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Open letter to readers: Today and tomorrow

By Lynda Waddington | 11.17.11

Wednesday was a difficult day for The American Independent News Network, which is the larger entity that operates The Iowa Independent. Our chief executive and founder announced two of our sister sites would close and their content would be moved to The American Independent.

ACS lockout continues; plan emerges to repeal sugar protections

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By Virginia Chamlee | 11.15.11

A recently introduced bill could have far-reaching impact on the U.S. sugar industry, including American Crystal Sugar, a farmer-owned cooperative that locked out 1,300 Midwest workers on Aug. 1.

Cain campaign: Farmers know more about regulations than EPA

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By Andrew Duffelmeyer | 11.15.11

The chairman for Herman Cain’s Iowa effort says the campaign “relied more on the word of farmers than Washington regulators” in deciding to run an ad containing claims the Environmental Protection Agency says are false.

Mathis wins, Democrats maintain Senate control

Liz Mathis
By Lynda Waddington | 11.08.11

The Iowa Senate will remain under the control of a slim 26-25 Democratic majority when it reconvenes in January 2012.

Press Release

PR: Nation should work to address veterans’ challenges

By Press Release Reprints | 11.11.11

BRUCE BRALEY RELEASE — As US involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan ends, it’s more important than ever that our nation works to address the challenges faced by the men and women who fought there.

PR: Honoring veterans, help in hiring

By Press Release Reprints | 11.11.11

CHUCK GRASSLEY RELEASE — A difficult job market is challenging the soldiers, sailors and airmen who have protected America’s interests by serving in the Armed Forces.

PR: In honor of America’s veterans

By Press Release Reprints | 11.11.11

TOM LATHAM RELEASE — No one has done more to secure the freedom enjoyed by every single American than our veterans and those currently serving in the armed services.

PR: Honoring and supporting our nation’s veterans

By Press Release Reprints | 11.11.11

DAVE LOEBSACK RELEASE — Veterans Day is an opportunity to reflect on the service of generations of veterans and to honor the sacrifices they and their families have made so that we may live in peace and freedom here at home.

Conservative bloggers respond to Krishna

By Jason Hancock | 01.07.09 | 2:17 pm

It should come as no surprise that Iowa’s conservative bloggers didn’t take kindly to their portrayal as disseminators of lies and character assassination by Republican Party of Iowa Treasurer Gopal Krishna in an interview Tuesday with the Iowa Independent.

After weeks of taking shots from the blogosphere, Krishna decided enough was enough, saying not only do they “spew hatred” and spread lies, but Iowa’s anonymous bloggers also discourage good people from getting involved in politics.

The response from anonymous blogger Krusty Konservative was more laid back than one might expect, but every bit as unforgiving.

Gopal, I have not lied about your past; I have simply made sure people knew about it. Sorry you if you cannot accept the truth. You might be glad to know that I held back at times, because I wanted to keep the debate about your “candidacy” for chairman about the facts.

Another anonymous blogger at “In Flyover Country” took a more direct approach, saying the bloggers are more loyal to the state party than someone who would criticize it publicly.

Yes, we’re the ones going out and blasting the entire central committee.  We’re the ones name-calling in public of those people who would NEVER vote for us, and we’re bitter about it.  We’re the ones who got kicked off the SCC in 2000.  How could we be so blind.  You’re right, almighty Gopal.  We’re the big, bad BLOGGER PEOPLE!!!  Ooooooh….we’re so scary.

“In Flyover Country” also told it’s readers that Krishna announcing he was not a candidate is proof that…

… there is a God, er…holy cow, Buddha, or whatever…

Yikes.

Not surprisingly, those bloggers who put their names next to their words took a more measured approach to the news that Krishna was not a candidate for chair.

At his blog “HawkeyeGOP,” Republican State Central Committee member David Chung called the race for RPI chair “silly season,” saying he’ll be glad when it’s all over with.

And the call for Krishna’s ouster as party treasurer is hitting a fever pitch in each of the blogs’ comment sections, with most hoping he will get thrown off the State Central Committee altogether.

All this should make for an interesting meeting on Saturday. Unfortunately, the vote for chair and other leadership positions is not open to the public or the media. The party plans to unveil its new leader shortly after the meeting concludes at 12:30 p.m. in the RPI Headquarters, 621 E 9th St., Des Moines.

Follow Jason Hancock on Twitter


Comments

  • daddysteve

    “Not open to the public or media”. Sadly typical.

  • MikeGV

    Mr. Hancock,

    Your information is completely and utterly incorrect. The meeting Saturday is open to the public and media. The vote will be taken by secret ballot.

    I would suggest you check with David Chung of the SCC to clarify your story.

    • JasonHancock

      MikeGV,
      According to RPI Spokesman Nathan Treloar the meeting is not open to the media, which is why a press conference is being held after the vote. He also said he has spoken with Mr. Chung who called him to clarify the rule. I would assume Mr. Chung will update his blog accordingly.

      Thanks for reading.

  • JasonHancock

    MikeGV,
    According to RPI Spokesman Nathan Treloar the meeting is not open to the media, which is why a press conference is being held after the vote. He also said he has spoken with Mr. Chung who called him to clarify the rule. I would assume Mr. Chung will update his blog accordingly.

    Thanks for reading.

  • JasonHancock

    MikeGV,
    According to RPI Spokesman Nathan Treloar the meeting is not open to the media, which is why a press conference is being held after the vote. He also said he has spoken with Mr. Chung who called him to clarify the rule. I would assume Mr. Chung will update his blog accordingly.

    Thanks for reading.

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