MoveOn.org is spending $160,000 to air a new TV ad opposing U.S. Sen. John McCain. The ad, titled "Candles", is airing on cable as well as on broadcast networks in Iowa and New Mexico.
"Voters need to know Senator McCain would continue President Bush's failed policies -- in Iraq and elsewhere. A vote for him is basically a vote for a third Bush term." said Eli Pariser, MoveOn's executive director.
posted by Administrator @ 2:39 PM
U.S. Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign today released a new television ad, titled "Health Care Action," highlighting McCain's agenda to reform health care.
posted by Administrator @ 2:40 PM
Democratic legislative leaders today said 2008 may go down as one of the best sessions on record.
Senate President Jack Kibbie, D-Emmetsburg, served in the 1965 Legislature, which he said made significant strides for the state. He added 2008 will go down as one of the better years in the Iowa Legislature with funding the state's environmental program at $18 million, establishing and continuing funding of the Iowa Power Fund and all the legislation passed for veterans.
Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal, D-Council Bluffs, and House Speaker Pat Murphy also touted the sound budgeting practices of Democrats.
But Senate Majority Leader Ron Wieck, R-Sioux City, tabbed the 2008 session with a failing grade today. Wieck told reporters this afternoon he is upset more wasn't done in terms of property tax relief, illegal immigration and establishing higher standards in Iowa's school classrooms.
Labels: 2008_session, audio, video
posted by Administrator @ 5:30 PM
As the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose nearly 400 points today, a panel of business and economic development leaders from Iowa shared the same sentiment as investors on Tuesday when it comes to the economy -- optimism.
"The Iowa economy today is very strong," Michael Tramontina, director of the Department of Economic Development, said today at an event sponsored by IowaPolitics.com, Drake University and Mediacom.
Tramontina and other members of the panel of business experts all highlighted Iowa's agricultural economy for insulating the state from trends that have appeared to be slowing the national economy. Economic development continues to flourish in Iowa, said Tramontina, who added there are more concerns over a pending workforce shortage than job losses or other potential economic downturns.
posted by Administrator @ 5:37 PM
Congressman Leonard Boswell praised Randy and Ellen Omvig this afternoon for working to protect veterans like their son Joshua, who committed suicide after suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. Randy Omvig told a crowd at the Iowa Statehouse when he and his family began working with the Democratic congressman it was their hope to save just one life.
It is now 300-plus lives and counting that have been affected, said Omvig. He said components of the federal bill have rescued more than 300 soldiers and thousands have called a veterans hotline.
"The Veterans Suicide Prevention Act is where it should be out and working for our veterans," said Omvig, whose son was 22 years old when he took his own life in 2005 after returning from Iraq.
Omvig said he wasn't sure if this law could have saved his son, but added Josh would have had a better chance to survive.
Boswell, who authored the bill, said this legislation not only honors veterans for their service to their country, but gets them the necessary mental health care they may need upon returning home from their tour of duty.
"I am positive, positive, this legislation will begin to save lives," Boswell said.
posted by Administrator @ 6:01 PM
