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.
Three city council members have been appointed to the advisory board of Iowa Republicans for Freedom, a GOP advocacy group aiming to promote and protect civil marriage for gays and lesbians in Iowa.
Jeff Angelo
“I couldn’t be more excited to have these three local leaders joining in our efforts,” Angelo said in a prepared statement.
“Since we launched IRFF, we have seen an overwhelming response from people all across the state. Each day, our numbers grow as more and more people realize that conservative principles demand we protect every person’s individual liberties, including the freedom to marry the person we love. I look forward to working with Jason, Craig and Matt as we bring the conservative movement back to its conservative roots.”
Gordon was elected to the Davenport City Council in 2009, and previously worked for Republican U.S. Reps. Jim Leach and Jim Nussle. A husband and father to two boys, he is the director of new business development for Community Health Charities Iowa and also a member of the Davenport Rotary.
“As a lifelong Republican, I have felt for some time that the party’s strong opposition to same-sex marriage was in stark contrast to the core principles of our party; that is one of a limited government that does not interfere in the personal lives of its citizens,” said Gordon. “I look forward to working with my fellow conservatives to stand up for individual liberties and protect the rights of every Iowan.”
Patterson was elected to the Grimes City Council in November 2007, and also represents a number of professional organizations before the Iowa General Assembly. Previously, he served on the congressional staff of Nussle. He is married with two daughters and has fought in Grimes for implementation of new infrastructure projects, expansion of economic development and lowering taxes.
“Far too often, the debate around marriage gets lost in rhetoric, and it is easy to forget what this conversation is really about – the personal freedom to spend your life with the person you love,” said Patterson.
“Conservative values tell us that life should be free of government interference, and that is why I oppose any effort to pass a constitutional amendment that would take away the rights of Iowans. I am proud to join the board of Iowa Republicans for Freedom so that every Iowan has a chance to be as happy as me and my wife.”
Walsh has been a member of the Council Bluffs City Council for 16 years, often focusing on bringing new businesses to the area and expanding tourism in the western portion of the state.
“When I registered as a Republican, I did so at a time when our party stood for fiscal conservatism and limited government involvement in an individual’s choices,” said Walsh.
“Unfortunately, in recent years, we have seen far too much emphasis on social issues. Now, more than ever, it is time for our party to get back to our roots – creating jobs and growing our economy, not social issues that only serve to divide us. As a heterosexual male, I can tell you that the Varnum ruling has had no impact whatsoever on my life, and I know that is true for countless other Iowans. As a member of Iowa Republicans for Freedom, I am excited to stand with Sen. Angelo and my fellow council members from across the state to help change this conversation and move Iowa forward.”
Angelo, a former Iowa Senator, was instrumental in the legislative push to limit civil marriage to one man and one woman. He has since had a change of heart, viewing civil marriage as a liberty that should not be restricted by large government.
“If we are in favor of freedom and are in favor of limited government, then we have to acknowledge that these values — the values of being in favor of marriage equality — are consistent with our conservative principles,” Angelo told The Iowa Independent during a June interview while launching IRFF.
To date, IRFF is the only statewide organization dedicated to making the conservative case for marriage for gays and lesbians.
Follow Lynda Waddington on Twitter
Do you know where to vote on Election Day? Do you know what to bring with you? Get comprehensive voter information for your state here.
Sign up for our email newsletter