So, of all these United States of America that terrorists could
target, do you think Iowa is in the "top ten?" One presidential
candidate does. And, as he told us in the Hawkeye State today: "It's
not just because of the primary, if that's what you're hinting at." So
who is it? New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson was in the suburb of
Pleasant Hill on Thursday for a low-key meeting with local police and
firefighter union members. He listened as some of Iowa's
first-responders complained about the way federal homeland security
dollars are dished out, especially considering the busy I-35/I-80
corridors and the state's crucial role in the nation's food supply.
Richardson said federal homeland security funds -- for equipment, new
computers and communications systems that make law enforcement
agencies "interoperable" -- should be decided based on risks, not
politics. Then he told the officers and firefighters they had made a
"compelling" case that Iowa deserves to be considered a higher
priority risk. In terms of risk, we asked Richardson how high Iowa
would rank among the 50 states.

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