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.
State Sen. Jerry Behn announced Tuesday that he was ending his campaign for governor and endorsing the candidacy of former Gov. Terry Branstad.
Republican state Sen. Jerry Behn
“My passion for this state is just as fervent as it was the day I began my first campaign for the Iowa Senate,” Behn said. “In visiting with scores of individuals across the state, there is no question that Iowa must do better with regard to job creation, the state’s budget and education. While I believe I could have made a real difference in these areas as governor, I am stepping aside to focus on electing Terry Branstad as our next governor.”
Behn, who farms in rural Boone County, was elected to the Iowa Senate in 1996. He launched his campaign for governor in August with a press release that focused mostly on fiscal issues like ending the the Grow Iowa Values Fund and the Iowa Power Fund, two economic development programs instituted by Democratic governors.
But Behn has a long track record on social conservative issues. He was an outspoken critic of a bill legalizing embryonic stem cell research and was one of five legislators who in 2008 circulated a book among their fellow lawmakers questioning the reality of global warming.
He also has been clear in his support for an amendment to the state constitution banning same-sex marriage.
Branstad welcomed the support of Behn, saying he will be instrumental in developing solutions to the challenges the state faces.
“I look forward to working with Jerry as we discuss the ideas and tools needed in order to lead Iowa’s comeback,” Branstad said. “Jerry’s assistance and guidance will be valuable to our campaign as we continue advancing a conservative, pro-economic development agenda.”
With Behn out of the race, the GOP gubernatorial primary not consists of Branstad, state Rep. Chris Rants, state Rep. Rod Roberts and 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