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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.

Bubba vs. millenials: Who’s right, Dick Armey or Brian Schweitzer?

By Douglas Burns | 09.15.08 | 1:32 pm

Dick Armey pulled the race card from past elections. Gov. Brian Schweitzer produced a cellular phone from his pocket.

Each believed he had a trump card for the 2008 presidential election.

For his part, Armey, the former Republican majority leader in the U.S. House, tells USA Today that “Bubba” (a euphemism for white, rural working-class voters) is not being represented in polls, that white voters in certain regions of the nation are not admitting to racism. Armey makes the case that any polling of the race between John McCain and Barack Obama is off because Bubba is lying to pollsters.

The Bubba vote is there, and it’s very real, and it is everywhere,” Armey told USA TODAY and Gannett News Service. “There’s an awful lot of people in America, bless their heart, who simply are not emotionally prepared to vote for a black man.

“It’s deplorable, but it is real,” said Armey, adding that he believes “Republicans would not encourage” such prejudices. He said the “Bubba vote” is “invisible” in pre-election opinion polls, because voters do not admit they would oppose a candidate because of race.

Speaking to Iowa Independent at a fund-raising steak fry in Indianola for U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, a popular Democrat in red state territory who has used economic issues to successfully appeal to Bubba, says any of the dynamic Armey is talking about will be overwhelmed by a youth vote that is not fully appreciated.

“See this,” Schweitzer said, pulling a cell phone from his pocket and holding it in his hand. “A lot of young people don’t have a land line and you can’t poll. Young people are voting 70-30 for Obama. So if you want to start talking about the people that are underpolled start talking about the college students, start talking about young people. Start talking about Generation Y.”

He added, “They’re going to vote for Barack Obama and they carry cell phones.”

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