Braley predicted Social Security will be "one of the big topics" is his race against GOP nominee Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Red Oak, for the seat now held by Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa.

He and Ernst "have drastically different opinions" on what should be done to ensure the long-term viability of Social Security, Braley added.

Social Security is "part of that promise of retirement security" that seniors rely on and younger Americans expect to be there when they reach retirement age. Privatization is nothing more than "gambling on the stock market," he said.

Full article: http://qctimes.com/news/state-and-regional/iowa/retirees-tell-braley-about-social-security-worries/article_9f17ec8b-1481-5e0d-9b68-ea66118f070d.html


KGAN CBS2 Iowa
Braley Hosts Retirement Security Roundtable in Cedar Rapids
June 16, 2014

Full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJTKmv-gdEw

WOI ABC 5 News at 5
Braley Hosts Retirement Secuirty Roundtable in Des Moines
June 16, 2014

Full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22Q1U5pVmA0

Exhibit A for those who think the battle between the Republican establishment and the Tea Party insurgents is almost over is state Senator Joni Ernst, the GOP establishment's candidate for Iowa's open Senate seat this year.

After kicking off her campaign with a viral ad in which she bragged about growing up "castrating hogs on an Iowa farm so when I get to Washington I'll know how to cut pork," Ernst clinched the nomination by making the ultra-conservative agenda her own.

In her final debate, Ernst said she would have voted against the farm bill, opposed "amnesty" in immigration reform and supported private accounts for young Americans paying into Social Security. She not only opposes raising the minimum wage but suggested the federal government shouldn't even set one.

On social issues, Ernst said she would vote for a federal constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. She previously endorsed a fetal personhood amendment to the Iowa state constitution that would ban abortions as well as some forms of birth control.

Ernst's statements were so conservative, she won the support of Tea Party groups like the Senate Conservatives Fund, which fought McConnell in Kentucky, as well as an endorsement from the ultimate Tea Party darling, Sarah Palin.

Full article: http://www.newsweek.com/2014/06/20/tea-party-us-were-winning-254525.html

DCCC Chairman Steve Israel released the following statement regarding Pat Murphy's primary win in Iowa's 1st Congressional District:

 

"I want to congratulate Pat Murphy on running a strong campaign. Pat Murphy has run a campaign dedicated to protecting the middle class, and he will offer a strong contrast with Rod Blum whose push to privatize Social Security and opposition to raising the minimum wage make it clear he is on the side of the ultra-wealthy and special interests. I'm confident that this seat will remain Democratic in November."

Background on IA-01:

Held by Democrats since the 2006 election, Iowa's first Congressional District was also won by President Obama in both 2008 (59.2 percent) and 2012 (56.9 percent).

 

 

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DES MOINES, IA - Rep. Bruce Braley issued the following statement after winning the Democratic nomination for US Senate:

"My first thoughts tonight are with Iowans affected by the severe storms making their way across the state. I hope Iowans are staying safe.

"As someone who grew up in a working family in Brooklyn, Iowa, worked my way through college and law school here in Iowa, and spent my life representing people from all across our state, I'm deeply honored to win the Democratic nomination for US Senate tonight. I look forward to bringing my campaign to all corners of Iowa in the next five months to discuss my vision to improve the lives of working families and expand opportunities for all Iowans.

"No matter who my opponent is, I look forward to a rigorous debate about who can rise above the partisanship of Washington politics and fight for Iowa's working families who need a strong voice in Washington."