23 Apr 2013

Tom Harkin Endorses Braley for Senate

By Jeff Link
DES MOINES, IA - Senator Tom Harkin has endorsed Rep. Bruce Braley in his 2014 campaign for U.S. Senate.  Harkin joined Braley to make the endorsement official at an event at the Hotel Fort Des Moines this afternoon.
Harkin said, "When I was campaigning for Bruce during his first run for Congress in 2006, I knew he was the real thing: a passionate progressive, a natural-born leader. He is someone from humble roots, who in the time he has been in Congress, has fought for working people and the struggling middle class.  Bruce Braley has already proved his skill at fighting for the people of Iowa.  That is why, today, I am proud to endorse him in his campaign for U.S. Senate."
Braley said, "It's an honor to be endorsed by my friend and mentor, Tom Harkin. For more than four decades, Senator Harkin has stood for integrity, principle, and a commitment to fight for those who can't speak for themselves. Tom has always said that America is strongest when we create opportunity, lift people up, and empower them to live the American dream. I'm running for the Senate to continue that fight because I care deeply about the future of Iowa."
In January, Harkin announced that he was retiring from the Senate when his current term ends. Two weeks later, Braley announced that he had formed a campaign committee to run for the open seat.
Tom Harkin, a native of Cumming, Iowa, born to a coal miner father and a Slovenian immigrant mother, grew up working hard. After graduating from Iowa State University, which he attended on a Navy ROTC scholarship, Harkin joined the Navy where he served as a jet pilot. Harkin was elected to the US House in 1974; in 1984, Harkin was elected to the Senate. For over 40 years, Harkin has worked tirelessly for Iowa, championing policies that strengthen the middle class, protect the rights of Americans with disabilities, and expand economic security and opportunity for everyone.
Braley has received a wave of endorsements in recent weeks, capped off by today's announcement. In February, Rep. Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and former Rep. Leonard Boswell announced their endorsement; in March, Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller and Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald endorsed; on April 3rd, 71 Iowa legislators announced their endorsement of Braley. Eleven Iowa labor organizations have also endorsed Braley.
On Monday, Braley reported he had raised $1.07 million for his Senate campaign and has over $1 million cash on hand as of March 30th. Iowans from all 99 counties have contributed to Braley for Iowa.
# # #
11 Apr 2013

Braley Train Rolls Along with United Transportation Union Endorsement

By Jeff Link
DES MOINES, IA - The Transportation Division (UTU) of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers has endorsed Rep. Bruce Braley for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Tom Harkin.
Jim Garrett, Iowa State Legislative Director of the United Transportation Union, said "Tom Harkin has been a tenacious fighter for the middle class for more than 30 years. There is no one better suited to continue his proud legacy than Bruce Braley. Bruce understands that the only way to get ahead is to move ahead. That's why he's championed policies that promote more opportunity and economic security for Americans of all backgrounds. Bruce is a proven supporter of working families and labor, and he'll be even more effective in the Senate. He has a 100 percent in our corner and we're proud to endorse him."
Braley said, "I'm honored to have the United Transportation Union's endorsement. I'm running for the U.S. Senate to stand up to strengthen middle class families and expand economic opportunity. I'm proud to have the hardworking members of the UTU join me in that effort."
The United Transportation Union is a broad-based, transportation labor union representing about 125,000 active and retired railroad, bus and mass transit workers in the United States and Canada. There are over 2,000 UTU members in the state of Iowa.
# # #
10 Apr 2013

Unsuccessful Prop 2 in Rock Island

By Shelly Chapman
(Rock Island) Proposition 2 and the expansion of the powers of the existing Rock Island Public Building Commission is still the best way to secure financing for updating existing county facilities.  It not only allows for savings through refinancing of existing obligations but also ensures that our facilities are maintained for years to come - protecting the next generation of county taxpayers.  Unfortunately, this expansion was voted down by the voters and we must respect the voice of the people.

First, I would like to thank all of the voters in this election.  This is what democracy is all about and I appreciate all of those who exercised that precious right.  Second, I am gratified by the service of those on the County Facilities Ad Hoc Committee that have so graciously and will continue to give volunteer their time for the betterment of Rock Island County.  I want to personally thank them and the many County taxpayers who helped in our effort to educate the public on the benefits of the Public Building Commission.

The need for a new courthouse remains. The cheapest form of financing is not available to the taxpayers but we still have to find a cost effective way to replace the current building. So the work continues but it is now moving into a new phase. The Ad Hoc Committee and County Board will attempt to find a way to bring about a space needs assessment and will assess the various options available.

The Ad Hoc Committee has always stated that its responsibility is efficiency, transparency and doing what is in the best interest of the taxpayer of Rock Island County.  The lack of passage of Proposition 2 will not change that ideal.  Even though there is no question any option available for providing for a new courthouse will cost more than if the county board could have been able to finance through the existing public building commission - the Ad Hoc Committee is committed to the next best solution.
05 Apr 2013

Operating Engineers Local 234 Endorses Braley for Senate

By Jeff Link
IUOE is 10th union to stand behind Braley
DES MOINES, IA - The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 234 has endorsed Bruce Braley for US Senate, marking the 10th labor organization to officially stand behind Braley.
Braley announced in February that he had formed a committee to run for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Tom Harkin.
Scott Saylor, Business Manager for the Operating Engineers Local 234, said, "We're excited to announce our endorsement of Bruce Braley for Senate today.  Bruce is a fighter for Iowa's working families because he's worked his whole life.  He understands the challenges that working Iowans are going through every day because he's been there, and he works hard in Congress to get things done to rebuild the middle class.  He'll do even more for Iowa in the Senate."
Braley said, "Working summers on the Poweshiek County Roads Department during college, I learned a thing or two about the hard work of highway construction and what people like the Operating Engineers do every day.  That's why I'm proud to have their endorsement.  I'm running for Senate to strengthen the middle class and create economic opportunity, and I'm thrilled to have these hard working Iowans in my corner."
IUOE Local 234 represents heavy equipment operators - many involved in highway construction - as well as school, city, county, utilities, maintenance, building engineers, and manufacturing employees across the state of Iowa.  IUOE Local 234 has over 2,400 members in Iowa.
In recent weeks, momentum has continued to build behind Braley's Senate campaign.  On Monday, Braley announced that he has raised $1 million for his Senate campaign since Harkin announced his retirement.  On Wednesday, 71 Iowa legislators announced their endorsement of Braley.  Last week, Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller and Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald announced their endorsement.  In February, Rep. Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and former Rep. Leonard Boswell endorsed Braley for Senate.
And nine other labor organizations have endorsed Braley: the Iowa Teamsters, the State Association of Letter Carriers, the Iowa Postal Workers Union, the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 3 Iowa Union, UAW Region 4, SEIU Iowa - Local 199, AFSCME Iowa Council 61, the Iowa State Council of Machinists, and the Great Plains Laborers' District Council.
# # #
04 Apr 2013

Iowa Teamsters Endorse Braley for US Senate Rep. Bruce Braley a Proven Champion of Working Families

By Jeff Link
(Cedar Rapids, IA) - Today, Teamsters Local Unions in Iowa unanimously endorsed Rep. Bruce Braley (D-IA) for United States Senate. With more than 10,000 members across Iowa, the Teamsters Union is committed to helping Braley in his bid for Senate.
Since his election to Congress in 2006, Braley has an established record of fighting to create good-paying jobs and putting the interests of middle class workers and their families first. He established the Populist Caucus in order to cut taxes for the middle class, level the playing field at the negotiating table, defend American competitiveness by fighting for fair trade principals and ensure all levels of education are available to anyone who desires it.
"Rep. Braley is someone who isn't afraid of hard work," said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. "He has spent his life standing up for workers and their right to have safety on the job, a pension to retire and dignity and respect in the workplace. He is exactly the kind of person we need in the Senate."
"I have known Bruce for many years and he is a tireless fighter for our members and the working families of Iowa," said Gary Dunham, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local Union 238 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. "Bruce was born and raised in a small town in Iowa and I can think of no one better to serve in the Senate. I am so proud that our union has endorsed him today."
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information.

Press Contact:

Galen Monroe
gmunroe@teamster.org
202-624-6904
# # #
03 Apr 2013

71 Iowa Legislators Endorse Braley for Senate

By Jeff Link
DES MOINES, IA - 71 Democratic members of the Iowa legislature have announced their formal endorsement of Bruce Braley for Senate.  45 Iowa House Democrats are endorsing Braley today, as are all 26 Iowa Senate Democrats, including Iowa Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronstal and President Pam Jochum.
Braley announced in February that he had formed a committee to run for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Tom Harkin.
Sen. Michael Gronstal (D-Pottawattamie) said, "I'm proud to endorse Bruce Braley today.  Iowans are fortunate to have Bruce in their corner fighting for them in Congress, and he'll do even more in the Senate.  From passing polices that strengthen the middle class to helping small businesses, Bruce works so hard to get things done for Iowa because he's never forgotten where he's come from."
Rep. Kirsten Running-Marquardt (D-Linn) said, "Today is a great day for Iowa. I proudly stand with many of my colleagues and endorse Bruce Braley. Bruce has a proven track record of fighting for the middle class, standing up for veterans and working to make college affordable. He is one of us and Iowa needs him in the US Senate."
Braley said, "I'm honored by this outpouring of support.  I've launched this campaign because Iowans deserve a Senator who will work hard every day to rebuild the middle class, create economic opportunity, and use taxpayer money more wisely.  The endorsements of 71 Iowa legislators today is a big boost to our campaign and I'll rely on all of them to help build our growing grassroots organization in the months ahead."
In recent weeks, momentum has continued to build behind Braley's Senate campaign.  On Monday, Braley announced that he has raised $1 million for his Senate campaign since Harkin announced his retirement.  In February, Rep. Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and former Rep. Leonard Boswell endorsed Braley for Senate.  Last week, Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller and Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald announced their endorsement.  And eight labor organizations have endorsed Braley: State Association of Letter Carriers, the Iowa Postal Workers Union, the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 3 Iowa Union, UAW Region 4, SEIU Iowa - Local 199, AFSCME Iowa Council 61, the Iowa State Council of Machinists, and the Great Plains Laborers' District Council.
A full list of the legislators announcing their endorsement today can be found below:
HOUSE

SENATE
Name County Name County
Deb Berry Black Hawk
Jeff Danielson Black Hawk
Anesa Kajtazovic Black Hawk
Bill Dotzler Black Hawk
Bob Kressig Black Hawk
Amanda Ragan Cerro Gordo
Sharon Steckman Cerro Gordo
Rita Hart Clinton
Patti Ruff Clayton
Tom Courtney Des Moines
Roger Thomas Clayton
Pam Jochum Dubuque
Mary Wolfe Clinton
Brian Schoenjahn Fayette
Daniel Muhlbauer Crawford
Rich Taylor Henry
Dennis Cohoon Des Moines
Mary Jo Wilhelm Howard
Nancy Dunkel Dubuque
Tod Bowman Jackson
Charles Isenhart Dubuque
Dennis Black Jasper
Bruce Bearinger Fayette
Joe Bolkcom Johnson
Todd Prichard Floyd
Bob Dvorsky Johnson
Daniel Kelley Jasper
Robert Hogg Linn
Curtis Hanson Jefferson
Wally Horn Linn
Dave Jacoby Johnson
Liz Mathis Linn
Vicki Lensing Johnson
Steve Sodders Marshall
Mary Mascher Johnson
Chris Brase Muscatine
Sally Stutsman Johnson
Dick Dearden Polk
Jerry Kearns Lee
Jack Hatch Polk
Art Staed Linn
Matt McCoy Polk
Daniel Lundby Linn
Janet Peterson Polk
Tyler Olson Linn
Michael Gronstal Pottawattamie
Kirsten Running-Marquardt
Linn
Joe Seng Scott
Todd Taylor Linn
Herman Quirmbach Story
Mark Smith Marshall
Daryl Beall Webster
Ako Abdul-Samad Polk
Marti Anderson Polk
Bruce Hunter Polk
John Forbes Polk
Ruth Ann Gaines Polk
Jo Oldson Polk
Rick Olson Polk
Joe Riding Polk
Jim Lykam Scott
Phyllis Thede Scott
Cindy Winckler Scott
Frank Wood Scott
Lisa Heddens Story
Beth Wessel-Kroeschell Story
Mary Gaskill Wapello
Scott Ourth Warren
Helen Miller Webster
Dave Dawson Woodbury
Chris Hall Woodbury
# # #
02 Apr 2013

THIS WEEK: Braley to Make First Campaign Tour of Western Iowa

By Jeff Link
Hosting series of "meet and greet" events in small towns from Fort Dodge to Osceola

DES MOINES, IA - Rep. Bruce Braley will make his first tour of western Iowa counties since announcing in February he had formed a committee to run for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Tom Harkin.  

On Wednesday and Thursday, Braley will host a series of informal "meet and greet" events in small towns from Fort Dodge to Osceola.  A full schedule follows:

Wednesday, April 3, 2013
10:00am
 Fort Dodge Meet and Greet
Bloomer's Coffee
900 Central Ave.
Fort Dodge, Iowa
12:15pm Carroll Meet and Greet
Sam's Sodas and Sandwiches
127 W. 5th St.
Carroll, Iowa
2:30pm Denison Meet and Greet
Reiney's Soda Fountain
1305 Broadway
Denison, Iowa

Thursday, April 4, 2013

10:30am
 Red Oak Meet and Greet
Fountain Perk
322 E. Coolbaugh St.
Red Oak, Iowa
12:30pm Creston Meet and Greet
Home of Marcia Fulton
1710 W. Spencer St.
Creston, Iowa
2:15pm Osceola Meet and Greet
Playa Margaritas Mexican Restaurant
707 W. McLane St.
Osceola, Iowa
6:00pm Attend Polk County Democrats Annual Awards Dinner
UAW Hall Local #450
4589 NW 6th Dr.
Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines, Iowa
# # #
29 Mar 2013

Attorney General Tom Miller and Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald Endorse Braley for Senate

By Jeff Link

DES MOINES, IA - Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller and Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald announced their endorsement of Bruce Braley for Senate today.

Miller and Fitzgerald are the first statewide elected officials in Iowa to announce their endorsement of Braley.  Braley announced last month that he had formed a committee to run for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Tom Harkin.

Miller said, "Bruce Braley fights for Iowa, plain and simple.   From championing policies that have helped countless Iowa veterans to working to prevent student loan rate increases from hurting Iowa students, Bruce has never forgotten where he's come from.  He'll be even more effective in the US Senate, and I'm proud to endorse him today."

Fitzgerald said, "In a Washington defined by fiscal irresponsibility and recklessness, Bruce Braley has been a breath of fresh air, working across party lines to save taxpayers money and strengthen the middle class.  We need leaders in Congress who will stand up for policies that tackle our nation's growing debt and use taxpayer money more wisely.  Bruce Braley will stand up for common sense in the Senate, and that's why I'm proud to endorse him today."

Braley said, "When I was growing up in Brooklyn, Iowa, and someone had a problem, they didn't ask what party you belonged to.  They asked for your help and they got it.  I'm running for Senate to be an effective voice for Iowans of all backgrounds, and I'm thrilled to have Attorney General Miller and Treasurer Fitzgerald's endorsement today."

In 2007, Miller and Fitzgerald endorsed then-Senator Barack Obama for president just one day after Obama made his candidacy official.

Braley has received a flood of endorsements in recent weeks.  Last month, Rep. Dave Loebsack and former Rep. Leonard Boswell endorsed Braley.  Additionally, eight major labor organizations have endorsed Braley, including the Iowa State Association of Letter Carriers, the Iowa Postal Workers Union, the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 3 Iowa Union, UAW Region 4, SEIU Iowa - Local 199, AFSCME Iowa Council 61, the Iowa State Council of Machinists, and the Great Plains Laborers' District Council.

# # #

28 Mar 2013

Iowa State Association of Letter Carriers Announce Endorsement of Braley

By Jeff Link
DES MOINES, IA - The Iowa State  Association of Letter Carriers have announced their endorsement of Bruce Braley for Senate, marking the second major postal union endorsement for Braley in three days.
Braley announced last month that he had formed a committee to run for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Tom Harkin.
The Letter Carriers are the eighth major labor organization to endorse Braley.  Other endorsing unions include the Iowa Postal Workers Union, the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 3 Iowa Union, UAW Region 4, SEIU Iowa - Local 199, AFSCME Iowa Council 61, the Iowa State Council of Machinists, and the Great Plains Laborers' District Council.  Rep. Dave Loebsack and former Rep. Leonard Boswell have also endorsed Braley for Senate.
Jim Beach, President of the Iowa State Association of Letter Carriers, said, "We're proud to stand with Bruce Braley in his campaign for Senate.  Bruce has been an ardent supporter of maintaining six day delivery, a service that if eliminated will cut thousands of working class jobs while negatively impacting rural communities, small business owners, and a growing number of seniors who use the mail to receive their prescriptions. As postal reform moves to the forefront, he'll be an even more effective voice for Iowa in the US Senate advocating for strengthening -- not shrinking -- the USPS."
Bruce Braley said, "I'm honored to have the endorsement of the Iowa Association of Letter Carriers.  I've fought for policies in Congress that strengthen the middle class and help preserve the economic lifeline of the USPS in communities across Iowa.  In the Senate, I'll keep fighting to create new economic opportunities for working Iowans and the communities they live in."
The Iowa State Association of Letter Carriers is affiliated with the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), the union of city delivery letter carriers working for the United States Postal Service.  The Iowa Association of Letter Carriers represent over 2,600 Iowans.
# # #
28 Mar 2013

Liberty Iowa Endorses Blum for U.S. Congress

By Joel Kurtinitis

PAC rallies Liberty Movement in support of Dubuque businessman

Des Moines, Iowa - Liberty Iowa has renewed its support of Rod Blum for U.S. Congress in Iowa's first congressional district.  Blum, who announced his candidacy today, earned the PAC's support in 2012 as well, when his run ended with a narrow primary loss to Ben Lange. 

"I'm thankful to accept the support of Liberty Iowa, and I believe that their endorsement highlights my unshakable commitment to protecting the civil liberties and Constitutional rights of Iowans who are concerned about the unchecked growth of government," said Blum.

Liberty Iowa, a state PAC that will celebrate its first anniversary in April, has quickly become a leading voice on issues like agricultural freedom and domestic drone use, and boasts a wide network of conservative and libertarian-leaning activists throughout the state.  Adil Khan, Executive Director of LIPAC, believes that network will be a critical part of deciding the upcoming congressional election.  "The nation is witnessing a surge of support for principled leaders willing to stand for the liberties of everyday Americans," said Khan.  "Rod is that kind of leader, and we are going to work to bring the youth and enthusiasm of the Liberty Movement to bear for him in the first district."

Blum, who garnered 47% of the primary vote last year despite being a first-time candidate, acknowledges the importance of appealing to young liberty-minded voters as well as traditional fiscal and social conservatives.  "The Liberty Movement has gained a tremendous amount of momentum among Republicans and Independents, and I want to invite voters from across the spectrum of conservatism to join me in fighting for limited government, sound money, and a responsible foreign policy," said Blum.

Liberty Iowa currently has active chapters in 13 counties within the first district, including the population centers of Linn, Dubuque, and Blackhawk.

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