Peter Hussmann at the Newton Independent (no affiliation with this site) is reporting that a group calling itself “Hope and Change for Iowa” is contacting constituents of Rep. Paul Bell, D-Newton, asking them to oppose a bill eliminating federal deduction — and urge Bell to do the same.

The caller went on to ask whether he could transfer the call to the switchboard at the Iowa House of Representatives in order to allow me the opportunity to voice my displeasure about the proposal to Rep. Paul Bell, D-Newton.

A quick Internet search found no information on the “Hope and Change for Iowa” organization.

Hussmann, the former editor of the Newton Daily News, said he was also contacted by supporters of the measure asking him to contact Bell and urge him to vote to end federal deductibility.

Anti-tax group Iowans for Tax Reform launched a statewide television ad campaign earlier this week. It is unclear if the two efforts are related.

The bill, which would also reform Iowa’s tax code, was originally expected to be debated Thursday. Several legislators confirmed it has been pushed back to ensure 51 Democrats are on board.