18 Aug 2014

Army Veteran Tom Hall Discusses Bruce Braley's Strong Record of Delivering Results for Veterans

By Rick Martin
Hall knows firsthand Braley's strong commitment to delivering results for veterans

DES MOINES, IA - Today in Ankeny, Army veteran Tom Hall discussed Bruce Braley's strong record of delivering results for Iowa's veterans. Hall is an Army Ranger veteran, and spoke from personal experience. While he was finishing military school, Hall was denied housing assistance. He reached out to Braley, and Braley delivered results for Hall and the other members of his unit.

Hall said, "Bruce Braley's record for Iowa's veterans and military members is a record of results. He has always stood with us, and i believe that veterans as a whole are better off because of Bruce Braley."

Braley's record for Iowa's veterans and military families is one of results. He led a successful effort to secure back-pay and GI Bill benefits for Iowa National Guard members, he introduced and helped pass tax cuts for businesses who hire veterans and worked across the aisle to pass the Andrew Connolly Veterans Housing Act, helping injured and disabled veterans retrofit their homes. Braley has also introduced legislation to incentivize more doctors and nurses to work at the VA to help provide the quality care veterans deserve.
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15 Aug 2014

Sgt. Jesse McCunniff Discusses Bruce Braley's Strong Record of Delivering Results for Veterans

By Rick Martin
McCunniff knows firsthand the results Braley delivered for his National Guard unit

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - Today in Cedar Rapids, Iowa National Guard Sergeant Jesse McCunniff discussed Bruce Braley's strong record of delivering results for Iowa's veterans. McCunniff is a member of the 1/133rd infantry battalion, and has been deployed to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq and Afghanistan during his 17 years in the Iowa National Guard.

McCunniff spoke from personal experience - his unit in the National Guard was initially denied respite pay after their deployment in Iraq was extended. Braley led a successful effort to secure the pay the troops had earned.  Braley also stood up to the Pentagon to ensure that members of the 1/133rd infantry battalion were able to access GI Bill benefits that had previously been denied to them.

McCunniff said, "I am proud to support Bruce Braley because of his strong record of delivering results for Iowa veterans and service members like myself. I know of these results firsthand, and I know of the passion and dedication Bruce has for the thousands of Iowans who serve in our armed forces and the more than 240,000 veterans who call our great state home."

Braley's record for Iowa's veterans and military families is one of results. In addition to securing back-pay and GI Bill benefits for Iowa National Guard members, he introduced and helped pass tax cuts for businesses who hire veterans and worked across the aisle to pass the Andrew Connolly Veterans Housing Act, helping injured and disabled veterans retrofit their homes. Braley has also introduced legislation to incentivize more doctors and nurses to work at the VA to help provide the quality care veterans deserve.
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15 Aug 2014

Braley Accepts Invitations to Three Debates

By Sam Lau
KWWL-TV, KCAU-TV, & IPTV proposed debates provide greatest number of Iowans with opportunity to see choice between US Senate candidates
Des Moines, IA - Braley for Iowa campaign manager Sarah Benzing released the following statement:

"Iowans deserve an opportunity to see the clear differences between Bruce Braley and State Senator Joni Ernst on the issues that matter to them.That's why we've accepted invitations to three televised debates that offer the greatest number of Iowans the best opportunity to see debates throughout the fall campaign. We are reaching out to Sen. Ernst's campaign to determine the details, and we're hopeful to have a final schedule of debates determined soon."

Braley has accepted the following three debate invitations:
  1. An invitation to participate in a televised debate hosted by KWWL-TV in late August or September in Waterloo and broadcast on KWWL, KTTC-TV in Mason City, and KTIV-TV in Sioux CIty.
  2. A televised debate hosted by KCAU-TV during the week of October 6th in Sioux City and broadcast on KCAU, WOI-TV in Des Moines, and WHBF-TV in Davenport.
  3. A televised debate hosted by Iowa Public Television on October 23, 2014, in Perry, Iowa, and broadcast statewide on IPTV.
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15 Aug 2014

Brad Anderson announces plan to strengthen military and overseas voting

By Lara Henderson
DES MOINES, Iowa - Brad Anderson, candidate for Iowa Secretary of State, announces his plan to strengthen military and overseas voting in Iowa elections. 

"As Iowans, we are incredibly proud of our friends and family that have dedicated their lives to protecting our democracy and ensuring our right to vote," said Brad Anderson. "It is our responsibility to ensure that these service members are afforded one of the very rights they are sent overseas to defend. That's why the Office of the Secretary of State must be proactive in protecting the voting rights of overseas Iowans and modernize this process."

In 2008, the nonpartisan Overseas Vote Foundation ranked Iowa first in the ease of military and overseas voting, but since that time our state has fallen behind and Iowa's Pew Elections Performance Index has gone from 5th in the nation in 2008 to 15th in 2012. Over the past three election cycles, Iowa has had among the highest rates of rejected military and overseas ballots - ranking 31st in the nation with nearly 6 percent of military ballots rejected while an additional 21 percent of requested ballots have simply remained unreturned.

"Iowa cannot continue to lose ground when it comes to military and overseas voting," added Anderson. "As our next Secretary of State, I will make it a priority to put Iowa back at the top in voter turnout and ease of voting for overseas Iowans."

Brad Anderson's Plan to Strengthen Military and Overseas Voting

1. PROACTIVELY REACH OUT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AND IOWA NATIONAL GUARD TO DISCUSS WAYS TO IMPROVE THE EASE OF OVERSEAS VOTING. The Office of the Iowa Secretary of State must proactively engaging in conversations with the Iowa National Guard and Department of Defense to discuss what steps can be taken to guarantee all eligible voters are able to cast ballots, and most importantly that those votes are then counted. Establishing an educational program provided by the Office of Secretary of State on the process of casting a ballot overseas in the months leading up to deployment is one example of how this could be done. 

2.    UTILIZE 21ST CENTURY SOLUTIONS SUCH AS ONLINE VOTER REGISTRATION. We must utilize 21st century solutions to improve the ease of military and overseas voting. A uniform system of online voter registration for all Iowans will quicken and simplify the process of registering to vote while also increasing participation among voters at home and overseas. Simplifying and modernizing the process of registering to vote and requesting an absentee ballot can help to ensure military voters have the tools and information they need to participate in elections. 

3.    EXPAND THE USE OF THE FEDERAL WRITE-IN ABSENTEE BALLOT TO STATE AND LOCAL ELECTIONS. Recognizing the hardships service members face when voting overseas, Congress created the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) in 2009. The write-in ballot is a last resort for military voters who have requested an absentee ballot but have not received it by fourteen days before Election Day. The FWAB can simply be downloaded online and returned to the voter's county auditor by mail, email, or fax. 

Expanding the use of the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot to state and local elections will ensure that our members of the armed forces are able to vote in elections for everything from president of the United States to city council members, even in the case of unforeseen circumstances. It is time to let overseas Iowans use the FWAB to vote in all elections, including state and local elections.

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11 Aug 2014

Schilling Issues Statement on American Air Strikes in Iraq

By Jan Schweppe
EAST MOLINE, Ill.–Bobby Schilling, Republican candidate for U.S. House of Representatives in the Illinois 17th District, released the following statement this afternoon about the American air strikes against ISIS terrorists in Iraq.

"I support the President on these air strikes. Unfortunately, they are necessary to prevent genocide that is occurring right now in Iraq against Christians and other religious minorities. I firmly believe that stopping genocide is in the national security interest of the United States. The world cannot say 'never again' in good conscience, while ignoring flagrant genocide.

"The situation is completely out of control because the President has ignored dire warnings from diplomatic, military, and intelligence professionals for far too long as he seemingly tried to wish away this growing menace. President Obama has projected profound weakness at a time when resolute strength was required in a dangerous part of the world that only respects strength. It is time for President Obama to step up and lead by putting forth a long-term strategy to deal with this national security threat. If he does, I will join him in a bipartisan effort that is worthy of the United States of America."

Bobby Schilling was born and raised in Rock Island, Illinois. He has been married to his wife, Christie for 27 years and together they have 10 children. Schilling represented the Illinois 17th District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011-2012, serving on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Agriculture Committee, and the House Small Business Committee. Schilling is seeking another term and is running against incumbent Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-East Moline).

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11 Aug 2014

Governor Quinn Statement on 49th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act

By Dave Blanchette
CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn issued today a statement on the 49th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965:

"Forty nine years ago today, President Johnson signed one of the most important bills in our nation's history. The Voting Rights Act guarantees that everyone, regardless of race, is treated fairly when they head to the polls.

"In a democracy, it is essential to make your voice heard, and voting is the best way to do that. The Voting Rights Act amplified the voices of millions of people previously left out of the democratic process.

"By protecting the right to vote, the Voting Rights Act strengthened our democracy. It is important that we continue to fight for citizens' rights at the ballot box."

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07 Aug 2014

Another Misleading Ad Distorts Braley's Long Record of Delivering Results for Iowa's Veterans

By Rick Martin
Factcheck.org has called attacks on Braley's veterans record "false and potentially misleading"

Des Moines, IA - Another day, another misleading attack ad from Joni Ernst's out-of-state billionaire backers. This time, it's Karl Rove's Crossroads GPS misleading Iowans about Bruce Braley's long record of delivering results for Iowa veterans.

The nonpartisan, independent Factcheck.org has already called attacks on Braley's veterans record "false and potentially misleading", noting that the claims contained in this ad paint an incomplete picture of Braley's record on veterans issues.

The reality is that Bruce has continually delivered results for Iowa veterans. Among other accomplishments, Braley introduced and helped pass a law to give tax breaks to companies that hire veterans; stood up to the Pentagon to secure overdue combat pay for Iowa National Guard troops; secured full GI Bill benefits for Iowa National Guard soldiers initially denied them; and worked across party lines to pass the Andrew Connolly Veterans Housing Act to improve a housing program for disabled veterans.

State Representative and Army Reserve Major Todd Prichard, said, "It's shameful that Karl Rove is trying to play politics with our veterans and distort Bruce Braley's impressive accomplishments for Iowa's veterans. Bruce Braley's number one priority is delivering results for Iowa veterans?and I know firsthand that he has the record to prove it.  While Karl Rove and the Koch brothers are spending millions trying to buy Iowa's U.S. Senate seat for Joni Ernst so she can enact their Tea Party ideas, like privatizing Social Security, transforming Medicare as we know it, and opposing the federal minimum wage, Bruce is working to ensure all of our veterans receive the care and benefits they deserve."

In January, more than 1,000 Iowa veterans and family members of veterans from all 99 Iowa counties formally endorsed Bruce Braley as members of Veterans and Military Families for Braley because of his strong support for the men and women who have selflessly served our country in the armed forces. A full list of founding members of Veterans and Military Families for Braley can be viewed at the following link: www.brucebraley.com/veterans
04 Aug 2014

Braley Endorsed by Alliance for Retired Americans

By Sam Lau
Seniors Group Recognizes Braley for his Commitment to Keeping "Health Care Affordable and Retirement Secure"
Des Moines, IA -Bruce Braley today received the endorsement from the Alliance for Retired Americans for his unwavering commitment to protecting and strengthening Medicare and Social Security at events in Davenport and Cedar Rapids. The Alliance for Retired Americans represents over 4.2 million retirees and community activists, including more than 30,000 members in Iowa.

"I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Alliance for Retired Americans, and to fight every day to protect and strengthen Medicare and Social Security for current and future generations of Iowans," Braley said. "Iowans have worked hard and paid into these important programs their entire lives, and I refuse to let their earned retirement security be threatened by risky privatization schemes. As a U.S. Senator, I will never waver in my commitment to keeping our promises to our seniors."

"Bruce Braley is a champion for Iowa's seniors and can be trusted to stand up for our interests. He is committed to keeping health care affordable and retirement secure, while fighting against efforts to privatize Social Security and end Medicare as we know it.  We are proud to endorse Bruce Braley for U.S. Senate," said Jan Laue, president of the Iowa Alliance for Retired Americans.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, more than 530,000 Iowans were enrolled in Medicare in 2012. TheNational Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare calculates that Iowa has more than 584,000 Social Security beneficiaries, with the average senior receiving a monthly benefit of $1,131.

Braley has strongly opposed efforts to privatize Social Security and transform Medicare into a voucher program. Braley has also opposed efforts to reduce future Social Security benefits for retirees if cost-of-living increases were shifted to a so-called "chained CPI" calculation. This month, Braley successfully led a charge to prevent a cut to important services at Iowa Social Security offices.  

In contrast, State Sen. Joni Ernst has called for privatization of Social Security, a position that would undermine benefits for current retirees, and supports tying retiree benefits to the Stock Market. Sen. Ernst has also supported plans that would transform Medicare as we know it and pave the way for Medicare vouchers, increasing costs for retirees.
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01 Aug 2014

Seniors Group to Endorse Braley for U.S. Senate at Medicare Anniversary Celebration

By Midge Slater

U.S. Senate Candidate to Appear at Saturday Membership Event

Alliance for Retired Americans members will celebrate Medicare's 49th anniversary on Saturday, August 2, at 10 a.m. in Davenport and endorse Bruce Braley, U.S. Senate candidate for Iowa.

Braley's strong opposition to privatizing Social Security and Medicare and support for strengthening Social Security and Medicare?which was signed into law on July 30, 1965?confirm his commitment to improving the quality of life for older Americans.

Alternatively, Braley's opponent, State Sen. Joni Ernst, supports the Ryan Budget that ends Medicare as we know it and dramatically cuts Medicaid- all while increasing tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans and corporations. She also supports privatizing Social Security and tying benefits to the Stock Market. Ernst's support for radically reforming Medicare & Social Security programs could dramatically increase out-of-pocket costs for seniors.

The Alliance for Retired Americans represents over 4.3 million retirees and community activists, including more than 30,000 members in Iowa.

Where: Blackhawk Hotel, Bettendorf Room, 200 E 3rd St, Davenport, IA 52801

When: Saturday, August 2, 10:00 AM

What: Celebration of Medicare's anniversary and endorsement of Bruce Braley for U. S. Senate

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01 Aug 2014

GOP Day at the 2014 Illinois State Fair

By Bobby Schilling
GOP Day at the Illinois State Fair is August 14! This is an opportunity to show off Republican energy, mingle with like-minded voters, and hear firsthand from the Republican candidates who are going to help bring back our state?all while enjoying the Illinois State Fair!

RSVP today at GOPDay.com. It's free and easy to register.

Also, you're invited to a special fundraiser the night before on Wednesday, August 13. Details and additional information are available at ILGOPEvents.com.

Please contact Kennedy Chiglo (Kchiglo@ilgop.org - 312-201-9000) with any questions.

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