Stories

Gov. Chet Culver has fired the manager of the Iowa Film Office following allegations of misconduct surrounding a state tax credit program he administered.
Tom Wheeler, who was put on paid administrative leave on Friday after problems were discovered in the Film, Television and Video Promotion Program, has been dismissed effective Monday afternoon, the governor said [...]

Criminal charges surrounding the investigation into alleged misconduct in the state’s film tax credit program are certainly possible, but are not likely, Chief Deputy Auditor Warren Jenkins said.
The Des Moines Register reported Monday afternoon that “criminal charges could be forthcoming” in the investigation, citing comments from Jenkins. However, in an interview with the Iowa Independent, [...]

After several unsuccessful election cycles for the GOP, prominent moderates from within the party are speaking out. To start winning again, they say, their party must shift back toward the center.

Campaign contributions to individual political candidates would be limited under a bill before the Senate State Government Committee.

Former House Minority Leader Christopher Rants (R-Sioux City) wrote on his blog Wednesday that Democrats have found their 51st vote for a bill that would establish a prevailing wage on public projects. However, at least one of the legislators he says switched their position said Rants is incorrect.

A day after Gov. Chet Culver voiced his opposition to any tax increases to help solve Iowa’s budget problems, Democratic legislative leaders said they have not given up on the idea of increasing the state’s gasoline tax.

For the third time in as many election cycles, Bob Vander Plaats will run for the GOP’s nomination for governor in 2010.
The Sioux City Republican will make the announcement official on today’s Jan Mickelson show on WHO Radio.
Vander Plaats finished third in a three-way primary in 2002. In 2006, he withdrew his from the primary [...]

Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal announced that all committee and floor action in the Senate on Wednesday has been canceled so that senators and staff may attend Sen. Mary Lundby’s funeral, which is scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday at St. Joe’s Catholic Church, 1790 14th St., in Marion.
Lundby died Saturday after a long battle with [...]

The Iowa General Assembly will mark the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama with a ceremony in the Iowa House scheduled for Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.
Legislators will change the portrait of George W. Bush located behind House Speaker Pat Murphy’s chair to a portrait of Obama. Leaders of both parties said in press conferences last week [...]

Legislative leaders hope a bill can be on the governor’s desk by the end of the month.