Iowa

updated 3:42 a.m.

Roberts ‘all in’ for governor, out of House race

With Republican Rod Roberts decision to not run for re-election in House District 51, the big question remains: Who will run to succeed the highly popular legislator who has held a stranglehold on the seat for a decade....
Iowa Independent - 3:05 a.m.

IA-Gov: A closer look at the Rod Roberts campaign

I expected former four-term Governor Terry Branstad to drive all of the lesser-known Republicans out of the governor's race. To my surprise, State Representative Rod Roberts has not followed the lead of Paul McKinley , Christian Fong , Jerry Behn and Chris Rants . Roberts has insisted that he is staying in the governor's race all the way to the June primary, and another Republican has alr...
DailyKos (Iowa) - Mon 7:01 p.m.

We may need a new candidate in Iowa House district 65

Ed and Lynn Fallon's I'M for Iowa organization sent out an e-mail blast today containing the following tidbit: Monday, 1:00 - 4:00 pm, we talk about politics, and expose what appears to be a sneaky effort in the 65th House District in Des Moines to keep Wayne Ford's retirement a secret so party insiders can hand-pick a successor. We also talk about the Des Moines Register's love affair with Sena...
Bleeding Heartland - Mon 4:21 p.m.

Pentagon shooter exploited gun-show loophole

John Patrick Bedell, who shot and wounded two police officers near the Pentagon earlier this month, bought at least one of his 9 mm guns at a Nevada gun show, The Associated Press reported yesterday. Law enforcement officials say Bedell, a man with a history of severe psychiatric problems, had been sent a letter by California [...]...
Iowa Independent - Mon 2:44 p.m.

PoliTweeps

Today’s Twitter lesson: Ahhh! The fragrant and varied bouquet of spring is once again upon us, and it hasn’t been this intoxicating since grade school. ~ Linn County Supervisor Ben Rogers, Democrat ~ Charlotte Eby, reporter for Lee Enterprises ~ Jake Krob, publisher of the Mt. Vernon-Lisbon Sun ~ Jeff Raasch, mobile reporter at The Gazette ~ Justin Cook, Iowa [...]...
Iowa Independent - Mon 1:37 p.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Fallon: Dems trying to handpick successor to retiring lawmaker

Former Democratic state Rep. Ed Fallon, filling in for liberal radio host Chris Bradshaw on his afternoon WOW-FM program, said he has heard from numerous sources that Wayne Ford will not seek re-election in Iowa House District 65. Ford’s retirement would be significant, since it has not been made public and the deadline for candidates to [...]...
Iowa Independent - Mon 12:27 p.m. - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Reducing abortions by expanding health coverage

Among the myriad criticisms that opponents of the Democrats’ health reform bills have leveled at the legislation, perhaps none resonates as strongly as the emotionally charged claims about how the proposals approach abortion coverage. For almost 35 years, federal law has prohibited the federal funding of abortions, and the critics of this year’s reform proposals [...]...
Iowa Independent - Mon 11:09 a.m.

Culver won’t sign state budget that cuts education spending

Gov. Chet Culver said Monday that if lawmakers pass a budget without funding 2 percent allowable growth and an additional $100 million in surplus reserves for Iowa schools he will not sign it. “As governor, and as a former teacher, my commitment to education transcends even our most difficult budget challenges,” Culver said in a statement. [...]...
Iowa Independent - Mon 10:28 a.m. - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Democrats have candidates in all Sioux City races

Kudos to the Woodbury County Democrats for recruiting strong candidates for all three open Iowa House districts as well as both Iowa Senate districts representing parts of Sioux City. Two of those races became open very recently, when Democratic State Representative Roger Wendt announced his retirement from House district 2 because of a cancer recurrence and Republican State Senator Ron Wieck said...
Bleeding Heartland - Mon 10:28 a.m. - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Progressive Democrat Issue 250

Last week in my Texas Focus I concentrated on some absolutely critical School Board races. I got a comment that I was burying the lead in my story. What I failed to emphasize, though I mentioned, was that the Texas School Board DOMINATES the school textbook market. They are the ones who keep almost getting creationism in our science books, downplaying of slavery in our history textbooks, and Chri...
DailyKos (Iowa) - Mon 10:28 a.m. - 6 clicks 6 clicks

Reform of ‘No Child Left Behind’ starts in Iowa

CEDAR RAPIDS -- Federal officials signaled over the weekend that the next big legislative push will be an overhaul of Pres. George W. Bush's "No Child Left Behind" educational policies. Because U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa leads the influential Health, Education, Pensions and Labor Committee, Iowans were afforded the first opportunity to speak out on the proposed changes tentatively announced only...
Iowa Independent - Mon 10:02 a.m. - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Lunchtime Links

Former Agriprocessors illegal workers being deported by the end of this month have to pay their way home. Third District GOP congressional hopeful critical of franking privilege. Staff cuts, hiring freeze hit state agencies. U.S. Rep. Steve King calls process of passing health reform “macabre.” State could lose $75 million in federal money if driving-while-texting ban doesn’t pas...
Iowa Independent - Mon 10:02 a.m. - 4 clicks 4 clicks

The Season of Listening

I sat upon the porch today, turning face to the sun, feeling the warm caress of breezes flirting with skin, tantalizing, promising. Looking about, I sigh in sadness. Browns, greys, mud, empty trees, accompany the detris of winter’s end. Things dropped, plowed under, broken and bent, ugly reminders of weeks of cold, land dead, beaten. And I close my eyes, letting the [...] ...
A Feather Adrift - Mon 10:01 a.m.

King: Stopping health reform will stop amnesty for immigrants

Reforming the nation’s health care system is only one of President Barack Obama’s goals, and if conservatives can kill it they can stall other legislative aims, namely immigration reform, U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Kiron, said in an interview with the American Family Association’s news division. King said if Democrats are successful in passing health care reform, [...]...
Iowa Independent - Mon 7:41 a.m. - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Events coming up this week, with a few job openings

I haven't posted any job listings here in a while, but I recently learned of a few opportunities in the environmental area. Those are posted below. If you know of political or progressive advocacy jobs available, feel free to send details to me (desmoinesdem AT yahoo.com), and I will try to spread the word. The big political event this week is the March 19 deadline for Iowa candidates to file no...
Bleeding Heartland - Mon 7:08 a.m. - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Nine years in, sick nuke workers still fighting for benefits

Legislation to reform the program designed to provide assistance to nuclear workers suffering illnesses related to exposure to radiation and toxic substances continues to languish in the U.S. Senate....
Iowa Independent - Mon 4:01 a.m.

Environmental Issues, Progressive Activism, and Voter Turnout

With the historic 2008 Presidential elections well behind us it's time to turn to a discussion of how progressives will be mobilized in 2010.  As we've seen from recent Des Moines Register polling, being "progressive" isn't necessarily a Democratic or Republican issue.  It's a question of "getting things done".  Voters of all political stripes see major problems t...
Bleeding Heartland - Sun 2:22 p.m. - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Des Moines Register announces full RAGBRAI route

Six weeks after revealing the overnight towns for the 2010 Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa, the Des Moines Register announced the full 442-mile route that cycling enthusiasts will follow the last week of July. RAGBRAI XXXVIII will treat riders to one of the shortest and flattest routes ever as it winds through northern Iowa from Sioux City to Dubuque from July 25-31. That comb...
Bleeding Heartland - Sun 9:48 a.m. - 7 clicks 7 clicks

Beware: Your Mind is Out to Mislead

Brain researchers tell us that we are much the product of our experiences. While genetics play its role, most of our opinions, beliefs, and framework for examining information comes from a hidden and unrealized drama that plays out inside our heads, quite unbeknownst to our consciousness. Every new experience is compared and contrasted with everything we [...] ...
A Feather Adrift - Sun 9:48 a.m.

Weekend open thread: Food and farm policy edition

Share anything that's on your mind this weekend in the comments below. Yesterday the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Justice jointly hosted a workshop in Ankeny devoted to concentration in agriculture, antitrust issues and market practices. After some controversy over the speakers scheduled initially , more farmers and producers were able to speak during the workshop....
Bleeding Heartland - Sat 5:21 p.m. - 3 clicks 3 clicks

You Got It All Wrong

It has been my considered opinion for many years, that democracy requires a certain political maturity to pull off. I came to that conclusion as we wasted so many thousands of lives in Vietnam, all in pursuit of exporting democracy. The neo-cons cannot “get” this. So we have continued to go about the business of “nation [...] ...
A Feather Adrift - Sat 10:42 a.m.

Caution: Now entering a fact- and logic-free zone

I've heard some strange arguments against marriage equality, but the latest from Iowa Family Policy Center President Chuck Hurley is a doozy. ...
DailyKos (Iowa) - Sat 7:03 a.m. - 9 clicks 9 clicks

Caution: Now entering a fact- and logic-free zone

I've heard some strange arguments against marriage equality, but the latest from Iowa Family Policy Center President Chuck Hurley is a doozy. Reacting to a new report on HIV and syphilis rates among gay and bisexual men , Hurley asserted , "The Iowa Legislature outlawed smoking [in some public places] in an effort to improve health and reduce the medical costs that are often passed on to t...
Bleeding Heartland - Sat 4:46 a.m. - 9 clicks 9 clicks

Christian group says gay marriage more dangerous than smoking

Iowa Independent - Fri 3:04 p.m. - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Producer convinced DOJ/USDA workshop not 'a dog and pony show'

Iowa Independent - Fri 2:48 p.m.

Still much to be determined before GM goes generic

Iowa Independent - Fri 2:19 p.m. - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Panelists search for answers to farmer drain

Iowa Independent - Fri 11:44 a.m.

King wants you to take the town halls to Washington

Iowa Independent - Fri 10:18 a.m. - 11 clicks 11 clicks

Lunchtime Links

Iowa Independent - Fri 9:49 a.m. - 3 clicks 3 clicks

30 minutes of ag workshop is enough for some critics

Iowa Independent - Fri 9:49 a.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Feds provide more opportunity for public comment at antitrust workshop

Iowa Independent - Fri 9:49 a.m.

Don’t Open that Door!!!

I knew you couldn’t resist, so you might as well come on in, sit down, and make yourself comfortable. A cup of java? There are times I think that I might be slightly bi-polar. Today is one of them, as I have a rare indeed experience of being energetic and wanting to get things done. This [...] ...
A Feather Adrift - Fri 9:49 a.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Holder: 'We are committed to protecting competition very, very vigorously'

Iowa Independent - Fri 9:03 a.m. - 4 clicks 4 clicks

First DOJ/USDA panel emphasizes importance of the journey

Iowa Independent - Fri 9:03 a.m.

We have a new candidate in Iowa House district 1

Bret Hayworth has the story at his Politically Speaking blog: David Dawson, a former prosecutor in the Woodbury County Attorney Office, will be the Democratic candidate in Iowa House district 1. He sounds like a great candidate for that Sioux City district. He will face Republican high school teacher Jeremy Taylor, who almost beat retiring State Representative Wes Whitead in 2008. Our previous...
Bleeding Heartland - Fri 9:02 a.m. - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Advocates hopeful presence at DOJ/USDA workshop will make national impact

Iowa Independent - Fri 7:45 a.m.

Audit claims state misspent millions in flood aid

Iowa Independent - Fri 7:26 a.m. - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Capitol Hill Democrats represent deficit roadblock

Iowa Independent - Fri 6:04 a.m.

Family-farm advocates call for U.S. to 'bust up big ag'

Iowa Independent - Fri 6:04 a.m. - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Republican "family values" on display in Iowa House

The good news is, an important public safety bill went to Governor Chet Culver's desk on March 11. Senate File 2357 was one of Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller's legislative priorities this year. The bill prohibits Iowans from owning guns and ammunition if they have been convicted of a domestic violence crime or are subject to a protective order. Since 1995, 205 Iowans have been killed in dome...
Bleeding Heartland - Fri 6:04 a.m. - 5 clicks 5 clicks

GOP should return money raised from deceptive census mailings

Yesterday the House of Representatives unanimously approved HR 4261, the Prevent Deceptive Census Look-Alike Mailings Act . The short bill would ban fundraising letters like those the Republican National Committee and National Republican Congressional Committee sent last month , which gave the appearance of being official census documents. Those mailings were legal because they did not "us...
Bleeding Heartland - Thu 5:22 p.m.

Payday lenders only ones who can't make money on 36 percent interest rates

Iowa Independent - Thu 2:39 p.m. - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Dems unveil plan to trim tax credits

Iowa Independent - Thu 1:06 p.m.

Ralph Reed planning GOTV operation in Iowa

Republican operative Ralph Reed, who once headed the Christian Coalition , is building an Iowa branch for his latest venture, the Faith and Freedom Coalition . Reed spoke at an Iowa Christian Alliance event on Tuesday and promised the crowd that the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition will get "people who share our values" elected "from governor all the way down to the statehouse and school board...
Bleeding Heartland - Thu 1:06 p.m. - 8 clicks 8 clicks

Climate change concerns continue to decline

Iowa Independent - Thu 11:07 a.m.

Lunchtime Links

Iowa Independent - Thu 9:51 a.m. - 6 clicks 6 clicks

Iowa Cities, State Legislators Opposed Flood Plain Management Steps

As Iowa citizens brace themselves for another spring flood season, Iowa mayors, city council members and state lawmakers are doing everything they can to STOP even modest flood prevention planning from going forward in the Iowa Legislature. If you’re scratching you head and wondering why, it may be time to contact your elected officials and ask them. The following is an action alert sent ou...
Bleeding Heartland - Thu 9:51 a.m. - 4 clicks 4 clicks

What is Hero?

A day or so ago, a young boy named Carlos became a “hero” in America. Having the presence of mind in a home break-in to secrete himself and his younger sister in a bathroom and call 911, he may well have averted serious injury or death to members of his family. He is rightly so named a [...] ...
A Feather Adrift - Thu 9:51 a.m.

Grassley votes no as Senate passes bill extending various benefits, tax credits

Yesterday the Senate approved HR 4213, the Tax Extenders Act of 2009 , by a 62-35 vote . Tom Harkin voted for the bill, as did all but one Democrat. Chuck Grassley voted against the bill, as did all but six Republicans ( roll call here ). Harkin's office summarized some of the $140 billion bill's key provisions: o    Extend the current federal unemployment benefits program through De...
Bleeding Heartland - Thu 8:25 a.m. - 7 clicks 7 clicks

Is Sarah Palin confusing Cedar Rapids with Cedarburg? Probably.

Iowa Independent - Thu 8:05 a.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Grassley: Getting GOP on board with closing Gitmo is 'long shot'

Iowa Independent - Thu 7:01 a.m. - 10 clicks 10 clicks

Iowa revenue estimates to be released Thursday

Iowa Independent - Thu 6:28 a.m. - 7 clicks 7 clicks

Iowa nuke workers: Government not living up to promises

Iowa Independent - Thu 3:20 a.m. - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Been away for awhile

So, I've been away.  Bleeding Heartland has been one of my favorite Iowa blogs for sometime and I used to post relatively regularly, but my previous life working in the Iowa House limited my involvement with the community.  Now, I've moved on to a new endeavor and I'll be resuming my regular posting to Bleeding Heartland. Of course, I will need to make a disclaimer...I&#...
Bleeding Heartland - Wed 4:48 p.m. - 6 clicks 6 clicks

GOP lawmaker attempts to exclude gays from domestic abuse bill

Iowa Independent - Wed 2:45 p.m. - 8 clicks 8 clicks

A partial defense of payday lenders: Banks are just as bad

Iowa Independent - Wed 2:02 p.m.

PoliTweeps

Iowa Independent - Wed 1:44 p.m. - 10 clicks 10 clicks

Most conservative Iowa House Democrat retiring

State Representative Dolores Mertz announced yesterday that she will not seek a twelfth term in the Iowa House. First elected to House district 8 in 1988, she said she's in good health but wants to spend more time with her large family. House district 8 includes all of Humboldt and Pocahontas counties, plus parts of Kossuth and Webster counties ( map here ). Mertz has chaired the Iowa House ...
Bleeding Heartland - Wed 12:40 p.m. - 9 clicks 9 clicks

Where same-sex couples bank without fear

Iowa Independent - Wed 11:45 a.m. - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Lunchtime Links

Iowa Independent - Wed 11:45 a.m. - 6 clicks 6 clicks

Resistant weeds threaten to cripple Iowa's agriculture economy

Iowa Independent - Wed 11:45 a.m. - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Roberts is the politically correct Republican alternative to Branstad

State Representative Rod Roberts continues to line up endorsements in his long-shot gubernatorial campaign. Bill Schickel just resigned as secretary of the Iowa GOP in order to endorse Roberts. Party officers are supposed to remain neutral in Republican primaries, but   "I can no longer remain neutral," said Schickel, a former state representative and Mason City mayor. "Our party is curre...
Bleeding Heartland - Wed 10:07 a.m. - 7 clicks 7 clicks

Strangers Passing in the Night

From time to time, usually as criticism, I’m asked why I have such “issues” with fundamentalism. I’ve answered many a time, and what it boils down to is simply this: When atheists and other non-believers decide there is reason to take pot shots at religion, it is always the lowest common denominator that they choose–fundamentalism. We [...] ...
A Feather Adrift - Wed 9:20 a.m.

Lawsuit against Board of Medicine dismissed in federal court

Iowa Independent - Wed 8:07 a.m. - 13 clicks 13 clicks

Mertz announces retirement from Iowa House

Iowa Independent - Wed 6:45 a.m. - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Santorum responds to 'pro-life fraud' Iowa robocalls

Iowa Independent - Wed 3:07 a.m. - 13 clicks 13 clicks

Ralph Reed: Give me $500,000 and we'll take back Iowa

Iowa Independent - Wed 3:07 a.m. - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Iowa Consumers Forced to Make Risky Investment in Nuclear

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 9, 2010                                           Contact: Eric Nost, Environment Iowa 515-243-5835 | enost@environmentiowa.org The Iowa Senate voted 37-13 Tuesday afternoon to allow Mid-Am...
Bleeding Heartland - Tue 8:21 p.m. - 10 clicks 10 clicks

Anti-Santorum fliers passed out at ICA event

Iowa Independent - Tue 4:08 p.m. - 9 clicks 9 clicks

PoliTweeps

Iowa Independent - Tue 2:05 p.m. - 6 clicks 6 clicks

Immigration reform back on political radar, this time with biometric ID card

Iowa Independent - Tue 1:04 p.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Looking for a few good Democrats in Sioux City

Sioux City residents will replace their entire delegation in the Iowa House and Senate this November. Democrat Steve Warnstadt announced his retirement yesterday from Iowa Senate district 1, which comprises much of Sioux City ( map here ). Warnstadt is completing his second term in the Senate and has chaired the upper chamber's Commerce Committee . He is known for his work on veterans' issues...
Bleeding Heartland - Tue 12:47 p.m. - 7 clicks 7 clicks

Conservatives label unemployment benefits as entitlement program

Iowa Independent - Tue 11:30 a.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Santorum called 'pro-life fraud' in anonymous Iowa robocalls

Iowa Independent - Tue 9:45 a.m. - 10 clicks 10 clicks

Lunchtime Links

Iowa Independent - Tue 9:45 a.m. - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Confessions of a Sci Fi Junkie

Yes, it’s true. I confess. I’ve had an addiction of sorts for many years to science fiction. Actually, us “real” junkies don’t use the term sci fi, finding it trite and the phrase of choice for the truly uninitiated. You know the ones I mean, the kids who really watch Star Wars, and BattleStar Galactica [...] ...
A Feather Adrift - Tue 9:08 a.m. - 4 clicks 4 clicks

American Future Fund launches ad campaign against health reform

Iowa Independent - Tue 7:43 a.m. - 8 clicks 8 clicks

City of Creston joins lawsuit against atrazine producer

Jason Hancock published a fascinating story at Iowa Independent today about a federal lawsuit against Syngenta AG and its U.S.-based subsidiary, Syngenta Crop Protection Inc. Sixteen communities, including Creston in southwest Iowa, are suing Syngenta because it profits from sales of atrazine while communities have to pay to remove the weed-killer from water supplies. Apparently Creston has a hi...
Bleeding Heartland - Tue 7:42 a.m. - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Wellmark will delay Iowa rate increase

Iowa Independent - Tue 6:44 a.m. - 7 clicks 7 clicks

The recession came for single moms, too

Iowa Independent - Tue 5:43 a.m. - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Hey, Republicans: Bruce Braley can multitask

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee confirmed yesterday that Representative Bruce Braley will co-chair the DCCC's "Red to Blue" program this year. Red to Blue candidates are Democratic challengers seeking to win Republican-held House districts. DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen noted this week that even in a "tough cycle for Democrats," The DCCC is focused on not only protecting ou...
Bleeding Heartland - Tue 4:40 a.m. - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Iowa community sues atrazine maker for contaminated water

Iowa Independent - Tue 3:03 a.m. - 6 clicks 6 clicks

Palin: Growing up, I 'hustled over the border' for health care

Iowa Independent - Mar 8

Santorum, Reed appear at Iowa Christian Alliance event

Iowa Independent - Mar 8 - 11 clicks 11 clicks

Culver halts Wellmark rate hike

Iowa Independent - Mar 8 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

PoliTweeps

Iowa Independent - Mar 8 - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Radio host smacks Romney over climate change

Iowa Independent - Mar 8 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Analysts say budget plan could do more harm than good

Iowa Independent - Mar 8 - 7 clicks 7 clicks

Lunchtime Links

Iowa Independent - Mar 8 - 8 clicks 8 clicks

DOJ/USDA workshop expanded to include 'farmer presentation'

Iowa Independent - Mar 8 - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Future of Government: Evolution or Intelligent Design?

Where we have arrived as a nation is a disdain for the Government we have elected, appointed, and volunteered to be a part of. But really, is it in lousier shape than say during the Civil War? In reality, the times we are now are experiencing is a lack of cohesiveness about national identity. Resistance to taxes, the belief that the government is creating more problems than it is solving and so on...
Popular Progressive - Mar 8 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Iowa Governor Culver (D) halts health insurance premium hikes

Wellmark Blue Cross-Blue Shield recently announced premium increases averaging 18 percent for about 80,000 policy-holders. Tens of thousands of customers were facing rate hikes of 22 percent, effective April 1. Today Governor Chet Culver halted the planned increases by Iowa's largest health insurance provider. Details are after the jump. ...
DailyKos (Iowa) - Mar 8 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Francis Thicke hires staff for secretary of agriculture campaign

Bleeding Heartland - Mar 8 - 8 clicks 8 clicks

Culver orders independent review of health insurance rate hikes

Bleeding Heartland - Mar 8 - 6 clicks 6 clicks

Dream recruit may spark Republican infighting in Senate district 45

Bleeding Heartland - Mar 8 - 6 clicks 6 clicks

Munching on the Jawbone of an Ass

Seems like everywhere you look these days, Republicans are bellying up to the table for a snack. And the snack of choice seems to be each other. Yes, as reported here before, they GOP is eating its own. And just when they thought they had the Dems on the run and were looking to sweep [...] ...
A Feather Adrift - Mar 8

Events coming up this week

Bleeding Heartland - Mar 7 - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Progressive Democrat Issue 249

DailyKos (Iowa) - Mar 6 - 6 clicks 6 clicks

Weekend open thread: New Branstad robocalls edition

Bleeding Heartland - Mar 6 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Wondrously Unique–I Give You Human

I guess many people spend Saturday all busy and such, racing around doing chores and running errands. Not me. Even though I have been retired by choice for nearly fifteen years, I still reserve Saturday as a day of relaxed fun. I love to read blogs on Saturday morning. I learn so much. I make connections [...] ...
A Feather Adrift - Mar 6 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

IA-03: Boswell files nominating papers

Bleeding Heartland - Mar 6 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Derek Eadon will direct the Iowa Democratic Party's Coordinated Campaign

Bleeding Heartland - Mar 5 - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Romney: 'Climate change Is occurring'

Iowa Independent - Mar 5

PoliTweeps

Iowa Independent - Mar 5 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

More Branstad robocalls to Democrats

Iowa Independent - Mar 5

Exploring the Known Unknown

From time to time, it occurs to me that I have been derelict in my duty to you in bringing you the latest in scientific discovery. No doubt, you depend on me for this, and so I’ve been shopping the blogs for the best and most useful bits of mystical magical info found around the Internets. [...] ...
A Feather Adrift - Mar 5

Lunchtime Links

Iowa Independent - Mar 5 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Convention scenario could spell trouble for Iowa GOP

Bleeding Heartland - Mar 5 - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Batcher first Republican to file in 3rd District primary

Iowa Independent - Mar 5 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Romney tries to fill GOP national security void

Iowa Independent - Mar 5

Grassley didn't question DOJ lawyer about 'terrorist sympathies' at hearing

Iowa Independent - Mar 5 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Iowans split on party lines as House passes scaled-back jobs bill

Bleeding Heartland - Mar 4 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Grassley attacks DOJ lawyers for defending detainees, voted for detainee defense

Iowa Independent - Mar 4 - 5 clicks 5 clicks

PoliTweeps

Iowa Independent - Mar 4 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Harkin: Stupak is 'totally misinformed' on Senate health bill

Iowa Independent - Mar 4 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Holding Down the Fort–Sanity Preserved

Everyone on planet Earth has heard or read the story of the Orca who apparently inadvertently killed its trainer. Well, the American Family Association, well known right wing Christian loonie tunes organization, has done itself proud once again. Their solution to the sad affair? Stone the whale! Yep, biblically that’s what it says to do you [...] ...
A Feather Adrift - Mar 4

Atheists offer alternative to Focus on the Family series at Iowa Capitol

Iowa Independent - Mar 4 - 7 clicks 7 clicks

Dems push FDA to repeal blanket ban on gay blood donors

Iowa Independent - Mar 4

Lunchtime Links

Iowa Independent - Mar 4 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Group objects to potential changes to campaign finance bill

Iowa Independent - Mar 4

Harkin will ask DOJ/USDA to include more farmers in upcoming workshop

Iowa Independent - Mar 4 - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Gingrich heading to Iowa

Iowa Independent - Mar 4 - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Pssst…Don’t Tell Anyone I’m Hetero

Never in a million year did I imagine myself agreeing with former Vice President Dick Cheney, but I confess dear Civilian, I recently found myself taking my first step into the Dark Side by agreeing with Cheney that the military should repeal its “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy. However, truth be told, which is not an option for gays currently serving in the military, it was Cheney who ...
Political Fallout - Mar 4

Oh good, a top ten list to argue about

Bleeding Heartland - Mar 4 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Coalition to host townhall in advance of agriculture antitrust hearing

Iowa Independent - Mar 3

Many happy couples, one unhappy Steve King

Bleeding Heartland - Mar 3 - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Politweeps

Iowa Independent - Mar 3 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Obama goes all in for health reform passage

Iowa Independent - Mar 3 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Iowans renew call for state coal ash rules

Iowa Independent - Mar 3 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Harkin says Dems will use reconciliation to pass health reform

Iowa Independent - Mar 3 - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Lunchtime Links

Iowa Independent - Mar 3 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

The Name’s the Thing

Serendipity is defined as the act of making discoveries by accident. It is, I would suggest, the movement of grace masquerading as coincidence. I have learned that if I am open, nuggets of wisdom come to me from others and if I let them lay fallow in the warm earth of my mind, they will be [...] ...
A Feather Adrift - Mar 3

The politics of unemployment

Iowa Independent - Mar 3

Caution: Pregnancy May Be Hazardous to Your Liberty

DailyKos (Iowa) - Mar 3 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Controversy over anti-Branstad endorsement continues

Iowa Independent - Mar 3 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Bunning's blockade became conservative rallying cry

Iowa Independent - Mar 3

A few reminders for Bleeding Heartland readers

Bleeding Heartland - Mar 3 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Sen. “Tough Shit” Bunning: Get a REAL Job

I don’t imagine the 1.2 unemployed Americans waiting to see if their benefits will be extended another 30 days were amused by the latest episode of C-SPAN’s latest episode, “A Democracy of One,” on The Obstructionist (a spin-off from Seinfeld’s “show about nothing”) that aired the other night. If Seinfeld is a “show about nothing,” then The Obstructionist is “much adieu about nothing.” Flying...
Political Fallout - Mar 2 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Iowa Senate Sends Corporate Meddlers A Message

DailyKos (Iowa) - Mar 2 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

PoliTweeps

Iowa Independent - Mar 2 - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Latest Roberts endorsements are good news for Branstad (updated)

Bleeding Heartland - Mar 2 - 7 clicks 7 clicks

The big militia comeback

Iowa Independent - Mar 2 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Eating Issues

One of the joys of getting back to church last Sunday was in joining in with fellow parishioners in a discussion of Richard Rohr’s book, The Naked Now. It explores the concept of “present moment” work as a method of meditation or contemplation. Like many other works of this nature, its basic premise is that [...] ...
A Feather Adrift - Mar 2

Lunchtime Links

Iowa Independent - Mar 2 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Grassley rejects Baucus jobs bill

Iowa Independent - Mar 2 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Wall Street Journal: Make like a bank and just walk away from debt

Iowa Independent - Mar 2

Harkin says he can't support public option at risk of dooming reform bill

Iowa Independent - Mar 2 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

GOP challenger emerges in SD 21

Iowa Independent - Mar 2

For Palin, flood-ravaged Cedar Rapids was 'slice of Americana'

Iowa Independent - Mar 1

Harkin feels heat from progressives over reconciliation

Iowa Independent - Mar 1

Fourth Republican joins second district Congressional primary

Bleeding Heartland - Mar 1 - 5 clicks 5 clicks

PoliTweeps

Iowa Independent - Mar 1 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Never Look A Grace Horse in the Mouth

As many of you know, its been a rough winter here in the meadow. But heck, it has been rough across the land. My complaints have been more to the personal meadow issues than the mere cataloging of inches of snow, and days below freezing or without sun. I’ve tread water a good deal of the [...] ...
A Feather Adrift - Mar 1 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Unemployment extension would not create additional benefits

Iowa Independent - Mar 1 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

House Democrats may not have the votes for "fair share"

Bleeding Heartland - Mar 1 - 5 clicks 5 clicks

GOP consultant: Candidates should avoid 'religious or social warfare'

Iowa Independent - Mar 1 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Lunchtime Links

Iowa Independent - Mar 1 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Narcisse joins gubernatorial campaign

Iowa Independent - Mar 1 - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Appliance Rebate Fiasco

Bleeding Heartland - Mar 1 - 6 clicks 6 clicks

Iowa companies forecast economic growth in 2010

Iowa Independent - Mar 1 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Group predicts health care reform will create 4,000 Iowa jobs

Iowa Independent - Mar 1

GOP 2nd District primary expands to four

Iowa Independent - Feb 28 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Progressive Democrat Issue 247

DailyKos (Iowa) - Feb 28 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Progressive Democrat Issue 248

DailyKos (Iowa) - Feb 28

Long-term unemployed pay the price for Senate dysfunction

Bleeding Heartland - Feb 28 - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Culver campaign news roundup (updated)

Bleeding Heartland - Feb 27 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Oh Vancouver, I Barely Know Ya

They say that it can take years, decades often to gain a perspective on an event sufficient to speak intelligently about it. So, I figured with only two days to go, it was high time I pontificated on the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Now let me say first of all, that I have a slightly dis-favorable [...] ...
A Feather Adrift - Feb 27

Phelps, Westboro Baptist plan hate-fest in Lamoni

Iowa Independent - Feb 26 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

PoliTweeps

Iowa Independent - Feb 26 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Pawlenty returns to Iowa

Iowa Independent - Feb 26 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Iowa's economy to take a hit without extension of unemployment benefits

Iowa Independent - Feb 26

Roxanne Conlin live chat over at C&L

DailyKos (Iowa) - Feb 26

I Don’t Know Whether to Throw in the Towel, or Chew It

Frankly, I haven’t had a lot to say about health care reform for some time. I grew tired. I grew disgusted. I could feel my blood pressure soar at the mere contemplation. Nothing has changed. The “Summit” turned out as expected. Mitchy McConnell worries that his side only has gotten 13 minutes and the other side [...] ...
A Feather Adrift - Feb 26

Lunchtime Links

Iowa Independent - Feb 26 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

A closer look at the Rod Roberts campaign for governor

Bleeding Heartland - Feb 26 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Harkin: Health reform will be passed with or without Republicans

Iowa Independent - Feb 26 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Kentucky lawmaker halts unemployment benefit extension

Iowa Independent - Feb 26

GOP candidate goes to war with anonymous columnist

Iowa Independent - Feb 26 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Poll: Majority of Iowans favor use of reconciliation

Iowa Independent - Feb 26 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Stimulus for unemployment benefits a $500 million boost for Iowa

Iowa Independent - Feb 26

Democrats demand more relief for troubled housing market

Iowa Independent - Feb 26

Iowa Congress Spares Masturbatory Drivers

Masturbating motorists across Iowa were relieved to hear that the Iowa Senate did not include “masturbation” as part of its bill outlawing texting-while-driving. Unlike the Iowa House’s version, the Iowa Senate passed a tougher bill that would not only ban texting while driving but would put the kibosh on reading text messages as well (although the bill made no explicit distinction between te...
Political Fallout - Feb 26 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Health care summit discussion thread

Bleeding Heartland - Feb 25 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Bump in federal spending is solution to long-term deficits

Iowa Independent - Feb 25 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Wrong time, wrong place for a Democratic primary

Bleeding Heartland - Feb 25 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Radio host: 'Two guys pretending to be sexual mates are making a mistake'

Iowa Independent - Feb 25 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Is It Child Abuse?

Not being a parent, I feel uniquely qualified to give opinion on the practice of homeschooling. At least I am good company, since in a significant number of states, there is zero regulation of the practice, and anyone can declare themselves “teacher.” So, like I said, I’m uniquely qualified. The chart says a lot. In those [...] ...
A Feather Adrift - Feb 25

Politics likely to thwart budget solutions

Iowa Independent - Feb 25

Lunchtime Links

Iowa Independent - Feb 25 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Harkin: Public option is likely dead

Iowa Independent - Feb 25

Vander Plaats: 'Marriage issue is the secondary issue'

Iowa Independent - Feb 25 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

DOJ/USDA agriculture antitrust workshops agenda made public

Iowa Independent - Feb 25 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

GOP strategist: Huckabee's Iowa trip damaged his 2012 candidacy

Iowa Independent - Feb 25 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Steve King wants to let insurance companies keep fixing prices (updated with Tom Latham hypocrisy)

Bleeding Heartland - Feb 24 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Whirlpool warns workers: Don't you dare protest

Iowa Independent - Feb 24 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

PoliTweeps

Iowa Independent - Feb 24 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Huckabee: I'm here as a positive, not negative force

Iowa Independent - Feb 24 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Senate passes jobs bill; Grassley votes no

Bleeding Heartland - Feb 24 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

UPDATE: Iowa Senate Failing to Safeguard the 2010 Vote

Bleeding Heartland - Feb 24

Lunchtime Links

Iowa Independent - Feb 24 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Where to Draw the Line

Last week, I called Atheist Revolution to task for suggesting that fundamentalism was somehow more rational and cohesive a theology than more progressive mainstream religious thinking. I suggested that the author meant to “get the goat” of believers rather than honestly suggest such a ludicrous theory, or that he was utterly uninformed. As anyone knows who [...] ...
A Feather Adrift - Feb 24

Film tax credit fallout continues

Bleeding Heartland - Feb 24 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

White House hopes to expand CHIP through 2016

Iowa Independent - Feb 24

King on suicide pilot: 'I understand the deep frustration with the I.R.S.'

Iowa Independent - Feb 24

Culver: 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is not a state issue

Iowa Independent - Feb 24 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Blackwater took hundreds of guns from U.S. military, Afghan police

Iowa Independent - Feb 24 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Iowa Republicans in Congress co-hosting Gibbons event (corrected)

Bleeding Heartland - Feb 23 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

PoliTweeps

Iowa Independent - Feb 23

Fallon actively recruiting primary challenger for Culver

Iowa Independent - Feb 23

Congressman responds to King's comments on IRS suicide pilot

Iowa Independent - Feb 23 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Report: Reid pushing for 10-month unemployment extension

Iowa Independent - Feb 23

Lunchtime Links

Iowa Independent - Feb 23

Aging Disgracefully

Let’s face facts. There is precious little that is good about getting old. We put on a brave front of course, we claim we are just excited as all get out to play golf and lounge on the veranda. We are lying. Youth is wasted on the young. Every older person knows this. It’s one of [...] ...
A Feather Adrift - Feb 23 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Poll: Majority of Iowans favor public insurance option

Iowa Independent - Feb 23 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Culver opposes dirty water bill

Bleeding Heartland - Feb 23 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

King empathizes with IRS suicide pilot

Iowa Independent - Feb 23 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Amber Alert - Iowa

DailyKos (Iowa) - Feb 23

IA-Gov, IA-Sen: New Rasmussen poll less bad than I expected

DailyKos (Iowa) - Feb 23

Steve King has empathy after all (updated)

Bleeding Heartland - Feb 23 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Family planning bill moves forward with slight bipartisan support

Iowa Independent - Feb 23

Rasmussen's new Iowa poll less bad than I expected

Bleeding Heartland - Feb 22

Local writer provides nation an Iowa economic snapshot

Iowa Independent - Feb 22 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Economist: Dems' 15-day unemployment extension 'makes no sense'

Iowa Independent - Feb 22

PoliTweeps

Iowa Independent - Feb 22

State Representative Wendt (D) stepping down for health reasons

Bleeding Heartland - Feb 22 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Rasmussen poll finds Culver approvals at 41 percent

Iowa Independent - Feb 22

Ron Paul victory shows ideological hardening ahead of 2010

Iowa Independent - Feb 22 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Tennessee Valley begins 20-year contract for Iowa wind energy

Iowa Independent - Feb 22

Stories that Stuck Like Flypaper

I’m surely not the only one who finds Evan Bayh a pale comparison to the giant many of us consider his father, Birch.  Well, Ragebot, has done a lovely satirical piece on the retiring Senator from Indiana. Or is he? Go and take a gander at this quite amusing little post. And guess what? It turns [...] ...
A Feather Adrift - Feb 22

Lunchtime Links

Iowa Independent - Feb 22 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Schwarzenegger calls out GOP stimulus hypocrisy

Iowa Independent - Feb 22

Roberts won't seek re-election in Iowa House

Iowa Independent - Feb 22 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

GOP lawmakers vote unanimously against breastfeeding bill

Iowa Independent - Feb 22 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Republican "family values" on display in Iowa Senate

Bleeding Heartland - Feb 22 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Lt. Dan Choi: 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is a 'disease of shame'

Iowa Independent - Feb 22

What it took to get our troops the benefits they earned

DailyKos (Iowa) - Feb 21

Progressive Democrat Issue 246

DailyKos (Iowa) - Feb 21

Exploring the Faith Matrix

I’ve acquired some wonderful new friends on Facebook, people who, from my perspective, see the world rationally. One, said something that got me to thinking. C.S. Lewis, (or someone!) said something to the effect that if God/no God were an even proposition, then, choosing God cost nothing and garnered a great reward if God is real, [...] ...
A Feather Adrift - Feb 21

Register poll finds lowest-ever approval for Obama, Grassley, Harkin

Bleeding Heartland - Feb 21 - 5 clicks 5 clicks

What Choice Will You Make?

As a writer, I find that it is often best to let ideas lie fallow for a while. More ideas come, and somewhere, somehow, they coalesce into a theme. And then I have something to write about. Today’s theme is choice. Choice, the opportunity to favor one thing over another. We are a choosy people, at [...] ...
A Feather Adrift - Feb 20

Yet another poll shows Iowans not eager to ban gay marriage

DailyKos (Iowa) - Feb 20

Yet another poll shows Iowans not eager to ban gay marriage

Bleeding Heartland - Feb 19 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Public option via reconciliation gets key backer: Harry Reid

Iowa Independent - Feb 19

PoliTweeps

Iowa Independent - Feb 19 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Attorney asked by judge to remove Ash Wednesday observance

Iowa Independent - Feb 19 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

IA-Gov, IA-Sen: New Research 2000 Iowa poll

DailyKos (Iowa) - Feb 19

Medicare privatization not working so well for seniors this year

Iowa Independent - Feb 19

This CAN Be Your Life!

You are surely tired of listening to me moan, and I am just as surely tired of having so much to moan about. After all, nobody every said that “life was a bowl of cherries.” You can ponder the meaning of that trite phrase, while I proceed to well, errrr, moan. Just when you think it [...] ...
A Feather Adrift - Feb 19

Lunchtime Links

Iowa Independent - Feb 19 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

New statewide poll of the Iowa governor and Senate races

Bleeding Heartland - Feb 19 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

VIDEO: King lists off enemies to CPAC crowd

Iowa Independent - Feb 19 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Rubashkin bail appeal denied, brother-in-law arrested

Iowa Independent - Feb 19 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Vander Plaats: Gun owners have reason to fear Barack Obama

Iowa Independent - Feb 19 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Vander Plaats: Gun owners have reason to fear Barack Obama

Iowa Independent - Feb 19 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Massive Iowa Legislature linkfest (post-funnel edition)

Bleeding Heartland - Feb 19 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

A jobs bill too small for the task

Iowa Independent - Feb 18

‘Confessions of a Cold War Veteran’ Sounds Off

Surprise, surprise: I've launched yet another blog, " Confessions of a Cold War Veteran ." Part memoir, part humor/satire, part pop-culture, and like our government's annual budget -- 50 percent Military Industrial Complex. Delay cadence/Count cadence/Delay cadence/Count! One!... I confess, dear Civilian, I am not a Catholic nor am I a war veteran, rather I am a veteran of the Cold Wa...
Political Fallout - Feb 18

Rants drops out of governor's race

Bleeding Heartland - Feb 18 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Grassley not sold on medical marijuana

Iowa Independent - Feb 18 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

PoliTweeps

Iowa Independent - Feb 18 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Census prison policy could impact rural areas

Iowa Independent - Feb 18 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Rants drops out of campaign for governor

Iowa Independent - Feb 18 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Senate support growing for public option via reconciliation

Iowa Independent - Feb 18

Lunchtime Links

Iowa Independent - Feb 18 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Live coverage of CPAC 2010

Iowa Independent - Feb 18 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Stimulus boost to food assistance has big impact in Iowa

Iowa Independent - Feb 18 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Stop Perpetuating Myths About Black Women and Abortion

DailyKos (Iowa) - Feb 18 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

King's top staffer running for Iowa AG

Iowa Independent - Feb 18 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Stimulus bill anniversary thread

Bleeding Heartland - Feb 17

Pharmacy Board unanimously recommends legalizing medical marijuana

Bleeding Heartland - Feb 17 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

PoliTweeps

Iowa Independent - Feb 17 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Board recommends legalization of medical marijuana

Iowa Independent - Feb 17 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Hancock named 'Best News Commentator or Columnist'

Iowa Independent - Feb 17 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Poll: Tea Party overwhelmingly white, male and conservative

Iowa Independent - Feb 17

Thicke Calls for Legislature to Protect Water Quality

Bleeding Heartland - Feb 17 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Lunchtime Links

Iowa Independent - Feb 17

Fellow Dem says Harkin supports health care reconciliation

Iowa Independent - Feb 17 - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Turn Inward to Follow Outward

Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return. The root of the word “human” comes from the word humus or soil. Humus is also the root for the word humility. To be humble is not to be self depreciating, but to be grounded in our relationship with God and the earth. [from: www.simpleliving.org and with thanks [...] ...
A Feather Adrift - Feb 17

Court asked to intervene in ongoing Linn County spat

Iowa Independent - Feb 17 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Health insurers hit individuals with steep rate hikes

Bleeding Heartland - Feb 17 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Union leader: Dems use 'labor movement as an ATM'

Iowa Independent - Feb 17 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Jeb Bush hosts Wisconsin reception

Iowa Independent - Feb 17

Plan for consumer protection agency falters in U.S. Senate

Iowa Independent - Feb 17 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

PoliTweeps

Iowa Independent - Feb 16 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Iowa Chief Justice: retention elections will test commitment to impartial judiciary

Bleeding Heartland - Feb 16 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Marriage equality debated in New Hampshire this week

Iowa Independent - Feb 16 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

King to headline Florida tea party protest

Iowa Independent - Feb 16 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

The Only Person I Know Who is Sane, is Me

I figured you should share in my nightmare too, so the picture at right, having little to do with the commentary which follows, only serves to seer your brain with an image that will haunt your peaceful sleep in ensuing nights. You see, it’s all too apparent that I don’t belong here. I’m in the wrong [...] ...
A Feather Adrift - Feb 16

Grassley: Odds of passing health reform 'not very good' without starting over

Iowa Independent - Feb 16 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Lunchtime Links

Iowa Independent - Feb 16

Pregnant? Don't Fall Down the Stairs

Bleeding Heartland - Feb 16 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

TARP money funded massive lobbying expenditures in 2009

Iowa Independent - Feb 16

Chief Justice: GOP proposals a 'step backwards' for judiciary

Iowa Independent - Feb 16 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Pregnant? Don't Fall Down the Stairs

DailyKos (Iowa) - Feb 16

House unanimously passes reorganization bill

Iowa Independent - Feb 16 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Medical marijuana decision expected tomorrow

Iowa Independent - Feb 16 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Chet Culver Needs to Get Out More

While out of state in Ohio this past weekend, I felt badly for missing Gov. Culver's visit to the Hamburg Inn for a chat with The People. Having not supported the Big Lug when he ran against Ed Fallon in the last go round, I am not particularly surprised at the way his first term has gone. When I attended the Labor Day picnic and watched him spend most of his time pitching E-85 to members of local...
Popular Progressive - Feb 16 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

The Political Landscape: A Receding Hairline?

While glancing at the mirror the other day, I had the feeling that my hairline and the current state of American politics have a lot in common: hairy on both sides and empty down the middle. Yeah!--Huh? Follow along. The real Left and real Right are angry and looking for leadership to help them coallesce. In the meantime, like my hair, they fire shots across the bow of each other. The central poi...
Popular Progressive - Feb 16

PoliTweeps

Iowa Independent - Feb 15 - 2 clicks 2 clicks