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.
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.
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.
The Iowa Senate will remain under the control of a slim 26-25 Democratic majority when it reconvenes in January 2012.
Cedar Rapids businessman Christian Fong announced Tuesday he will end his campaign for the Republican gubernatorial nomination.
Christian Fong
“Today, I announce the suspension of my campaign,” Fong said in a statement. “From this time forward, we will not be actively campaigning for the Republican nomination for governor.”
Fong, 32, entered the campaign in June with the support of the highly influential conservative group Iowans for Tax Relief. He quickly announced big fundraising numbers and was the first candidate to launch statewide radio ads. His campaign was led by veteran GOP strategist Marlys Popma, and at a recent Republican Party of Iowa event in November, Fong told the Iowa Independent he fully intended to stay in the race to at least the June primary.
Fong blamed fundraising as the reason for his departure from the race.
“Our vision was clear, but the financial hurdles too great,” Fong said. “Yet it is the responsibility of each generation to build on the blessings of liberty in Iowa, and so I will continue to stand with you for the future of our great state.”
Fong is the second candidate to drop his 2010 gubernatorial bid. Last month Senate Minority Leader Paul McKinley left the race citing former Gov. Terry Branstad’s impending candidacy as his reason. There are now five men seeking the GOP nomination: Branstad, state Sen. Jerry Behn, state Rep. Rod Roberts, state Rep. Chris Rants and Sioux City businessman Bob Vander Plaats.
Follow Jason Hancock on Twitter
Do you know where to vote on Election Day? Do you know what to bring with you? Get comprehensive voter information for your state here.
Sign up for our email newsletter