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.
Matt Campbell
U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Kiron, was confronted by his Democratic opponent Matt Campbell Monday at a town hall in Sioux City and asked point blank if he would agree to a public debate before the fall election.
“My answer to [the challenge to debate] is that judging by the fashion with which you’ve conducted yourself, you have not earned it,” King said.
King then tried to move on to other questions, but several of the other attendees continued to ask how Campbell had not earned the right to debate.
“I have said this in the past, and everyone in this district who is paying attention knows this,” he said. “There needs to be a campaign that’s run that’s focused on the issues. If you would look at the gentleman’s press releases, there is only one issue. The rest of them are attacks on Steve King. And I’m not about to use taxpayer dollars to give a forum for that. Not in this place. Not in this town hall meeting.”
Bret Hayworth of the Sioux City Journal has the report:
King was asked if debating a political opponent is indeed a vital part of the American campaign process, as Campbell contends.
“I don’t know where that rule would be written. I debate people every day,” King said.
King said he’s gotten several missives from Campbell seeking a debate, which come registered mail, return-receipt requested.
“He has too many lawyers planning this strategy,” King said.
King has never debated one of his Democratic opponents, but shortly after Campbell was victorious in the June primary, a spokesperson for the congressman said a debate would take place “if he has an opponent running a credible and positive campaign.”
Below is video of the town hall confrontation, shot by the Sioux City Journal.
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