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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.

Loebsack picks up VFW-PAC endorsement

By T.M. Lindsey | 10.27.08 | 12:47 pm

Based on his record for supporting veterans’ issues during his first term in Congress, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Political Action Committee endorsed Democratic Rep. Dave Loebsack in Iowa’s Second District Congressional race. Loebsack is running against Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Ottumwa –- a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve, who served 24 years and retired in 2006 at the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Roger Schwieso, Iowa VFW state legislative chairman, wrote in a letter to Loebsack Sep. 15:

“Congressman Loebsack has been a tremendous advocate for veterans in Eastern Iowa. Congressman Loebsack earned the support of Iowa veterans and the VFW Political Action Committee because he has championed the issues most important to active servicemembers, veterans, and our families. Since entering office, Congressman Loebsack worked to ensure passage of the largest ever funding increase for the VA, a new GI bill for the 21st century, and the Wounded Warriors Act. We are greatly appreciative of the Congressman’s efforts, and we are looking forward to working with him in the future.”

During his first term representing Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District, Loebsack was named to the House Armed Services Committee, where he supported the largest funding increase in the 77-year history of the Veterans Administration, cosponsored the 21st century G.I. Bill and funding for mental health care for veterans.

“It is truly an honor to have the support of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Political Action Committee,” Loebsack said in a statement. “I strongly believe that our nation has a solemn responsibility to care for those who have worn our nation’s uniform, and I work every day to assure that we serve them with the same dignity and honor with which they have served our country. I am proud of my record, and I will continue to fight every day for our veterans, servicemembers, and military families.”

The VFW Political Action Committee, a nonpartisan organization, was founded in 1979 to support candidates for federal office who advocate for our nation’s veterans and military personnel as well as for America’s national security. It is the nation’s only major Veterans Service Organization political action committee and represents more than 2.2 million members of the VFW, its auxiliaries and their families.

Comments

  • DemGoddess

    Someone might want to mention this to MMM. She made a big deal at the KCRG debate/forum that VFW didn't endorse and she had recieved the only endorsement from a Veteran group ( all be it a far right partisan group)

    Kudos to Loebsack, you already had my vote.

  • IowaFan

    DemGoddess – as you can tell by the date of the article – the endorsement was not made public until after the debate.

    I find it distrubing that PACs are “following the power” so much in their support… running scared to NOT endorse an incumbent even though there are better candidates to endorse.

    There can be no better candidate for the VFW than one who enlisted in the ARMY and rose through the ranks to become a nurse, serving for a time in Korea and at Walter Reed and who is now a Doctor – but alas, power is a drug….

    Then – I'm personally perplexed at the Democrats rhetoric – feeling a little crazed with power – promising no new taxes for 95% of Americans or anyone under $250,000? They are already planning to not continue the Bush tax cuts in 2010 which means a tax increase for anyone paying taxes today – and now they are talking about removing the tax deferal on my 4019(k) ??? that will cut my company's contribution and reduce savings – the WRONG way to go… and Biden kinda mis-spoke (surprise) that maybe that new number is $150,000 not $250,000 – hold on to your purse!!!

    I guess I cancelled out your vote by voting for Miller-Meeks. She understands health care, small business and the Millitary better than a poly sci professor ever could. The VFW was very short sighted there.

    The endorsement Miller-Meeks received was the Vets for Freedom group.

    I guess PacMan is in good company – I see Murtha, D-PA is being endorsed by the VFW PAC over a retired Lt. Col, Iraq vet… Miller-Meeks is in good company. Again – I say – follow the power.

  • IowaFan

    DemGoddess – as you can tell by the date of the article – the endorsement was not made public until after the debate.

    I find it distrubing that PACs are “following the power” so much in their support… running scared to NOT endorse an incumbent even though there are better candidates to endorse.

    There can be no better candidate for the VFW than one who enlisted in the ARMY and rose through the ranks to become a nurse, serving for a time in Korea and at Walter Reed and who is now a Doctor – but alas, power is a drug….

    Then – I'm personally perplexed at the Democrats rhetoric – feeling a little crazed with power – promising no new taxes for 95% of Americans or anyone under $250,000? They are already planning to not continue the Bush tax cuts in 2010 which means a tax increase for anyone paying taxes today – and now they are talking about removing the tax deferal on my 4019(k) ??? that will cut my company's contribution and reduce savings – the WRONG way to go… and Biden kinda mis-spoke (surprise) that maybe that new number is $150,000 not $250,000 – hold on to your purse!!!

    I guess I cancelled out your vote by voting for Miller-Meeks. She understands health care, small business and the Millitary better than a poly sci professor ever could. The VFW was very short sighted there.

    The endorsement Miller-Meeks received was the Vets for Freedom group.

    I guess PacMan is in good company – I see Murtha, D-PA is being endorsed by the VFW PAC over a retired Lt. Col, Iraq vet… Miller-Meeks is in good company. Again – I say – follow the power.

  • IowaFan

    DemGoddess – as you can tell by the date of the article – the endorsement was not made public until after the debate.

    I find it distrubing that PACs are “following the power” so much in their support… running scared to NOT endorse an incumbent even though there are better candidates to endorse.

    There can be no better candidate for the VFW than one who enlisted in the ARMY and rose through the ranks to become a nurse, serving for a time in Korea and at Walter Reed and who is now a Doctor – but alas, power is a drug….

    Then – I'm personally perplexed at the Democrats rhetoric – feeling a little crazed with power – promising no new taxes for 95% of Americans or anyone under $250,000? They are already planning to not continue the Bush tax cuts in 2010 which means a tax increase for anyone paying taxes today – and now they are talking about removing the tax deferal on my 4019(k) ??? that will cut my company's contribution and reduce savings – the WRONG way to go… and Biden kinda mis-spoke (surprise) that maybe that new number is $150,000 not $250,000 – hold on to your purse!!!

    I guess I cancelled out your vote by voting for Miller-Meeks. She understands health care, small business and the Millitary better than a poly sci professor ever could. The VFW was very short sighted there.

    The endorsement Miller-Meeks received was the Vets for Freedom group.

    I guess PacMan is in good company – I see Murtha, D-PA is being endorsed by the VFW PAC over a retired Lt. Col, Iraq vet… Miller-Meeks is in good company. Again – I say – follow the power.

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