09 Apr 2014

Suffolk University to Release Iowa Statewide Poll

By Greg Gatlin
Survey Looks at U.S. Senate and Gubernatorial Races and 2016 Presidential Caucuses
What: The Suffolk University Political Research Center in Boston will release results of a Suffolk University poll of the U.S. Senate and gubernatorial races, as well as the 2016 presidential caucuses. The poll of likely general-election voters from all parties will be released at noon Wednesday, April 9, 2014.
The survey also looks at voter identification laws, Obamacare, and the Iowa economy.
When: All poll results will be available at noon Wednesday, April 9, on the Suffolk University Political Research Center website. The poll is being conducted using live telephone interviews of landline and cell phone users.
Who: David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center, will be available for interviews and on-air analysis. Paleologos and Suffolk University's Political Research Center have a track record of precise and timely analysis based on live telephone interviews.
Where: News organizations and working journalists who wish to be added to the distribution of the poll's highlights, marginals and cross-tabulation data, and news release should e-mail: ggatlin@suffolk.edu or mnorris@suffolk.edu.
08 Apr 2014

Miller Announces New Subcommittee Ranking Democrats, Welcomes New Democratic Member

By Joe Hand

WASHINGTON–Today Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.), senior Democrat on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, announced new subcommittee ranking Democrats, a new Democratic committee member, and subcommittee assignments for the remainder of the 113th Congress.

Committee Democrats held an organization meeting Monday evening, during which they elected Rep. John Tierney (D-Mass.) as the ranking member of the Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee and Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-IA) as the ranking member on the Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education Subcommittee.

"I would like to congratulate Congressmen Tierney and Loebsack on their new senior committee positions," said Miller. "Their work on behalf of America's students and working families is exceptional, and I am confident that their valued leadership will continue to help our committee advance our shared goals."

At the meeting, Democrats also welcomed Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) as the newest Democrat on the committee, where he fills a vacant seat. Takano will sit on the Higher Education and Workforce Training Subcommittee and the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.

"I am pleased to welcome Congressman Mark Takano, who has worked as a public school teacher and a community college trustee, to the committee," said Miller. "His passion for education and labor issues, combined with his real-world experience in K-12 and higher education, will serve this committee well."

Miller continued: "The rest of this session of Congress will surely bring new challenges, but committee Democrats will not lose sight of our responsibility to ensure that workers are treated fairly on the job and students can be successful in the classroom and in life. I look forward to working with all our members in order to grow and strengthen America's middle class."

The new subcommittee assignments for Education and the Workforce Committee Democrats are as follows:

Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education

David Loebsack, Iowa (Ranking Member)

Robert C. "Bobby" Scott, Virginia

Carolyn McCarthy, New York

Susan A. Davis, California

Raúl M. Grijalva, Arizona

Marcia L. Fudge, Ohio

Jared Polis, Colorado

Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, Northern Mariana Islands

Subcommittee on Workforce Protections

Joe Courtney, Connecticut (Ranking Member)

Raul Grijalva, Arizona

Timothy H. Bishop, New York

Marcia L. Fudge, Ohio

Mark Pocan, Wisconsin

Mark Takano, California

 

Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training

Rubén Hinojosa, Texas (Ranking Member)

Timothy H. Bishop, New York

Frederica Wilson, Florida

Suzanne Bonamici, Oregon

Mark Takano, California

Carolyn McCarthy, New York

John Tierney, Massachusetts

Rush Holt, New Jersey

Susan A. Davis, California


Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions

John Tierney, Massachusetts (Ranking Member)

Rush Holt, New Jersey

Mark Pocan, Wisconsin

Robert C. "Bobby" Scott, Virginia

Rubén Hinojosa, Texas

David Loebsack, Iowa

Joe Courtney, Connecticut

Jared Polis, Colorado

Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, Northern Mariana Islands

Frederica Wilson, Florida

Suzanne Bonamici, Oregon

 

 

Committee on Education and the Workforce Democrats

 

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08 Apr 2014

Response to Koch Brothers' Latest Misleading Ad Attacking Bruce Braley's Support of Iowa's Middle Class

By Jeff Giertz
"Secret bank" of Koch brothers & their oil billionaire allies pouring money into TV attack ads

DES MOINES, IA - The name may be different, but the lies are still the same.

News broke late yesterday that Freedom Partners, the "secret bank" of the Koch brothers and their oil billionaire allies, were pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars into another round of misleading TV attack ads targeting Bruce Braley's record of support for policies that strengthen the middle class.

The Koch brothers' money machine last reared its head in Iowa's US Senate race with TV ads launched in January under the pseudonym Americans for Prosperity. Independent fact-checkers at the Cedar Rapids Gazette called those ads "mostly false."

By any reasonable standard, the claims contained in the Koch brothers' latest ad don't stand up to scrutiny, particularly claims about Iowans facing "cancelled [health insurance] policies." The fact is, Iowans were allowed to keep grandfathered health insurance plans and Rep. Braley supported improvements to the healthcare law that would have protected Iowans.

Braley for Iowa spokesman Jeff Giertz responded to the ad, saying, "The Koch brothers and their oil billionaire allies are once again attacking Bruce Braley with misleading ads because just like Bruce's GOP opponents they support policies that would hurt Iowa's economy, like blocking an increase in the minimum wage, undermining Medicare and Social Security, and sending us back to the days when insurance companies could kick people off their insurance when they got sick. Bruce Braley fights for Iowa's working families because that's where he comes from, and he'll keep fighting for Iowa in the US Senate."

Remember: whether it's under the banner of Americans for Prosperity or Freedom Partners, the Koch brothers support an agenda - and candidates - that oppose raising the minimum wage, call for the elimination of the Wind Production Tax Credit, oppose the Farm Bill, and even push for the elimination of the Renewable Fuels Standard. These are all policies that create jobs for and strengthen Iowa's middle class - and the Koch brothers and their allies are actively working against them.
07 Apr 2014

SBA List Candidate Fund Endorses Joni Ernst for U.S. Senate in Iowa

By Andrew Shirley

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the Susan B. Anthony List Candidate Fund, a national pro-life political action committee, announced its endorsement of State Senator Joni Ernst for U.S. Senate in Iowa.

"Joni Ernst is an exceptional pro-life leader in the mold of Susan B. Anthony herself. The SBA List Candidate Fund is thrilled to endorse her campaign for U.S. Senate," said Susan B. Anthony List Candidate Fund President Marjorie Dannenfelser. "As an Iowa state Senator, Joni co-sponsored legislation to stop taxpayer funding of abortion and to protect women from dangerous 'telemed' abortions. We know she will continue leading for life in Washington.

"Having served in the U.S. Army National Guard as well as in the Iowa legislature, Joni understands what it means to be a bold leader and to protect lives. She knows that protecting the vulnerable and building up women as leaders are not only compatible choices, but essential to the well-being of society. Her courageous leadership will make her an excellent addition to the growing number of pro-life women in the U.S. Senate."

Joni Ernst was first elected to the Iowa Senate in 2011 and serves as Assistant Minority Leader. State Senator Ernst is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard and served one tour of duty during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Joni Ernst has received the endorsements of incumbent Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and former Gov. Sarah Palin. Reynolds and Palin were both previously endorsed by the SBA List Candidate Fund.

The Iowa Senate primary will be held on June 3. The seat is being vacated by retiring Sen. Tom Harkin (D).

The Susan B. Anthony List and its affiliated Political Action Committees, the SBA List Candidate Fund and Women Speak Out PAC, are dedicated to pursuing policies and electing candidates who will reduce and ultimately end abortion. To that end, the SBA List emphasizes the education, promotion, mobilization, and election of pro-life women at all levels of government.  The SBA List is a network of more than 365,000 pro-life Americans nationwide.

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04 Apr 2014

A position by Candidate for State Senate Mark Riley

By Mark Riley
Let me give you the perspective of a candidate who has challenged and is challenging an incumbent in a election for state office.   The high courts ruling is a devastating blow to challengers, independent candidates and those persons who refuse to accept lobbyist monies.  This decision will likely further solidify incumbency, two party rule, extremism and diminish law making for the common good of society.  It will preference the wealthy and the corporation.
Lets assume for the sake of argument the high court moved to protect speech and that this was sacred above all.  Let us then assume for arguments sake that money and speech are linked and corporations are people.  I disagree, but for the sake of argument lets put them aside, as untouchable.  Let us also assume for the sake of argument that the current way we elect politicians is bad for our democracy and we can all agree that the few should be not be advantaged to legislate the many. So here is our problem, money equals speech, and money as it currently exist in our political process is corrosive to our Republic.
We must solve this problem with a combination of solutions.  First we must enable public financing of campaigns.  We must publicly finance every candidate with a minimum amount of money based on the office being sought.
Second, we must make the purchasing of media time in Radio, Print and TV a mandatory equal time package.  So for example if a wealthy candidate wishes to buy air time on a Hawkeye football game, their opponent would receive an equal spot of time. If the rich candidate took out a full page newspaper ad their opponent would also receive that ad space. If a mailer was sent out, the same postage and print would be offered to the poor candidate.  The difference is that the rich candidate would be buying a debate and not exclusive media access for themselves.
By legislating that political advertising must be sold as equal time on certain media outlets we could fulfill the Courts edict on speech while protecting the uneven influence of money in politics with regards to mass media.
This allows our rich candidate to fully convert their money to speech. and gives a  rebuttal by their opponent that allows the electorate to be fully informed.  We protect the rich candidates right to speech without allowing their money to silence or drowned out the speech of their opposition and have a one sided conversation with the voter.
Mark J Riley
1010 S Ohio Ave
Davenport, Iowa 52802
Democratic Candidate for State Senate #45
02 Apr 2014

Rita Hart files paperwork for re-election to Iowa Senate

By Ben Foecke

DES MOINES - Senator Rita Hart has filed the official nomination papers with the Iowa Secretary of State to seek re-election to the Iowa State Senate in District 49. District 49 includes all of Clinton County, as well as northern and eastern Scott County, including the towns of Le Claire, McCausland, Park View and Princeton.

"My favorite part of being a state senator is talking with the people in District 49 and helping them solve problems," said Hart. "I'm glad to get the official paperwork out of the way and now I look forward to contacting voters across my district."

Hart added: "We've been holding legislative listening posts and economic development forums since January to gather input on the issues facing the Iowa Legislature this year. I plan to continue visiting the communities of Senate District 49 throughout the spring, summer and fall, listening to the concerns, questions and ideas of eastern Iowans."

Rita Hart was a teacher for over twenty years before she ran for the Iowa Senate. In the Senate, Hart serves on the Education, Economic Growth, Agriculture, Local Government and Veterans Affairs Committees. Senator Hart is also the Vice Chair of the Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee.

Hart was first elected to the State Senate from District 49 in 2012. She was elected to a two-year term.

Rita Hart is 57. She and her husband Paul live and farm in rural Wheatland. They have five children and are active members of St. Ann's Catholic Church near Long Grove.

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02 Apr 2014

Silvis Passes Landmark Resolution

By Caryn Unsicker

SILVIS, IL - April 1, 2014 - The Silvis City Council tonight joined over 200 cities and 16 States nationwide in a growing movement to amend the US Constitution to limit the amounts of money that big corporations and individuals can donate to influence the political process.  Silvis Alderwoman Caryn Unsicker introduced the idea of a resolution to Mayor Tom Conrad, who agreed that too much money was being injected into our political process and gave her permission to address the full council in March.  The result was agreement by the council that money is threatening to destroy our democracy.

Ms.Unsicker cited the City of Coralville, Iowa, as well as school board, county board, and state elections where money is being infused by outside sources, often anonymous, to influence elections in favor of one candidate or another.  Illinois was the 14th State to adopt a similar resolution, SJR 27, which was sponsored by a Democrat and two Republicans.  Ms.Unsicker said that members of both parties are sick of all the pressure from outside sources.  It puts a lot of pressure on them to vote a certain way or risk being outspent and therefore, probably defeated, come election time.

So this evening, Silvis joined the growing list of cities in Illinois, including Galesburg, Champaign, Evanston, Chicago, Lisle Township, Oak Park, Cunningham Township, Warrneville, Carbondale, Avon Township, Warren, and Kane County, and Dubuque, Buffalo, and Waterloo, in Iowa, in an effort to keep our elections free and to give all Americans - not just the wealthy -  a voice in the political process.

If you would like more information, you may contact Caryn Unsicker at 309-912-6632.

02 Apr 2014

Narcisse vs Iowa Secretary of State

By Paul Smith

by Alfredo Parrish

Having been nurtured by some of our country's greatest advocates of voter enfranchisement, I am deeply disappointed with the two recent rulings of the district and Iowa Supreme Court denying Mr. Narcisse an opportunity to appear as a candidate for Governor in the Democratic Primary.  Iowa's history of enfranchisement is a cornerstone of its uniqueness.  Rules and procedures that are not equally applied to all candidates seeking office diminish the process. It creates cynicism that will weaken a vibrant democratic process.

Although, the judicial system denied Mr. Narcisse a place on the Democratic Primary ballot, it is encouraging that recognition was given to the importance of his claim by considering and deciding his case promptly.

Mr. Narcisse, in his law suit asked to court to consider a fair and impartial review of a candidate's nomination papers, an equitable rule for all candidates and distinguishing technical violations from substantive ones.  Mr. Narcisse's law suit pointed to clear deficiencies in the nomination process that will lay the groundwork for needed improvements.

31 Mar 2014

Molly McDonnell to participate in Hawkeye Caucus

By Lin Larson

IOWA CITY, IA (03/31/2014)(readMedia)-- Molly McDonnell, a native of Davenport, IA, is one of approximately 60 University of Iowa students to participate in the 2014 Hawkeye Caucus, held on April 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines.

The annual Hawkeye Caucus is a major gathering of UI students, university leaders, and state legislators, demonstrating the university's commitment to statewide service. The event connects UI students with state leaders while showcasing the people and programs from the UI that are making an impact across the state.

31 Mar 2014

Iowa Supreme Court to Hear Narcisse Appeal

By Paul Smith

Access to the Democratic Governor Primary Ballot at Stake

DES MOINES, IOWA | March 29, 2014 - On Friday, March 28, the Iowa Supreme Court granted Jonathan Narcisse's motion for expedited appeal of the District Court's refusal to reverse the Secretary of State's denial of Narcisse accessing the June 3rd Primary ballot for Democratic governor nomination.

Three Iowa Supreme Court justices, Wiggins, Hecht and Mansfield, will hear the appeal and parties have until noon on Monday, March 31st to submit their briefs. Narcisse was denied ballot access due to technical errors on three petition pages submitted to the Secretary of States' office on March 15th.

On March 27th the Iowa District Court in Polk County refused to allow any of Narcisse's exhibits as evidence in his effort to gain ballot access, citing both affidavits from Narcisse petitioners and a 2012 "Conclusion of Law" from Secretary Schultz and Attorney General Miller, as inadmissible. The District Court cited an Arizona ruling on election law as support for calling Narcisse's evidence "extrinsic."

The 2012 "Conclusion of Law" found that state senator Joe Seng's technical errors for submission to the primary ballot for a US House run, "should be liberally construed to the benefit of the electors in order to provide every lawful opportunity for the electors to express their preference at the ballot box."

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