11 Oct 2011

Ron Paul to Celebrate Homecoming with an Event at the University of Iowa

By F. Breck
'Youth for Ron Paul' to host its first ever event in the Midwest in key early state
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul will address University of Iowa supporters and community members at a special youth-oriented event held on the university's campus.

The event, which is free and open to supporters of all ages, will be held at the University of Iowa Memorial Union in the Main Lounge on Friday, October 21st.  Doors will open to the public at 7:15 p.m.  To enter 15 minutes early, RSVP for the University of Iowa event featuring Dr. Paul at http://www.ronpaul2012.com/university-of-iowa-ron-paul-event/.

"No other candidate running for the GOP nomination generates support from students like Ron Paul does, and it is the youth vote that will help determine the 2012 election.  That's why Ron Paul enjoys bringing his message directly to students.  Young people who want authentic change gravitate to his reliable message of peace, prosperity and individual liberty," said Edward King, National Youth Coordinator for the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign. 

"Let me add that it is an honor to add to the festivities surrounding the University of Iowa's homecoming celebration with Ron Paul's campus visit," said Mr. King.

Youth for Ron Paul (YFP), an initiative of the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign, launched on Wednesday, September 7th and since its inception more than 7,100 people signed up to join the campaign and get involved, forming more than 100 chapters.

The University of Iowa event is the third major YFP event, taking place two days after a planned visit to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.  Last month, Dr. Paul spoke to a crowd of more than 1,300 Louisiana State University students, supporters, and community members in Baton Rouge prior to the grand opening of his Louisiana campaign headquarters.

"Since the announcement of Youth for Ron Paul, we've seen tremendous interest and excitement from students across the nation.  It's inspiring to be able to work with young people dedicated to their principles and Ron Paul's campaign," said Ani DeGroot of Iowa.  

"President Obama successfully organized young people in 2008, but he has failed to deliver on his campaign promises.  Young people now understand Ron Paul is the only candidate running who will significantly change Washington's failed policies at home and abroad," said Ms. DeGroot, who is on a leave of absence from the University of Iowa so she can serve as the campaign's Midwest Regional Director for Youth for Ron Paul.

To learn more and sign up for Youth for Ron Paul, please visit: www.youthforpaul.com and "like" the Facebook page found at: www.Facebook.com/youthforpaul.
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11 Oct 2011

Ron Paul Places First in 2011 Values Voter Summit Straw Poll

By Drew Ivers
Handily wins 37 percent of votes cast in key contest
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul placed first in the 2011 Values Voter Straw Poll today garnering an impressive 37 percent of the total number of votes cast.

In placing first, Dr. Paul placed ahead of Herman Cain, Rick Santorum and Rick Perry who placed second, third and fourth with a mere 23, 16 and 8 percent, respectively.

Held annually each year since 2007, the Values Voter Summit presidential straw poll is seen as a benchmark for how well Republican candidates will appeal to Christian conservative activists.  Endorsement by this core activist community is likely to energize voters nationwide that identify with family-friendly issues such as parental decision-making concerning children's education, less government interference in local communities, and the sanctity of human life.

"Dr. Paul's standing among Christian conservative voters is growing as people become more familiar with the man as well as the message,"said Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton.

"Dr. Paul is a humble man of faith, who has personally delivered more than 4,000 babies, so he's well acquainted with the sanctity of life.  And importantly, he never fails to connect the worthiness of the liberty message he champions with that system's moral superiority over schemes that promote coercive government activism leading to the breakdown of the American family,"said Mr. Benton.

Speaking of Dr. Paul's speech earlier today Doug Wead, a born again Christian and former adviser to two U.S. Presidents, said he was blown away by Dr. Paul's command of the scripture.  "He offered a scriptural rationale to every position and moved from one passage to the next without hesitation.  The man knows the Bible."

Mr. Wead says that the rising numbers of born again Christians turning to Dr. Paul shows that, "For many of us, the best way to assure our own religious freedom is to get back to the Constitution and defend everybody else's freedoms too."

To view Dr. Paul's statement of faith, click here.  To view his positions on abortion and homeschooling click here and here, respectively.


Authorized and paid for by Ron Paul 2012 PCC Inc. www.RonPaul2012.com
10 Oct 2011

Governor Quinn Announces Key Appointments

By Andrew Mason

Arlene Juracek Appointed Director of Illinois Power Agency;
Michael Jones to Serve as Illinois Lottery Superintendent

CHICAGO - October 5, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced the appointments of Arlene Juracek as director of the Illinois Power Agency (IPA) and Michael Jones as superintendent of the Illinois Lottery. Today's action is the latest in a series of appointments the Governor is making as he continues to fulfill his commitment to creating jobs, fostering economic development, and increasing efficiency and accountability in all areas of state government.

"Arlene Juracek's decades of experience in the energy sector will be critical to fulfilling the Illinois Power Agency's core mission of ensuring reliable and sustainable energy for Illinois families at the lowest cost," Governor Quinn said. "Michael Jones' past success in responsibly growing lotteries throughout the world will be invaluable as my administration works to ensure that the Illinois Lottery reaches its full potential."

As director of the IPA, Juracek will develop and submit annual competitive electricity procurement plans, including the use of conventional and renewable energy and clean coal resources, to the Illinois Commerce Commission. The plans will help ensure adequate, reliable, affordable, efficient and environmentally-sustainable electric service at a low cost to families throughout Illinois.

Juracek retired as vice president of energy acquisition from Commonwealth Edison in 2007 after a 34-year career in energy and transmission services acquisition, power station engineering, and strategic economic and policy analysis. She also worked on purchasing agreements for ComEd's renewable resource activities, including wind power and other green sources of energy.

In addition to her extensive legislative, policy and private sector experience, Juracek also brings a record of public service to the IPA. She is currently serving her second term on the Mount Prospect Village Board of Trustees and was formerly chair of the Mount Prospect Planning and Zoning Commission.

As superintendent of the Illinois Lottery, Michael Jones will be responsible for maximizing lottery profits and overseeing the private firm hired last year to manage Illinois' lottery operations for the next decade. Jones brings decades of experience to this critical position. He served as superintendent of the Illinois Lottery from 1981-1985 under former Governor James Thompson, overseeing a record billion-dollar increase in sales.

After leaving the position, he founded a marketing promotion firm that specialized in assisting all forms of gaming with maximizing sales and profits in an ethical and responsible manner. Jones has served as a consultant for lotteries in 13 states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, Great Britain, Ukraine, British Columbia and Western Canada. Jones also served as a director of Independent Lottery Research that uses market and consumer analysis to evaluate growth potential in lotteries.

Jones is a graduate of the University of Florida and served as an officer in the United States Army.

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10 Oct 2011

In Case You Missed It: Ron Paul Foreign Policy Favored By Vets

By Gary Howard
Majority of veterans respond that the U.S. should follow
non-interventionist foreign policy LAKE JACKSON, Texas - Today, the Pew Research Center released a pollhighlighting veteran views on America's ongoing, decade-long 'War on Terror.' The following was found in the poll:

  • 59 percent of post-9/11 veterans respond that the U.S. should focus on domestic issues versus be active in world affairs;
  • About half (51 percent) of post-9/11 veterans respond that the use of military force to fight terrorism creates hatred that breeds more terrorism;
  • 33 percent of veterans respond that neither war (Afghanistan nor Iraq) has been worth the cost;
  • Veterans and the public agree: The nation should not bring back the military draft, which ended in 1973. 82 percent of post-9/11 veterans said they are against reinstating the draft; and
  • 44 percent of post-9/11 veterans report that they have had difficulties readjusting to civilian life, and 37 percent say that ? whether or not they have been diagnosed - they have suffered from post-traumatic stress.

As a 2012 presidential candidate, Dr. Paul has garnered more donations from active-duty military than all of the other Republican presidential candidates combined, and more than President Barack Obama as well. Paul's consistent adherence to Constitutional principles regarding American foreign policy has gained him broad support among veterans and active military alike.

In late September the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign released its latest television ad.  The 60-second spot titled "He Served" highlights Paul's military service and unrivaled commitment to veterans.

Authorized and paid for by Ron Paul 2012 PCC Inc. www.RonPaul2012.com

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10 Oct 2011

Statement from Governor Pat Quinn on Retirement of U.S. Representative Jerry Costello

By Katelyn Tye

CHICAGO - October 4, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today released a statement regarding today's announcement of the retirement of U.S. Representative Jerry Costello (D-Ill.).

"Congressman Costello is a tireless advocate for the citizens of Illinois and his district, and has spent his career in Congress working across the aisle to get things done. He has helped boost Illinois' job creation and economic development by working to improve transportation infrastructure and encourage clean coal technologies. I want to thank Congressman Costello for his service to his constituents and the people of Illinois, and wish him the very best of luck in his future endeavors."

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04 Oct 2011

Braley Statement on Passage of Temporary Budget Bill

By Jeff Giertz

Braley supports bill that extends flood recovery funding for Iowa 

 

Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today released the following statement after voting for a temporary budget bill that funds government operations through November 18th with a 1.5 percent across-the-board cut in government spending.  The bill includes continued funding for Iowa flood recovery and disaster relief nationwide.

"I support this bipartisan bill because it ensures Iowa families hurt by flooding will keep getting the help they need to recover.  Getting people back on their feet after a disaster is one of the basic responsibilities of government, and this bill allows the federal government to follow through on its commitment to thousands of Iowans affected by floods in recent years.

 

"I sincerely hope that the brief ray of bipartisanship that allowed this bill to pass will continue, because the solutions to our nation's problems won't be found in partisan bickering."

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03 Oct 2011

Lawmakers Rake It In

By Ed Fallon

Dear Friends,

After my comments in Sunday's Des Moines Register editorial, which further exposed the murky waters of legislative compensation, I've gotta be giving Kim Pearson a run for her money in the "Most Popular Former or Current Lawmaker Among Fellow Lawmakers" contest. The editorial points out concerns I first raised in 1992, including how lawmakers:

-- Hide much of their salary in "per diem" and "constituent service" payments.

-- Avoid paying taxes on most of this money.

-- Pay legislative leaders as much as $60,000 - $75,000 per year.

The Register's editorial concludes with a call to action: "It is not right, and the Legislature should change this next year." Yeah, they should. But anyone wanna bet an apple pie they won't?

Meanwhile, the revolution that rocked Cairo, Tripoli, Madison, and Manhattan wound its way up to the Brooklyn Bridge this weekend, into the loving and arresting arms of the NYPD, and onward to cities across America. The mainstream media is only beginning to pick-up the story, which grassroots and social media networks have tracked from the git-go.

Monday, after a conversation with Sue Dvorsky, head of the Iowa Democratic Party, we'll talk about the latest developments in the "Occupy Wall Street" revolution.

Tuesday, Frank and Kim Spillers with BE WUCA join us to talk about the power of attitude when it comes to accomplishing anything of substance in life, whether it's helping ignite a social change movement, launching a successful small business, succeeding in the classroom, or taking charge of one's personal health and well-being. "BE WUCA" stands for "Be Welcoming, Understanding, Comfortable, and Appreciative."

Wednesday, attorney Jim Larew discusses a climate-change angle not often considered. There are plenty of climate-change deniers out there, but the insurance industry is a true believer. That's been made clear by their rate hikes and policy changes. But if you think all these natural disasters mean insurance companies are losing money in big payouts to victims, think again. Angel Robinson, the consumer advocate with the Iowa Insurance Commission, also joins us for the conversation.

Thursday, Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie is our guest. There are so many directions this conversation could go I don't even want to begin to tell you what to expect. But let's not waste too much time on potholes, street lights and barking dogs.

This week's Fallon Forum Freebie is a $25 gift certificate to Soul Flower, offering natural fiber and hemp clothing, including handmade items, hats, bags and jewelry. Soul Flower also has jam-band merchandise, Indian incense, and tie-dyed goods.

So, tune in from 7:00-8:00 pm, Monday - Thursday at 98.3 WOW-FM and online. You can download the Fallon Forum as a podcast, too. Thanks!

Ed


EVENTS

October 4 - Presentation on the Catholic Worker Movement (Indianola)
At 7:00 pm in the Simpson College Jordan Lecture Hall, Carver Science Building. The title of Martha Hennessey's talk is "The Catholic Worker Movement and its Relevance Today." Sponsored by Simpson College Amnesty International Chapter. Contacts Brian Steffen at brian.steffen@simpson.edu.

October 5 - Diane Wilson Speaks at JFAN Annual Meeting (Fairfield)
The annual meeting of Jefferson County Farmers and Neighbors is at 7:30 pm at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center, 200 N. Main St. The Leopold Group Sierra Club, Sustainable Living Coalition, KRUU-FM, and Radish Magazine, are co-sponsoring the event, which features a speech by Diane Wilson, a celebrated activist whose work has helped convince corporations to change their environmental practices. Contact Diane Rosenberg at (641) 209-6600 or drosenberg@lisco.com.

October 6 - Drinking Liberally (Sioux City)
Both card-carrying and non-card-carrying liberals are welcome to share conversation and libations the first Thursday of each month at 5:00 pm at Scotty's Pub, 1012 4th St. Contact Rick Mullin at rdmullin@gmail.com.

October 6 - Drinking Liberally (Des Moines)
Both card-carrying and non-card-carrying liberals are welcome to share conversation and libations at AJ's on E. Court, starting at 8:00 pm. Contact Kelli Griffis at kelli.griffis@gmail.com.

October 9 - Buy Fresh Buy Local Harvest Party (Des Moines)
At Drake University's Olmsted Center, 4:00-6:00 pm. Visit www.buyfreshdrake.org for more information.

October 14-15 - US Policy in Palestine-Israel (Ankeny)
Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Church, 501 E. First St, hosts this statewide organizing conference to highlight the voices of people working to bring peace with justice to Palestine and Israel. Keynote speakers are Laila El Haddad, a Palestinian freelance journalist, and Phyllis Bennis of the Institute for Policy Studies. More info at www.afsc-iowaconference.org.

October 18 - Irish Jam at Open Sesame (Des Moines)
Discover the fusion of Lebanese and Celtic culture every third Tuesday of the month: belly dancing to Irish gigs and reels, Lebanese cooking washed-down with a pint of Guinness. All musicians patrons welcome, at 313 E. Locust St from 8:30-10:30 pm.

October 20 - Community Leadership and Activist Workshop (Des Moines)
Join local activists for an evening charged with education and change. Iowa Public Interest Research Group and the Public Interest Network team-up to discuss planning a campaign, activating others, and communicating with key decision makers. The workshop will be held on from 6:00-9:00 pm at the Polk County Central Senior Center, 2800 Forest Ave. Free and open to the public. Contact Sonia Ashe at sashe@iowapirg.org or (515) 282-4193 to register.

October 22 - Jim Winkler  (Des Moines)
Jim Winkler, General Secretary of the General Board of Church and Society, will be the keynote speaker for MFSA's Fall Regional Gathering at Walnut Hills UMC at 10:00 am. Jim will focus on "The Perpetual War," and Las Americas will cater the meal. For more information, please contact Eloise Cranke at ecranke@mchsi.com or (515) 262-5974.

October 26 - Iowa Human Trafficking Conference (Ames)
Human trafficking happens even in Iowa, with more than 125 identified victims since 2005. Former Iowa Attorney General Bonnie Campbell and others will speak about this growing problem and how to solve it at ISU Memorial Union, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Attorneys can earn 5.25 hours of CLE. Register at www.iowanaht.org.

October 27 - Green Drinks (Des Moines)
Join casual conversation with people interested in environmental issues and sustainable energy over something to eat and/or drink. It's from 5:30-7:30 pm at Gateway Market and Cafe, 2002 Woodland Ave. Contact Shari Hrdina at DesMoinesGreenDrinks@gmail.com.

November 12 - Immigrant Entrepreneur Summit (Des Moines)
At Olmsted Center, Drake University, 2504 University Ave from 9:00-5:00. The 2011 The Summit brings businesses of diverse backgrounds together to network, learn and celebrate the immigrant entrepreneurship experience and its contribution to the overall community. Contact ies@communitycpa.com.

November 19 - Contra and Barn Dance (Des Moines)
Have fun, meet new people, get some great exercise as contra and barn dancing return to Des Moines. No partner or costume needed; all dances taught and called. Beginner lessons at 7:30 pm, dance from 8-11 pm. Cost is $6 for adults, $4 for students and seniors over 65, under 12 is free. Odd Fellows Hall, 29th and Kingman. For more info, visit www.contra-indications.org.
03 Oct 2011

Ron Paul Endorsed by Iowa Republican Party Leader

By Drew Ivers
ANKENY, Iowa - The Iowa component of the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign announced that Iowa Republican State Central Committee member James Mills has publicly endorsed Dr. Paul. 

Mr. Mills already serves as 4th District co-chairman for the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign and a national advisory board member of "Homeschoolers for Ron Paul."  However, as a function of his endorsement he is clarifying his support for Dr. Paul from the perspective of an Iowa Republican Party leader.

"I'm pleased to endorse Congressman Ron Paul for the Republican nomination to defeat President Barack Obama next year," said Mr. Mills, who is an educator in Mason City living in Nora Springs.

"Dr. Paul's consistent record of unwavering principles continues to attract new voters to the Republican Party.  His ability to unite a diverse, grassroots following is a testament to his message of Liberty.  Dr. Paul's firm belief and confidence in the power of the individual, free markets, sound money, and a non-interventionist foreign policy is needed to lead the charge at the top of the ticket," said Mr. Mills. 

Mr. Mills is a lifelong Iowan raised on a family farm.  He graduated with a B.A. from the University of Northern Iowa in Math Education.  He worked as a teacher in the Nora Springs Rock Falls Community School District and the Mason City-based Sylvan Learning Center, which he now owns. 

"The endorsement of Ron Paul by Republican Party of Iowa State Central Committeeman James Mills is further proof that Dr. Paul's message resonates with Republicans," said A.J. Spiker, Iowa Vice-Chair for the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign.

"Dr. Paul has been endorsed by more members of the Republican Party of Iowa's State Central Committee than any other candidate seeking the presidency.  Five of the 17 members of the RPI leadership have now endorsed Ron Paul. James Mills joins Drew Ivers, A.J. Spiker, David Fischer and Jeremiah Johnson in endorsing Ron Paul for President.  Each of these party leaders represent more than 100,000 registered Republicans in their respective districts," said Mr. Spiker.

Authorized and paid for by Ron Paul 2012 PCC Inc. www.RonPaul2012.com

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03 Oct 2011

Advisory: 5th Ward Candidate Will Hold Meet and Greet on Hill Top Campus

By Michael Elliott
Fifth Ward Candidate Jordan Schneider will hold a 'Meet & Greet' at Rocks Anchor Grill at 1526 Harrison Street on the Hill Top Campus on Saturday, October 8, 2011.
Rock Eddleman owner of Rock's Anchor Grill is a big fan of Jordan Schneider "because she is the only who listened and cared about the water pooling on the sidewalk after the cement was replaced. Jordan actually took the time to come down to my restaurant several times and spoke with me about the situation. She actually got someone down here from Public Works to look at the sidewalk and she is not even on the City Council-yet!" said Eddleman.
Schneider and Eddleman share a connection that they did not even realize. Rock Eddleman served in the United States Navy for 22 years. He worked under John Sidney McCain Jr., the father of U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. Schneider was the adjutant for the Alexandria Young Marines in Virginia. During her tenure as adjutant she assisted the Young Marines in putting together their very own Birthday Ball. Joe McCain, Senator McCain's Brother was the guest speaker at the event. "Joe was always very supportive of my endeavors especially the Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Stamp Campaign." Schneider reminisced.
The 'Meet and Greet' will be held in the new wing of Rock's Anchor Grill. Coffee and Cake will be served.

Schneider believes that campaigning is essentially a very large and long job interview. "I want to know what people expect of their city council representative. And I want to hear their ideas, solutions and concerns."
The 'Meet and Greet' will take place directly after the second Fifth Ward Forum that is being hosted by Davenport Association of Professional Firefighters, DAPFF, at 12:00 pm on Saturday October 8, 2011 at the Village Theater in the Village of East Davenport, 2113 East 11th Street, in the East Village,
03 Oct 2011

Governor Makes Acting Appointments at Illinois Departments of Public Health, Children & Family Services

By Katelyn Tye

Thanks Outgoing IDPH Director Dr. Arnold for His Years of Service

CHICAGO - September 30, 2011. Governor Quinn today appointed Dr. Craig Conover as acting director of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Jean Ortega-Piron as acting director of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Dr. Conover replaces Dr. Damon Arnold, who is leaving IDPH to create a Master's of Public Health degree program at Chicago State University.

"As he departs to pursue a new opportunity, I want to thank Dr. Arnold for his years of dedicated service to the people of Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "Dr. Conover's experience in a variety of medical fields will ensure that Illinois' public health system continues to protect and improve the health of the people of our great state."

Dr. Arnold's tenure at IDPH has seen the department winning a number of awards and grants, including a $24 million federal grant to implement its "We Choose Health" initiative, announced yesterday. Under his leadership, the department has consistently received top scores from the Centers for Disease Control for public health preparedness, and has transformed its grant tracking and monitoring system to increase accountability. Dr. Arnold also worked to secure public-private partnerships for the state's State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) to improve the health of Illinois residents.

Dr. Craig Conover has held several positions at IDPH since 2002, currently serving as Illinois' chief epidemiologist and medical director of the office of health protection, where he is charged with responding to and preventing disease outbreaks. Before joining IDPH, he served as attending physician at the Emergency Department at the University of Vermont and Chairman of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Provident Hospital in Chicago. Dr. Conover holds a master's degree in public health from the John Hopkins School of Medicine and an M.D. from the University of Rochester.

The Governor also appointed Jean Ortega-Piron to serve as acting director at DCFS. Since 1996, Ortega-Piron has served as Deputy Director, Guardian and Advocacy, acting as guardian for all children committed to DCFS by Illinois' juvenile courts. In that role, she was instrumental in establishing the first-in-the-nation Memorandum of Understanding between a state child welfare agency and Mexico, and also established a system for monitoring psychotropic medications for state wards, described by the Chicago Tribune as the "gold standard" in the country. She has also served as the DCFS chief administrative law judge and administrator of the Appeals and Hearings Unit. Prior to that, she worked as chief legal counsel for the Illinois Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. Ms. Ortega-Piron is a graduate of Rosary College and the Chicago-Kent School of Law.

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