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.
Dolores Mertz, the conservative Democrat from Otteson who has served in the Iowa House longer than any other woman, announced Monday she will not seek a 12th term in office.
Mertz, 81, was the first woman to lead the House Agriculture Committee, a position that when coupled with her conservative politics put her at odds with many in her own party. She also angered many Democrats with her opposition to labor legislation and outspoken support for a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.
Still, it was clear from media reports that Mertz was respected by her fellow lawmakers.
From the Fort Dodge Messenger:
”She’s been very helpful, like a mentor,” [state Rep. Helen Miller, D-Fort Dodge] said. ”She’ll explain anything to anybody.”
Two Republicans are already running for the Iowa House District 8 seat: Steve Richards of Algona, who lost to Mertz in 2008 by only 42 votes, and Tom Shaw of Laurens, who originally planned to run as an independent. No Democrat has announced intentions to run in the district. Most observers say Mertz’s retirement makes this seat a likely pickup for the GOP this fall.
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