will take official notice as provided in Iowa Code section 39.6, 2014.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I HAVE HERE­UNTO SUBSCRIBED MY NAME AND CAUSED THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF IOWA TO BE AFFIXED.  DONE AT DES MOINES THIS 1st DAY OF DECEMBER IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD TWO THOUSAND FOURTEEN.

__________________________________

TERRY E. BRANSTAD

GOVERNOR OF IOWA

ATTEST:

_________________________________

MATT SCHULTZ

SECRETARY OF STATE

##
25 Nov 2014

PATE NAMES TRANSITION DIRECTOR

By Pate for Iowa

(Cedar Rapids, IA) - Iowa Secretary of State-elect Paul D. Pate announced Mark H. Snell will guide his transition effort and lead his new administration.

Mark Snell was named as Chairman of the transition team and designated by Secretary - elect Pate as his new administration's Chief of Staff.

Snell, 53, is a longtime Iowa community leader serving as chief executive for several chambers of commerce and non-profit organizations in Clear Lake, Ames and Des Moines.  He also served as vice president of the Ames Board of Education and gubernatorial appointments director for Governor Branstad.

"Iowans expect us to move forward with our transition plans showing that we will be prepared to continue delivering quality services to Iowa businesses and citizens," Pate said.  "Mark is an experienced leader who will assist me in building a dedicated team to maintain the integrity of our election processes and modernization of business services."

-30-

05 Nov 2014

Iowa Biodiesel Board congratulates state's Congressional winners

By Rick Martin

ANKENY, Iowa - The Iowa Biodiesel Board today offered its congratulations to last night's election winners, and remains optimistic for the future of biodiesel policies in Washington. Grant Kimberley, IBB executive director, issued the following statement:

"We congratulate Iowa's election winners, and look forward to working with all of them in the effort to diversify our nation's fuel supply with biodiesel, America's Advanced Biofuel. We are confident the new Senate and House winners will support biodiesel and biofuel issues. Having hosted Senator Joni Ernst at a biodiesel plant during the campaign, we were pleased to hear her declare strong support for biodiesel and the Renewable Fuel Standard to IBB members. IBB will continue to be a resource for her and all of our elected officials.

"Sen. Ernst and Rep. David Young in particular have strong ties to Governor Terry Branstad and Senator Chuck Grassley, who have been tireless champions for biofuel and agriculture issues. We're confident these newly elected officials will be just as supportive in providing leadership on these important issues. We also look forward to working with Rep. Rod Blum. Likewise, we believe the House incumbents, Reps. Dave Loebsack and Steve King, will continue to support biodiesel and our nation's drive for smart, consistent federal energy policy. The economic and energy security benefits biodiesel provides are second to none, making the RFS one of the most effective policies we have."

Republican Joni Ernst defeated Democrat Bruce Braley for the U.S. Senate. Republicans Rod Blum and David Young also won the two open U.S. House seats, including the 1st District that had been held by Braley.

The biodiesel industry awaits final RFS volumes for 2014 from Washington, D.C. The last known proposal would set biodiesel volumes at 1.28 billion gallons. That's a sharp cut from last year's production of nearly 1.8 billion gallons.

The Iowa Biodiesel Board is a nonpartisan state trade association representing the biodiesel industry.

05 Nov 2014

Midterm Elections Show Money Trumps Democracy

By Lance Coles
The 2014 Midterm elections will go down as the most expensive in American history, and it was clear that money won.

"We ran a robust program, talked to tens of thousands of union members, retirees and households, but we were not able to compete with all the money the Koch Brothers and others poured into this election." Said Ken Sagar, President of the Iowa Federation of Labor. "Clearly we are disappointed in that the 1% have purchased the outcome."

Unions all over Iowa made contact with over 100,000 Iowans, called many thousands more, sent mail to educate members on the stands of the candidates, yet all the negative advertisements appear to have turned even more voters away from the polls.

"I want to thank all the Iowans who took the time from their busy schedules to take time to vote. Iowans have made their choice." said Sagar. "We will continue to work to promote legislation to help working Iowans.  I also want to thank all our volunteers that helped with labor 2014."

The Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO looks forward to working with all elected candidates.

###
05 Nov 2014

The People of Mercer County Respond

By Laurie Bluedorn
http://www.mercercountyrepublicans.org/the-people-of-mercer-county-speak/

The five Mercer County Republican board candidates applied republican principles to the troubles of Mercer County in the form of an 8-point pledge.

http://www.mercercountyrepublicans.org/a-republican-pledge-to-mercer-county/

Residents responded by electing all five to the board.

Republicans now hold the majority, 7-3.

When Republicans are not afraid to run as republicans, they appeal to the best interests of the people.

Final results for the five Mercer County Board races:

District 1-Karen Jones(R) defeats Randy Anderson(D) ? 747 to 430
District 2-Brian Anseeuw(R) defeats Dan Sedwick(D) ? 669 to 548
District 3-Lori Sindelar(R) defeats Larry Stone(D) ? 767 to 679
District 4-Joe Vann(R) defeats Dan Schroeder(D) ? 623 to 569
District 5-Mark Bieri(R) defeats Tom Haines(D) ? 885 to 602
03 Nov 2014

Unprecedented Weekend of Voter Contact, Support, and Momentum for Bruce in Final Days

By Sam Lau
Volunteers continue to make major push to expand the electorate and turn out sporadic voters

Des Moines - With just one day until Election Day, all signs are pointing to clear movement in Bruce's direction - and the campaign's superior ground game and army of grassroots volunteers continues to surpass expectations, expand the electorate, and turn out sporadic voters that Democrats know will push Bruce to victory. 

On Saturday and Sunday alone, volunteers for Bruce and Iowa Democrats knocked over 350,000 doors and made over 450,000 phone calls.  Democrats had nearly 5,000 Iowans knocking doors this weekend, and the state party expects to see that number grow today and tomorrow. 

"Our volunteers and supporters had an unprecedented weekend of voter contact and this grassroots energy and enthusiasm will send Bruce to victory tomorrow night," said Sam Lau, Braley for Iowa spokesman. "This unprecedented field effort has already pushed us ahead among early voters, and we are confident that our momentum and support will expand the electorate and deliver a strong victory for Bruce on Tuesday night."

The campaign's modeling of the electorate shows that Bruce is headed to victory on the strength of his clear and significant lead among early voters, his strong and consistent lead among independent voters, and the superior Democratic ground efforts that will drive far greater numbers of supporters to the polls.

In the final weeks of this campaign, Iowans have focused on Bruce's clear message about fighting for all Iowa families, not just the wealthiest few ?while they've seen Joni Ernst dodge editorial board meetings and desperately try to avoid talking about the issues that Iowans care about most, like her plans to privatize Social Security, give tax breaks to companies that ship jobs overseas, and push for federal legislation banning all abortions and common forms of birth control.

Democrats know that the more doors they knock on, the more voters they can put out in the final days, and the stronger Bruce's returns will be on Tuesday night. The Iowa Democratic Party's dedicated resources to a substantial field operation has already successfully expanded the electorate and will significantly outperform any Republican efforts to get out their voters in the final days.


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