02 May 2012

The Chairman's Report

By A.J. Spiker

I hope everyone is enjoying the nice spring weather! We had a great week at the Republican Party of Iowa. Last Wednesday we had over 40 people attend our Chairman's Lunch here at the headquarters. Unfortunately our original speakers Majority leader Upmeyer and House Speaker Paulsen were unavailable since they were busy battling the Democrats over the budget at the Capitol. Luckily Senator Zaun, Rep. Kaufman, and Agriculture Secretary Northy were able to join us for a great discussion about how we can continue to strengthen the Party this year.

Last Thursday I also had the opportunity to speak at the Green County GOP fundraiser. I want to thank Greene County GOP Chairman Roger Olhausen and co-chairman John Meyer for inviting me. I enjoyed meeting everyone in Greene County and it was great to see so many enthusiastic republicans.

Yesterday the Iowa Secretary of State released the latest voter registration numbers. I am pleased to report that we have increased our lead over the democrats! We now hold an almost 9,000 voter lead on the democrats in the state. The Republican Party will continue to reach out to disaffected democrats in the coming months and I am confident that this trend will only continue.

There is still time to get your tickets to the Lincoln Dinner! Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, Obamacare's greatest foe is our featured speaker. Cuccinelli was the first state Attorney General to file a legal challenge to Obamacare. Other speakers will include Governor Branstad, Lt. Governor Reynolds, Senator Grassley, Congressman Latham, and Congressman King. Because this falls on Cinco de Mayo, we will have a reception from 6-7 pm complete with a margarita and daiquiri bar and a live band. The event will be held at Vets Auditorium Ballroom and tickets cost $75. To purchase tickets please call 515-282-8105 or visit www.iowagop.org.

To Victory

A.J. Spiker

Chairman, Republican Party of Iowa

30 Apr 2012

Americans for Prosperity Launches $6.1 Million Ad Buy, Events in Iowa

By Mark Lucas

New Ad Scrutinizes Wasteful Use of Taxpayer Dollars

IOWA CITY, IOWA - Today Americans for Prosperity (AFP), the nation's largest advocate for economic freedom, held a conference at the National Press Club announcing the release of a $6.1 million ad buy. The new ad is launching along with nationwide grassroots action that holds President Obama accountable for his wasteful use of taxpayer dollars.

Titled "Wasteful Spending," the ad highlights billions of stimulus dollars that were given to foreign companies, mostly to subsidize their own green energy projects.

CLICK HERE to view and download the Wasteful Spending ad:
www.americansforprosperity.org/stoptankingamerica

"The white house continues to let ideology, government cronyism, and bad judgement influence economic policies that are hurting hard working iowans." said AFP-IA State Director Mark Lucas. "Energy prices are rising as the administration pays off their friends in the green energy market. This is evidenced by giving $530 million to the now-bankrupt Solyndra. Iowans deserve a much better return on their hard earned tax dollars."

Over the next two weeks, the ad will air in the following eight states: Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, and Virginia. As the ad kicks off, AFP will launch a tour featuring rallies and educational townhalls throughout the country. In Iowa, rallies and educational events will take place in Iowa City and Des Moines.

In the past, AFP has focused on President Obama's willingness to risk taxpayer dollars in other green energy schemes. The group launched two ads focused on the Solyndra failure, dedicating $6.5 million combined.  At $6.1 million, this latest effort is the largest to date.

To interview Mark or learn more about the ad, please call 319-333-9124 or email MLucas@afphq.org.

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen-leaders committed to advancing every individual's right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and intrusiveness of government is the best way to promote individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. Americans for Prosperity does not support or oppose candidates for public office. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org

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30 Apr 2012

Braley Statement on Obama Visit to University of Iowa

By Jeff Giertz

Braley introduced bill in January to stop student loan interest rate increase

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today issued the following statement on President Obama's visit to the University of Iowa:

"President Obama's trip to Iowa today is drawing much-needed attention to the plight of students facing a sharp increase in college costs this summer.  Unless Congress acts before July 1st, student loan interest rates will double, adding thousands of dollars to the cost of a college education.

 

"Iowa college graduates already have the 3rd highest debt load in the county.  Piling on more debt just puts Iowans further behind at graduation.

 

"Congress should put aside their differences and act immediately to stop the July spike in student loan interest rates.  Our colleges are avenues of economic opportunity.  If we're going to succeed in the global economy, we need to keep higher education affordable for everyone who wants to attend."

 

Unless Congress takes action, student loan interest rates will double to 6.8 percent on July 1, 2012.  Such an increase would mean a student taking out the maximum Stafford student loan of $23,000 over four years of college would pay an additional $11,000 of interest over the 20 year repayment period of the loan.

In January, Braley introduced legislation to permanently keep the interest rate for federally subsidized Stafford loans at 3.4 percent, their current rate.

More information about Braley's bill can be found at the following link: http://go.usa.gov/yfR

# # #
25 Apr 2012

Iowa GOP Chairman's Report

By A.J. Spiker

Greetings!

 

I hope everyone's week is off to a good start. Things have been pretty busy here at the Republican Party of Iowa. This past weekend we held our district conventions in Fort Dodge, Grinnell, Stuart, and Mount Pleasant. It was great to see so many enthusiastic republicans participating in the most open grassroots caucus to convention process in the nation. Please join me in congratulating the new members of our State Central Committee who were elected this weekend. I look forward to working with the Committee to take back the Iowa Senate, grow our House majority, send a full Republican delegation to Congress and help send President Obama back to Illinois.

Iowa GOP State Central Committee Elect (term begins 6/16/12)

District One: Dave Cushman, Loras Schulte, Tony Krebsbach, and David Chung

District Two: Jeff Shipley, Marcus Fedler, Mark Doland, and Bob Anderson

District Three: Gopal Krishna, Joel Kurtinitis, Wes Enos, and John Kabitzke

District Four: Kris Thiessen, Tim Moran, Jamie Johnson, and Chad Steenhoek

Last week I had the opportunity to travel to Arizona to attend the RNC Chairman's meeting. It was great to meet other chairman from around the country. I heard from Governor Jan Brewer, Senator John McCain, Sheriff Joe Arpaio and Governor Mitt Romney. I also had the opportunity to speak to RNC Chairman Reince Priebus  about Iowa and our importance in taking back everything from the Courthouse to the White House.

Just a reminder our monthly Chairman's Lunch is tomorrow, April 25th at the Republican Party of Iowa headquarters. The event begins at noon and will feature guest speakers Majority leader Upmeyer and House Speaker Paulsen. The cost is $20 and you can reserve your spot by emailing rsvp@iowagop.org. Please consider joining us for this event. It is vital to have open communication between elected officials and Iowans if we are to succeed this fall.

There is still time to get your tickets to the Lincoln Dinner! Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, Obamacare's greatest foe is our featured speaker. Cuccinelli was the first state Attorney General to file a legal challenge to Obamacare. Other speakers will include Governor Branstad, Lt. Governor Reynolds, Senator Grassley, Congressman Latham, and Congressman King. Because this falls on Cinco de Mayo, we will have a reception from 6-7 pm complete with a margarita and daiquiri bar and a live band. The event will be held at Vets Auditorium Ballroom and tickets cost $75. To purchase tickets please call 515-282-8105 or visit www.iowagop.org.

To Victory,

 

A.J. Spiker

Chairman

Republican Party of Iowa

25 Apr 2012

Progress Iowa launches campaign to 'Send Chuck a Coke'

By Rick Martin

Petition drive launched in response to Senator Grassley's call for a boycott on his own constituents

DES MOINES, IOWA - In response to Senator Chuck Grassley advocating a boycott on Coca-Cola, which operates two bottling plants in Iowa, Progress Iowa today launched a petition drive to 'Send Chuck a Coke' at SendChuckaCoke.com.

On April 4th, Coca-Cola publicly announced it would end its financial support of the American Legislative Exchange Group (ALEC), the right-wing front group backing controversial legislation such as the "Stand Your Ground" laws, which have been implicated in the shooting death of Florida teen Trayvon Martin.

This weekend, Senator Grassley tweeted "U might think abt not drinking Coca Cola since company sucombed to pressure fr Leftist not to support ALEC". Read the original tweet here. Atlantic Bottling Company operates in Atlantic and Waukee, and has bottled Coca-Cola products in Iowa for three generations.
"We want Iowans to send Senator Grassley a message: he should be standing up for his constituents, not ALEC, an out of state corporate front-group," said Matt Sinovic, executive director of Progress Iowa. "For every petition signature we receive, we will deliver a Coca-Cola, bottled right here in Iowa, to Senator Grassley."

For more information about the campaign, visit SendChuckaCoke.com, where you can sign the petition and respond directly to Senator Grassley's tweet.

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25 Apr 2012

In Case You Missed It: Ron Paul Supporters in Iowa Make GOP Inroads for RNC and Long-term Battle of Ideas

By Gary Howard
"A rising tide of Republicans who share Ron Paul's philosophy of limited government are flooding into GOP party roles in Iowa." - Des Moines Register
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - Supporters of 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul were elected last night to state Republican Party positions helpful for his delegate-attainment strategy, and for ensuring that constitutionally-limited government has a voice in the state party.  At four district conventions held Saturday, party activists tied to Paul won seats in the state nomination committee that selects at-large delegates to the Republican National Convention in Tampa, and in the state central committee, writes the influential Des Moines Register.

Ron Paul backers sweep into GOP party roles in Iowa
by Jennifer Jacobs
Des Moines Register

A rising tide of Republicans who share Ron Paul's philosophy of limited government are flooding into GOP party roles in Iowa.

Like the anti-abortion movement and tea partiers that made in-roads into GOP politics here in recent years, Paul loyalists want to send a message to party leaders, the governor, the state legislature and the nation, they said Saturday.

Six of the new Iowa GOP state central committee members elected Saturday have publicly expressed support for Paul, a libertarian-leaning presidential candidate: Joel Kurtinitis, Kris Thiessen, Dave Cushman, Jeff Shipley, John Kabitzke and Marcus Fedler.  Two more have close ties.

"Ron Paul's display of strength is to encourage their followers to say, 'We have the numbers. Join us and we can accomplish even more,'" said Gopal Krishna, a popular longtime central committee member who has declined to reveal his caucus vote.  "Because once they're a force to be reckoned with, everybody starts to cater to them."

To read the full article online, please click here.
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18 Apr 2012

Iowa GOP Chairman's Report

By A.J. Spiker

Good Afternoon! As I am sure all of you are aware today is Tax Day. While I felt this year was especially painful, the next few years could be even worse if we don't work together to fight proposed tax increases. Please consider coming to one of the events listed below to hear how we can fight back.

Our Lincoln Dinner is fast approaching.  Come out on May 5 at 7 p.m. to hear featured speaker Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, the first state Attorney General to file a legal challenge to Obamacare. Other speakers will include Governor Brandstad, Lt. Governor Reynolds, Senator Grassley, Congressman Latham, and Congressman King. Because this falls on Cinco de Mayo, we will have a reception from 6-7 pm complete with a margarita and daiquiri bar and live band. The event will be held at Vets Auditorium Ballroom and tickets cost $75. To purchase tickets please call 515-282-8105 or visit www.iowagop.org.

Yesterday, the US Senate narrowly voted down President Obama's Buffet Tax. This is nothing more than a political gimmick designed to distract voters from President Obama's economic record. Please read my statement below praising the Senate for rejecting this measure.

"There is one thing you need to know about President Obama's Buffett Tax - it won't help a single Iowa family find a job. The facts are simple, President Obama has once again chosen politics over fixing the economy

"The President's hard sell on this tax has been all over the place. First, Obama claimed the Buffett Tax would, 'stabilize our debt and deficit for the next ten years,' and when that was proven false, he claimed it wasn't meant for deficit reduction. President Obama has changed his explanation for this tax no less than six times, but not once did he claim this tax would improve the economy or help folks find a job - and that's what this all boils down to - a shiny object that does nothing to help struggling Americans.

"President Obama should be focused on fixing the economy, but he's spending his time rolling out political gimmicks. This President is focused on saving one job - his own- and he's resorted to the politics of division and envy to achieve his goal.

"I applaud the Senate for voting down Obama's Buffett gimmick. Iowa families deserve better; they deserve real leadership and someone who is focused on helping Americans struggling in this economy."

Don't miss the Chairman's lunch, held at 12 p.m. April 25 at the Republican Party of Iowa Headquarters. The cost is $20 and to reserve a spot, please RSVP to rsvp@iowagop.org. This month's speakers will be House Speaker Kraig Paulsen and House Majority Leader Linda Upmeyer. The Chairman's Lunch is held the last Wednesday of every month and is a great opportunity to increase communication between Iowans, elected leaders, and party officials.

To Victory,

 

A.J. Spiker

Chairman, Republican Party of Iowa

13 Apr 2012

Loebsack Continues Rural Economy Tour in Cedar, Muscatine Counties

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today announced that he will continue his Rural Economy Tour, TOMORROW, April 14th at locations in Cedar and Muscatine Counties. Throughout the year, Loebsack has visited farms and businesses that have a direct impact on the rural economy to hear firsthand about the needs of rural Iowans. Media is invited to attend.

 

"Rural areas in Iowa are the backbone of our state's economy," said Loebsack.  "We have to ensure they have the tools necessary to thrive."

 

Rural Economy Tour

 

Cedar County Stops

10:15

T&M Clothing

407 Cedar St.

Tipton

 

10:30

City Hall Steakhouse

509 Cedar St.

Tipton

 

11:15

Stuefen Overhead Door Manufacturing open house

Industrial Park

1707 HWY 130

Tipton

 

Muscatine County Stop

2:00

Geertz's Family Farm

1118 North Walnut Street

West Liberty

 

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13 Apr 2012

Braley Posts Another Record Quarter as More Than 2,000 Iowans Contribute to Campaign

By Jeff Giertz
Braley will report raising over $323,000 in 1st Quarter, $828,000 cash on hand

Waterloo, IA - The Bruce Braley for Congress campaign announced today that it will report having raised over $323,000 when it files its first quarter 2012 Federal Election Commission report, due April 15th.  The report will also show that the campaign has raised more than $1.4 million during the 2012 election cycle, and currently has more than $828,000 total cash on hand.  More than 2,000 Iowans have contributed to Braley's campaign this cycle.

"Thanks to the support of more than 2,000 Iowa donors, Braley for Congress had the best first quarter we've ever had," Braley for Congress campaign manager Molly Scherrman said.  "A record year followed by another record quarter shows just how much Iowans want someone in Congress working for us to break through the gridlock and create jobs, strengthen the middle class, and stand up for veterans."

Braley raised more in the first quarter of 2012 than he has in any other comparable quarter since first running for Congress in 2006.

In January, Braley for Congress reported raising $1.1 million during 2011, the most ever raised by a 1st District Congressional candidate during a non-election year.
13 Apr 2012

Rep. Morthland to hold press conference

By Rep. Rich Morthland
(Moline)Illinois House Republican Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego), U.S. Congressman Aaron  Schock (IL-18), and State Rep. Rich Morthland (R-Cordova)  are holding a press conference in Moline on Friday, April 13th at 1:45 p.m. to highlight the additional financial burden the implementation of Obamacare will place on Illinois' budget.  

Time:                         1:45 p.m.
Date:                         Friday, April 13, 2012
Location:                   Quad Cities International Moline Terminal, 2200 69th Avenue, Moline, IL

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