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.
Despite filing paperwork to form a campaign committee to explore a run for Iowa secretary of state, Republican Paul Pate told supporters Wednesday that he will not be a candidate.
Pate, who previously served as secretary of state in the 90s, announced his decision on the Facebook page of the “Draft Paul Pate for Iowa Secretary of State” group.
As a former Iowa Secretary of State I want to thank the many Iowans who have encouraged me to seek this leadership position again. I appreciated the opportunity to serve Iowans as a state senator, mayor and Iowa secretary of state. Reflecting on this important leadership position and considering my family and business demands I will not be seeking the Iowa secretary of state position. I have great respect and admiration for those that run for elected office. Councilman Schultz and Rep. Eichhorn are both honorable men and will offer Iowan’s an excellent choice for new leadership. I will continue to support and be active in government as a private citizen. Thank you for your encouragement and continued support.
Council Bluffs City Councilman Matt Schultz and former State Representative George Eichhorn have already announced their intentions to join the GOP primary hoping to unseat first-term incumbent Democrat Michael Mauro.
Pate could not be immediately reached for further comment.
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