At polling places with access to an electronic poll book, election officials shall verify against a state database that the person has not been convicted of a felony or, if the person has been convicted of a felony, the person has had the person's
voting rights restored.Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 28-21-1 on April 13, vote #S.J.1005; Rep. Finkenauer voted NAY; passed House 56-40-4 on April 10, vote #H.J.960; signed by Gov. Branstad May 5, record #H.J.1148.
Source: Iowa legislative voting records: HF 516
Apr 10, 2017
Abby Finkenauer:
Advisor to "Next 50," increasing youth political engagement
Finkenauer, who was elected along with a wave of Democratic women nationally, represented Iowa's 1st Congressional District. She toppled incumbent Republican Rod Blum to swing the district in favor of Democrats that year, but she lost her
2020 reelection bid to Republican Ashley Hinson. Since leaving office, Finkenauer has been working as a senior adviser to The Next 50, a group focused on increasing youth political engagement.
Source: Des Moines Register on 2022 Iowa Senate race
Jul 22, 2021
Al Gore:
Reinvention cut Defense while investing in social programs
BRADLEY [to Gore]: We have tremendous economic growth driven by technological change and globalization, innovation, entrepreneurship in the private sector. That is producing this tremendous surplus. That means we can do more to try to help community
colleges. I’ve proposed a way to do that-$2 billion for community colleges-because that’s where people learn more so that they can earn more for a lifetime. Al wants to spend $127 billion on defense increases and wants to spend less than that for
education.GORE: I’ve presided over the so-called reinventing government program to downsize our federal bureaucracy, including, more than any other, the Pentagon and the Defense Department. But even as we’ve kept our military strong, we’ve turned the
biggest deficits into the biggest surpluses in history. Now we have an opportunity to invest in education & human services. And if you work in the field of human services, you know how important Medicaid is to the people who receive those human services.
Source: Democrat Debate in Johnston Iowa
Jan 8, 2000
Al Gore:
Public financing of elections and debates lead to trust
Q: What would you do to restore the public trust in government? A: I think that we need campaign finance reform in order to restore a sense of trust and integrity in our government, and that’s why I’ve supported, for 20 years, full public financing of
elections. That’s why I don’t accept any PAC contributions. And that’s why I have suggested that we have twice-weekly debates, and instead of depending on these 30-second television ads and 60-second television ads, let’s depend on debates like this one.
Source: Democrat Debate in Johnston Iowa
Jan 8, 2000
Al Gore:
Justices should view Constitution as “living & breathing”
Q: Where do you rank affirmative action when it comes to any one you might have the chance to nominate to sit on the Supreme Court? A: The next president is likely to appoint at least 3 justices of the Supreme Court. And the majority on the court that
will determine our policies for the next 30 to 40 years will be appointed by the next president. If you entrust me with the presidency, I will appoint justices to that court who understand and reflect in their decisions the philosophy that our
Constitution is a living and breathing document. Affirmative action is one of the tools that we still need to have available to us to remove the barriers of discrimination and open up opportunity for all through economic empowerment, through the best
education system in the world, through universal health care, through an end to poverty in this country and through a Supreme Court that will honor our Constitution’s deepest values and the deepest meaning of the American spirit.
Source: Democrat Debate in Des Moines, Iowa
Jan 17, 2000
Andy McGuire:
Repeal the voter ID law; lengthen the absentee voting
This past legislative session, Republicans made it even more difficult for Iowa's elderly population to have a voice and create change. The legislature passed a strict Voter ID law that requires identification to vote.
The ACLU estimates that the new law could impact 11 percent of Iowa voters, 260,000 people. Iowa's elderly population are among the groups most affected by this unnecessary law.
For many senior citizens, their drivers' licenses have long expired, and many aren't physically able to obtain new identification.
We should be making it easier for seniors and everyone to vote. As governor, I will work to repeal the voter ID law and work to lengthen the absentee voting by mail window.
Source: 2018 Iowa Governor campaign website McGuireForGovernor.com
Mar 21, 2018
Ben Carson:
5-year federal hiring freeze, to decrease size of government
Carson mentioned the Affordable Care Act, describing it as a disturbing government overreach into the ability of Americans to control their own health care. To decrease the size of the federal government,
Carson suggested freezing hiring for up to five years. The result? Fewer employees to pay for. "Then they don't have time to stick their big noses in everybody's business," Carson said. Laughter followed.
Source: Des Moines Register on 2015 Iowa Freedom Summit
Jan 24, 2015
Bill Bradley:
Money corrupts democracy
Q: Do you support campaign reform?
A: Money distorts the democratic process in a fundamental way. The rich in this country should be able to buy as many vacations and homes and cars as they want, but they shouldn’t be able to buy our democracy.
And until we have public financing of elections -- we spend $900 million on democracy abroad, we ought to be able to spend the same amount of money to totally take the special interests out of democracy at home.
Source: Democrat Debate in Johnston Iowa
Jan 8, 2000
Bob Graham:
$40B aid to states to cover unfunded mandates
Q: Would a new federal revenue-sharing program be appropriate as a means of assisting state and local governments today? GRAHAM: We have a crisis. Some would say, “Well, this is not a federal responsibility. This is a result of state mismanagement.”
It is a federal responsibility. The federal government has passed a series of mandates on the states, everything from special education, to No Child Left Behind, to homeland security, and failed to provide the dollars that it was committed to do to make
those programs real.
What I think we ought to do is this year is to put $40 billion into the states to help them immediately deal with their crisis. That would provide $330 million for Iowa, incidentally, and to see that those funds are expedited to
the states by doing it through a change in the Medicaid formula with the federal government picking up a larger proportion of the costs. That’s the best remedy. That’s the best prescription to the current crisis.
Source: AFSCME union debate in Iowa
May 17, 2003
Bruce Braley:
AdWatch: Opponent never made a peep about wasteful spending
A word for the wise: If you're a male candidate running against a woman hoping to make history as the first female federal officeholder in her state, you might want to refrain from comparing her to a baby chick in your campaign advertisements.Bruce
Braley (D-IA), who's battling Republican state Sen. Joni Ernst for Iowa's open Senate seat, criticized his opponent's record in a new ad, showing a baby chick onscreen as the narrator says Ernst never made a "peep" about wasteful spending as a state
lawmaker. "When Joni Ernst had the chance to do something in Iowa, we didn't hear a peep," the narrator explains as the chick onscreen chirps. "In the state Senate, Ernst never sponsored a bill to cut pork, never wrote one measure to slash spending."
While the ad never labels Ernst a "chick," or even mentions the word, Republicans were quick to pounce on what they saw as the spot's sexist undertones. Ernst's spokeswoman said the ad "degrades & insults Iowa women by comparing Joni Ernst to a 'chick.'"
Source: CBS News AdWatch on 2014 Iowa Senate race
Jun 7, 2014
Carly Fiorina:
Fire 100s of top executives from the Veterans Administration
The people know we need a president who's going to make tough calls. Let me tell you where I'm going to start. The American people got a bill passed through Congress that said we could fire the top 400 senior executives at the V.A. for
dereliction of duty. When we know that 307,000 veterans have died waiting for health care and the V.A. handed out $142 million worth of bonuses for superb performance, I'm going to start by firing 400.
Source: 2016 Fox News Republican Undercard debate in Iowa
Jan 28, 2016
Carol Moseley-Braun:
Provide federal funding to states to cover unfunded mandates
Q: How would you address state and local governments getting their budgets back on track?MOSELEY BRAUN: The first and most important thing is to get the economy going again so that the tax revenues flow into state coffers sufficient to meet their
budget obligations. But what we’re watching here is a shift of responsibility from the federal government, making rules and not paying the cost-talking the talk but not being willing to pay for it.
I proposed in the Senate, [relevant to] unfunded
mandates, to make certain that the federal government sent the dollars behind their dictates to the states and also to invest in infrastructure in ways that would have the federal government picking up its fair share, [including education and Medicaid].
We have to transform the [federal-state relationship to provide] some fairness between who pays for what and that the national politicians don’t keep getting away with saying they’re cutting taxes and just pushing them down to the lowest possible level.
Source: AFSCME union debate in Iowa
May 17, 2003
Cathy Glasson:
Roll back voter ID law, start making voting easier for all
We can only change Iowa if we listen to the voices of more Iowans. Every Iowan has the right to exercise their civil liberties. Our movement is committed to reducing the barriers to voting so no eligible Iowan is ignored. First, we need to roll back
Iowa's disastrous new voter ID law. This right-wing law discriminates against the poor, the elderly, people with disabilities, people of color and college students. Instead of making it harder to vote, we need to expand early voting.
Source: 2018 Iowa gubernatorial candidate website CathyGlasson.com
May 2, 2018
Christopher Reed:
Washington is broken & can’t be fixed by European socialism
Q: What is your campaign stump message?A: The stump message is that Washington is broken. It can’t be fixed by sending the same man back with his out of control spending, his socialized plans for America. This is the freest, greatest country
God has ever put on the face of the Earth and it was made that way by people coming across the ocean from Europe to settle a new country, to be entrepreneurs, to be free. We don’t need policies and plans that take us back to European socialism.
Source: Dean Borg, Iowa Public TV. on 2008 Iowa Senate debate
Jun 6, 2008
Cindy Axne:
For campaign finance reform, expanding voting rights
Axne voted to advance comprehensive government reform legislation to reduce the influence of money in politics, ensure fair elections and expand voting rights, fight back against special interests, and demand better accountability from
public officials. "The For The People Act tackles all of these reforms and more, making it the most comprehensive ethics reform package advanced in Washington since the post-Watergate era, and I'm proud to support it."
Source: 2022 Iowa Gubernatorial campaign website axne.house.gov
Apr 15, 2021
Cindy Axne:
Disgusted at Iowa reducing number of early voting days
With Governor Kim Reynolds recently signing into law changes to voting in Iowa, Axne says the changes to aspects such as reducing the number of early voting days could impact groups such as those with disabilities, students who may be studying out of
their residency, older Iowans or those who have difficult work schedules. "I can't even believe we are having this discussion. I am honestly so disgusted by those members at the statehouse that have moved this agenda forward."
Source: Raccoon Valley Radio on 2022 Iowa Gubernatorial race
Mar 4, 2021
Deidre DeJear:
Ensure the protection of all Iowans' voting rights
Voting is our most basic, democratic right and must be protected. It is time to strengthen our voting system, making it safe and accessible so ALL Iowans have equal access to the ballot box and can rightfully participate in our democracy.
Iowa has always positioned itself as a leader, now is the time to lead by example and ensure the protection of all Iowans' voting rights.
Source: 2022 Iowa Governor campaign website DeJearForIowa.com
May 30, 2022
Deidre DeJear:
Increase voter turnout; make voting more accessible
Q: What would be your top three priorities, if elected?A: My number one priority in this office is to increase voter turnout. Our small elections, like school board and city council get minimal turnout. Iowa is home to the Iowa Caucuses, and we are
proud of our first in the nation status. However, we are failing our communities when we allow such low participation. I have worked on school board races in Des Moines, and I know how much easier it is to get people involved in those local elections
and to make the connections between their one vote and the issues that matter most. The Secretary of State's office needs to invest in these races and make sure voters know how to vote, where to vote, and when to vote. As Secretary of State
I also want to make voting more accessible. Reforms such as vote centers, automatic voter registration, and restoration of our early voting days (cut by the current Secretary of State) are all reforms I would advocate for in my office.
Source: Ballotpedia Q&A survey on Iowa Secretary of State race
Sep 22, 2022
Dennis Kucinich:
End privatization: it sells government to lowest bidder
As president I’ll lead the way to stopping privatization which has been about carving up our government and selling it to the lowest bidder. We’ll put an end to that.
As president, I’ll lead the way to protecting Social Security and stop the privatization of Social Security and bring the retirement age back to 65. As president, I’ll stop the privatization of Medicare.
Source: AFSCME union debate in Iowa
May 17, 2003
Dennis Kucinich:
14th and 15th Amendment are being shredded
I carry a copy of the constitution with me, which is very relevant to this audience, because in the 14th amendment it talks about the guarantee of due process and equal protection of the law; in the 15th amendment not denying the right to vote based on
race & color. But you know what our constitution is being shredded. We’re losing our country to lies. To war based on lies. And to debt. This is one of the reasons why I’ve introduced articles of impeachment to call this administration accountable.
Source: 2007 Iowa Brown & Black Presidential Forum
Dec 1, 2007
Dick Gephardt:
Fact Check: Would ban lobbyist donations, but took $4.4 M
FACTCHECK on Lobbyists: Gephardt agreed with Edwards to support a ban on political donations from lobbyists, but made no mention of his own heavy reliance on special-interest money.EDWARDS: So you would agree with my proposal to ban contributions from
lobbyists?
GEPHARDT: Yes, I’m with you.
FACTCHECK: But Gephardt’s various campaigns have received $8 million from political action committee’s since 1989-amounting to one dollar of every five he has raised. Counting both PAC money and donations
from individuals, Gephardt got $4.4 million from lawyers and lobbyists during that period, making that industry his biggest supporter by far. In second place is the beer, wine and liquor industry at $1.3 million. To be sure, it isn’t necessarily
inconsistent to take lobbyists’ money while advocating a ban. In fact, Edwards himself is heavily funded by fellow trial lawyers even though he turns away money from registered lobbyists. But we thought you would like to know.
Source: FactCheck on 2004 Presidential Primary Debate in Iowa
Jan 4, 2004
Doug Butzier:
Make sure that votes are legal, & that people vote only once
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Stricter enforcement of voting rights"?
A: Not sure what you mean by enforcement of voting rights, but if you wonder if I support making sure that each person that votes is legally entitled to vote and only votes once, I'm all for it.
Source: E-mail interview: 2014 Iowa Senate race with OnTheIssues.org
Sep 17, 2014
Duncan Hunter:
Don’t share the role of commander in chief with V.P.
Q: What authority would you delegate to the office of vice president? A: It depends on the credentials of the president. I served in Vietnam; and my son has now done two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. I can look the American people in the eye
and say, “We’re all in this together.” So I would not share the role of commander in chief with a vice president. If you’ve got other folks that have less background in national security, they’re going to need to have a V.P. that they rely on much more.
Source: 2007 GOP Iowa Straw Poll debate
Aug 5, 2007
Eddie Mauro:
Protect the right to vote for everyone
As we celebrate the anniversary of the 19th Amendment we must remember despite playing crucial roles in securing women the right to vote, women of color were disenfranchised for decades - even now barriers remain for some to make their voices heard at
the ballot box. I will push for federal policy that guarantees access to the ballot box, ends policies that disenfranchise women and men of color, and expand enforcement of the Voting Rights Act and Civil Rights Act.I promise to immediately push
legislation that requires election day be a federal holiday, establishes universal standards for voting access and provide immediate funding for implementation, and create a commission responsible for studying and recommending policies that improve
voter turnout. This is in addition to efforts to ban the acceptance of foreign funding by organizations engaged in politics, overturning Citizens United and getting leadership PACs out of our elections.
Source: 2020 Iowa Senate campaign website EddieMauro.com
Feb 10, 2020
Eddie Mauro:
Overturn Citizens United; stop leadership PACs
I will support a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United which has resulted in a flood of almost unlimited money from multi-millionaires who influence our elections in near secrecy. End the use of "Leadership PACs" by elected officials.
These PACs are largely designed to allow elected officials to raise money in excess of current campaign contribution maximums. In turn, this money is funneled to the campaigns of other candidates.
Source: 2020 Iowa Senate campaign website EddieMauro.com
Feb 10, 2020
Eddie Mauro:
Campaign finance reform to rein in Big Pharma
Mauro said his first action, if elected, would be to ready the country for the next waves of COVID-19. "That includes bold action on climate," he said. "That includes campaign finance reform to reign in the
pharmaceutical industry that's spending more time looking for profits rather than working together. And we need universal health care coverage."
Source: Telegraph-Herald on 2020 Iowa Senate debate
May 9, 2020
Elizabeth Dole:
Roll back the bureaucracy: defend the 10th Amendment
The Federal Government has become too big, too complex, too bureaucratic. Decisions once made in state legislatures, in city halls and around kitchen tables are now made in Washington... What we need to do, it seems, is to remember the wisdom of our
country's founders, and the 10th Amendment to the Constitution: those powers not specifically delegated to the federal government or prohibited to the states are reserved for the states and for "we the people" -- you and me!
Source: Speech at Iowa State University, 2/15/99
Feb 15, 1999
Fred Hubbell:
Supports term limits for Iowa governor
Q: Do you think Iowa should have term limits for governors?Hubbell: Yes
Reynolds: No
Q. What is one issue that you won't compromise on?
Reynolds: Life.
Hubbell: Sound fiscal management.
Q. If elected will you commit to weekly news conferences?
Reynolds: I do it all the time.
Hubbell: Yes
Source: Des Moines Register on 2018 Iowa gubernatorial debate
Oct 10, 2018
Hillary Clinton:
Wall Street donates to me because I rebuilt them after 9/11
SANDERS: I have never heard a candidate never, who has received huge amounts of money from Wall Street, say, "oh, these campaign contributions will not influence me." Why do they make campaign contributions? They expect to get something!CLINTON: I
represented New York on 9/11 when we were attacked. We were attacked in downtown Manhattan where Wall Street is. I did spend a whole lot of time and effort helping them rebuild. That was good for the economy and it was a way to rebuke the terrorists who
had attacked our country.
Q [after break]: A viewer tweeted, "I've never seen a candidate invoke 9/11 to justify millions of Wall Street donations until now." Yes, you were a champion of the community after 9/11, but what does that have to do with
taking donations?
CLINTON: I worked closely with New Yorkers after 9/11 for my entire first term to rebuild. So, I've had a lot of folks give me donations who say, "I don't agree with you on everything, but I like what you do. I like how you stand up."
Source: 2015 CBS Democratic primary debate in Iowa
Nov 14, 2015
Hillary Clinton:
GOP is trying to suppress voter registration
Sen. SANDERS: We are going to do a political revolution, which brings working people, young people, senior citizens, minorities together. CLINTON: Look, we need more Americans to be involved in the political process.
And I give Senator Sanders a lot of credit for really lighting a fire under many people--young, old, everybody--who sees a chance to be involved and have their voice heard. Look at what's happening with the Republicans.
They are doing everything they can to prevent the voices of Americans to be heard. They're trying to prevent people from registering to vote. So, we do need to take on the Republicans very clearly and directly.
But the other thing I just wanted quickly to say is, I think President Obama deserves more credit than he gets for what he got done in Washington, despite the Republican obstructionists.
Source: 2015 CBS Democratic primary debate in Iowa
Nov 14, 2015
Jack Hatch:
Spending limits on political campaigns, & state funding
Q: Do you support limiting the following types of contributions to state legislative and gubernatorial candidates: Individual?A: No.
Q: PAC?
A: No.
Q: Corporate?
A: Yes.
Q: Political Parties?
A: No.
Q: Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information??
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support imposing spending limits on state level political campaigns??
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support partial funding from state taxes for state level political campaigns??
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support adopting statewide standards for counting, verifying and ensuring accuracy of votes??
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support prohibiting media exit polling of voters until all polling locations in Iowa are closed??
A: Yes.
Source: 2002 Iowa Gubernatorial National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2002
Jake Porter:
Make voter registration easier
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Make voter registration easier"?
A: Strongly support
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Iowa Governor candidate
May 18, 2018
Jay Williams Iowa:
Campaigning without financing, to fight toxic system
I'm running for US Senate in Iowa in 2016 without accepting any money--yours, mine, or anyone else's. My campaign will receive no monetary donations and will be entirely self-organizing. There will be no paid staff to tell me what to think, say or do.
There will be no paid advertising. Instead, using our own tools and technology, we, as volunteers, will do everything that needs to be done, or it won't be done. Then, when I'm elected without the burdens, temptations and pandering required to raise
money, I'll be free to serve full time.Money buys exclusive access and special favors while secrecy permits and perpetuates it. It's as simple and toxic as that.
I'm offering an alternate process to reassert our civic responsibilities and realize
the Constitutional intent of self-government. We must stop wasting time and effort trying to fix what cannot be fixed. We must stop doing what isn't working. We must act.
Source: 2016 Iowa Senate campaign website PoliticsYourWay.org
Mar 1, 2016
Jay Williams Iowa:
Fight nominating process of secretly pre-selected candidates
We must begin with the nominating process. The very reason for our democracy was to recognize the right of every voter to be heard, but we are being silenced before elections are even held. Presently, political parties, powerful special interests and
big donors choose the candidates in relative secrecy, effectively creating political indebtedness and preempting our choices at election time. Have you ever voted for the "lesser of two evils," or not bothered to vote at all, because the choice of
candidates was so poor? When was the last time you honestly felt that your one vote really mattered or that you were really being heard? Whether you are a diligent voter or a frustrated abstainer, remember that our founders meant for everyone, not just
the privileged few to be heard and to exercise the power allowed by our citizen-directed democracy. This campaign is your chance to realize that vision by choosing to run a candidate that is not already pre-selected by concentrated interests and money.
Source: 2016 Iowa Senate campaign website PoliticsYourWay.org
Mar 1, 2016
Jim Carlin:
Require identification to vote
Legislative Summary: HF516 requires county commissioners to cancel the voter registration if jury service-related documentation indicates that the voter is not a U.S. citizen.[New subsections]:- "Voter ID card" is amended to include
a US military or veterans identification card.
- If the photo ID presented does not contain the person's current address in the precinct, the person shall also present documents with a current address in the precinct, dated within 45 days
- At polling
places with access to an electronic poll book, election officials shall verify against a state database that the person has not been convicted of a felony or, if the person has been convicted of a felony, the person has had the person's voting rights
restored.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 28-21-1 on April 13, vote #S.J.1005; passed House 56-40-4 on April 10, vote #H.J.960; State Rep. Carlin voted YES; signed by Gov. Branstad May 5, record #H.J.1148.
Source: Governor's Press Release on Iowa voting records for SF166
Apr 10, 2017
Jim Carlin:
Different standards for voting mean we're not equal
Carlin gave credence to claims of election irregularities. "We are supposed to be equal in the eyes of the law," Carlin told supporters. "This past election proved we are not. Not when there are different standards about who gets to vote,
how they can vote, when they are allowed to vote, and who supervises the count when votes are tabulated in the dark of the night."
Source: Sioux City Journal on 2022 Iowa Senate race
Feb 15, 2021
Jim Carlin:
Claimed there was conspiracy to deprive Trump of re-election
Carlin was a featured speaker at a Stand with President Trump Rally where he made the fact-free allegation that there was a massive conspiracy to deprive Trump of a second term. "This whole thing was planned and orchestrated for months before it ever
took place. We have to deal with that reality," Carlin said. "We're dealing with dishonest people who want to control and manipulate, define and shame us into silence and submission at the cost of our constitutional freedom and self-determination."
Source: Little Village e-zine on 2022 Iowa Senate race
Feb 16, 2021
John Edwards:
$50B aid to states to avoid municipal layoffs
Q: What is your view on revenue sharing? EDWARDS: I have a plan about how to get the economy going and to help states and municipalities with this terrible budget crisis.
I have introduced legislation that would provide $50 billion to states and municipalities so that they don't have to lay off workers, so they are not laying off fire fighters, so they're not cutting education.
Source: AFSCME union debate in Iowa
May 17, 2003
John Kerry:
Every vote must be counted
Q: What will you do to assure elections officials that the federal government is committed to making the Help America Vote Act work as Congress intended? A: we are going to prechallenge some of these automatic machines -- the Diebold machines --
where there have already been problems. And we're going to prechallenge and have a team across this country who are focused on those particular areas of the country where they are notorious about switching addresses, telling people they're not registered
Source: Iowa Brown and Black Presidential Forum
Jan 11, 2004
John McCain:
There's only one president; V.P. sticks to official duties
Q: What authority would you delegate to the office of vice president? And should those authorities be more clearly defined through a constitutional amendment?A: Having been considered for that post several times, I've thought a lot about that.
The vice president really only has two duties. One is to cast a tie-breaking vote in the case of a tied vote in the Senate. And the other is to inquire daily as to the health of the president. I really would do what some presidents have done in the past.
A vice president brings a certain area of expertise and talent. I would probably assign some of those areas, like telecommunications or some other important issues.
Q: So not as wide-ranging as Vice President
Cheney had?
A: Look, I would be very careful that everybody understood that there's only one president.
Source: 2007 GOP Iowa Straw Poll debate
Aug 5, 2007
Joni Ernst:
Roll back burdensome regulations
Priority One: Creating Jobs: Joni believes the free market is the greatest job creating machine ever built, but only when the government gets out of the way.
She supports rolling back burdensome regulations that are crushing small business owners. Joni supports pro-growth tax and economic policies that will unleash the full potential of America's free market economy and create millions of new jobs.
Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, JoniForIowa.com, "Issues"
Sep 9, 2013
Joni Ernst:
AdWatch: I grew up castrating hogs; I know how to cut pork
TV ad:Joni (in farm gear on a hog farm): "I'm Joni Ernst. I grew up castrating hogs on an Iowa farm, so when I get to Washington,
I'll know how to cut pork."
(NARRATOR AND TEXT): "Joni Ernst. Mother. Soldier. Conservative."
Joni: "My parents taught us to live within our means.
It's time to force Washington to do the same. To cut wasteful spending; repeal ObamaCare; and balance the budget.
I'm Joni Ernst and I approve this message because Washington is full of big spenders; let's make 'em squeal!"
(Fade to black whiles hogs squeal).
Source: OnTheIssues AdWatch of 2014 Iowa Senate race
Mar 25, 2014
Joni Ernst:
Photo ID for voting
Question topic: People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Ernst: Strongly Disagree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Iowa Senate race
Sep 30, 2014
Joni Ernst:
Go back to drawing board to keep Post Office going
Q: What do you do about the Post Office?Ernst: Well, they have to pre-fund their pensions --
Q: So they shouldn't have to do that?
Ernst: This is something that we should look at. So that is really contributing to a lot of their struggles right
now. So I do think we have to go back to the drawing board, we do have to have a plan out there. Absolutely we need to make sure that our Post Office stays in existence. They are so important to the folks like me that live in the rural areas.
Source: Iowa Public Television transcript of 2020 Iowa Senate debate
Sep 28, 2020
Joni Ernst:
Against bill requiring more disclosure of political funders
Q: Require political ads to disclose their largest funders?Joni Ernst: Unclear. Voted against Democratic bill requiring increased disclosure of political funders.
Theresa Greenfield: Yes. Get rid of "secret, unlimited cash flooding our elections through dark money groups."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Iowa Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
Kim Reynolds:
Protect the ballot box with new voter ID laws
Let me take a moment to highlight what we have accomplished together:- We balanced the state budget, protecting taxpayers while safeguarding important priorities like education.
- We invested in our kids at a record level, committing $735 million
more for education since 2011.
- We prepared our students for the jobs of tomorrow, through work-based learning, pre-apprenticeship and computer science programs.
- We reformed collective bargaining and worker's compensation laws, putting more power
in the hands of local governments and school districts, small businesses, and taxpayers.
- We protected the ballot box with new voter ID laws.
- We protected life, standing up for the most vulnerable by prohibiting late-term abortions. And we will
never stop working to protect the unborn.
- We restored liberties, by strengthening our 2nd amendment rights.
- We fought for Iowa farmers and a robust Renewable Fuel Standard, and we won!
Source: 2018 State of the State speech to Iowa legislature
Jan 9, 2018
Kim Reynolds:
Opposes term limits for Iowa governor
Q: Do you think Iowa should have term limits for governors?Hubbell: Yes
Reynolds: No
Q. What is one issue that you won't compromise on?
Reynolds: Life.
Hubbell: Sound fiscal management.
Q. If elected will you commit to weekly news conferences?
Reynolds: I do it all the time.
Hubbell: Yes
Source: Des Moines Register on 2018 Iowa gubernatorial debate
Oct 10, 2018
Kim Reynolds:
Cut early voting period; close polls an hour earlier
Reynolds has signed legislation cutting the state's early voting period and closing the polls an hour earlier on Election Day. "It's our duty and responsibility to protect the integrity of every election," Reynolds said. "This legislation strengthens
uniformity by providing election officials with consistent parameters for Election Day, absentee voting, database maintenance, as well as a clear appeals process for county auditors. All of these steps promote more transparency and accountability."
Source: Des Moines Register on 2022 Iowa Gubernatorial race
Mar 8, 2021
Kimberly Graham:
Undo Citizens United; end Electoral College
- Publicly Funded Elections
- Passing a Constitutional Amendment to undo Citizens United
- Lifetime Lobbying Ban for elected official
s
- Ending the Electoral College
- DC Statehood
Source: 2020 Iowa Senate campaign website, KimberlyForIowa.com
Jan 12, 2020
Kimberly Graham:
End voter ID laws & voter suppression
- End Voter ID Laws
- Federal Legislation Ending:
- Closure of polling places in communities of color
-
Purging of Voter Rolls
- Limited Same Day Registration
Source: 2020 Iowa Senate campaign website, KimberlyForIowa.com
Jan 12, 2020
Marco Battaglia:
Make election days national holidays
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Make voter registration easier"?
A: I think that voter registration should be as easy as possible, that primaries and caucuses should be open to independents, and that we should make election days national holidays.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Iowa Governor candidate
May 13, 2018
Michael Franken:
Post office must be fully funded & protected from politics
The post office must also be fully funded and protected from political attacks.
It is a vital resource for rural and poorer communities.
Source: 2020 Iowa Senate campaign website FrankenForIowa.org
May 27, 2020
Michael Franken:
Rein in special interests through campaign finance reform
We must work together to protect our democracy. It is the responsibility of the people and their elected leaders to do this. Franken will protect our democracy in the halls of the US Senate where there are
Republicans who seek to silence the majority through suppression of voter access. He will work actively to reign [sic] in the influence of special interests, particularly through campaign finance reform.
Source: 2022 IA Senate campaign website FrankenForIowa.com
Jun 9, 2022
Mike Huckabee:
I'm sponsored by people like you, not by corporatists
I'm not a New York-funded campaign. I'm not bankrolled by the corporatists, I'm not bankrolled by the big brokerage houses and the billionaires. I'm sponsored by people like Thomas, a part-time Uber driver in Pennsylvania who sent me $25 this week.
He's between jobs. But he believed in what I'm talking about enough that, even on a limited, part-time income. There's only a few of us in the entire Republican process who are not corporately funded by the same group.
Source: 2016 Fox News Republican Undercard debate in Iowa
Jan 28, 2016
Nate Boulton:
Opposed requiring identification to vote
Legislative Summary: HF516 requires county commissioners to cancel the voter registration if jury service-related documentation indicates that the voter is not a U.S. citizen.[New subsections]: - "Voter ID card" is amended to include
a US military or veterans identification card.
- If the photo ID presented does not contain the person's current address in the precinct, the person shall also present documents with a current address in the precinct, dated within 45 days
-
At polling places with access to an electronic poll book, election officials shall verify against a state database that the person has not been convicted of a felony or, if the person has been convicted of a felony, the person has had the person's
voting rights restored.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 28-21-1 on April 13, vote #S.J.1005; Sen. Nate Boulton voted NAY; passed House 56-40-4 on April 10, vote #H.J.960; signed by Gov. Branstad May 5, record #H.J.1148.
Source: Iowa legislative voting records: HF 516
Apr 3, 2017
Newt Gingrich:
Press corps focuses on campaign minutia & not basic ideas
Q: In June, almost your entire national campaign staff resigned. They said that you were undisciplined in campaigning and fundraising, and you're a million dollars in debt. How do you respond to people who say that your campaign has been a mess so far?Q: I think those are questions that a lot of peopl
want to hear answers to, and you're responsible for your record.
I think that there's too much attention paid by the press corps about the campaign minutia and not enough paid by the press corps to the basic ideas that distinguish us from Barack Obama.
Source: Iowa Straw Poll 2011 GOP debate in Ames Iowa
Aug 11, 2011
Patty Judge:
Address unlimited amounts of undisclosed campaign money
We must take action to address the issue of unlimited amounts of undisclosed money flowing into elections. Patty supports a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United in order to ensure transparency and accountability in elections.
Corporations are not people and should not be able to pour unlimited amounts of anonymous money into campaigns.
Source: 2016 Iowa Senate campaign website PattyJudgeForIowa.com
Aug 8, 2016
Patty Judge:
Special interests get too much help from Congress
Patty Judge is launching a new television ad today that takes aim at what she calls a broken system in Washington that supports the wealthy and big corporations instead of middle class families. The ad, "Enough," is a 30-second spot, part of the former
one-term lieutenant governor's $100,000 primary television advertising campaign.In the ad, Judge says special interests get too much help from a Congress that takes from Social Security and education to pay for those tax breaks. Although she doesn't
mention Grassley by name in the ad, Judge argues "Chuck Grassley has played a big part in that over his 41 years in office."
"From here in Iowa, it seems to be the wealthy and big corporations get enough help," Judge says while leaning on a pasture
fence. "It's time Washington starts working for middle-class families."
The special interests "need to pay their fair share, because Washington is giving those at the top too much and it's time someone stood up for the rest of us."
Source: Cedar Rapids Gazette AdWatch on 2016 Iowa Senate race
Jun 23, 2016
Ras Smith:
Opposed requiring identification to vote
Legislative Summary:ÿÿHF516 requires county commissioners to cancel the voter registration if jury service-related documentation indicates that the voter is not a U.S. citizen.[New subsections]:
- "Voter ID card" is amended to
include a US military or veterans identification card.
- If the photo ID presented does not contain the person's current address in the precinct, the person shall also present documents with a current address in the precinct, dated within 45 days
-
At polling places with access to an electronic poll book, election officials shall verify against a state database that the person has not been convicted of a felony or, if the person has been convicted of a felony, the person has had the person's
voting rights restored.
Legislative Outcome:ÿPassed Senate 28-21-1 on April 13, vote #S.J.1005; passed House 56-40-4 on April 10, vote #H.J.960; State Rep. Ras Smith voted NAY; signed by Gov. Branstad May 5, record #H.J.1148.
Source: Iowa legislative voting records: HF 516
Apr 10, 2017
Tom Hoefling:
Photo ID for voting
Question topic: People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Hoefling: Strongly Disagree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2013 Iowa Gubernatorial campaign
Jul 2, 2014
Rick Perry:
Cut Congress' pay in half & make them part-time
Q: Should the government be getting involved in issues of behavior?PERRY: I think that it's the states' call, not the federal government. But the real issues that we have in this country are that people are sick of Washington, D.C. They're sick of the
money that they're seeing spent, they're sick of the fraud and the corruption that they're seeing. They're sick of seeing their kids' futures mortgaged because we've got a Washington, D.C., that is out of touch with the country. It's the reason, when
I talk about my overhauling Washington plan, and I've gotten a pretty good response when I talk about going to a part-time Congress. Cut their pay in half, let 'em spend half the time in Washington, D.C. Send 'em back home to have a regular job like
the rest of the people in their districts, and work under the laws that they pass. That, I suggest, along with a balanced budget amendment, will go a long way toward stopping a lot of the nonsense that we're seeing coming out of Washington.
Source: Yahoo's "Your Voice Your Vote" debate in Iowa
Dec 10, 2011
Rob Hogg:
Focus on campaign-finance reform and voting rights
Hogg identified the pillars of his campaign as campaign-finance reform, combating climate change and getting Congress to work, calling a government shutdown "one of the most unpatriotic things Congress can do."Hogg cited his experience with flood
recovery & flood protection, mental health efforts & work on education bills. He plans to include in his campaign gun control, raising the minimum wage, and "protecting civil rights, voting rights & marriage rights, because we don't want to go backward."
Source: The Gazette on 2016 Iowa Senate race
Sep 24, 2015
Rob Hogg:
Repeal the Citizens United Supreme Court decision
Hogg said he will focus on campaign finance reform, including repealing the Citizens United Supreme Court decision, which opened the door for unlimited super PAC spending.
Hogg said the biggest challenge to his campaign will be raising enough money to allow him to travel to "communicate with Iowans across our state." He said social media will help with that goal.
Source: Des Moines Register on 2016 Iowa Senate race
Sep 22, 2015
Rob Hogg:
Require identification to vote
Legislative Summary: HF516 requires county commissioners to cancel the voter registration if jury service-related documentation indicates that the voter is not a U.S. citizen.[New subsections]: - "Voter ID card" is amended to include
a US military or veterans identification card.
- If the photo ID presented does not contain the person's current address in the precinct, the person shall also present documents with a current address in the precinct, dated within 45 days
-
At polling places with access to an electronic poll book, election officials shall verify against a state database that the person has not been convicted of a felony or, if the person has been convicted of a felony, the person has had the person's
voting rights restored.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 28-21-1 on April 13, vote #S.J.1005; Sen. Rob Hogg voted NAY; passed House 56-40-4 on April 10, vote #H.J.960; signed by Gov. Branstad May 5, record #H.J.1148.
Source: Iowa legislative voting records: HF 516
Apr 3, 2017
Rod Blum:
Term Limits Amendment for House & Senate
There are far too many career politicians in Washington DC. That's why I have pledged to co-sponsor the US Term Limits Amendment of 3 terms for the US House and 2 terms for the US Senate.
I think all members of Congress should have their pay cut in half until the budget is balanced. I will lead by example and voluntarily cut my pay by returning half to charities and volunteer organizations in the First District of Iowa.
Source: 2014 Iowa House campaign website, RodBlum.com
Nov 4, 2014
Ron Paul:
End government secrecy; restore openness of information
Q: What will you restore to the Oval Office?A: I would restore openness to government. I do not think in this country we should have secrecy of government. The purpose of government is to provide privacy for the people. I would never use executive
privilege to deny information to the Congress, with the full realization that you protect security information, but in the very general sense, we should be very, very open. We want a transparent government. Currently I believe we could improve on that.
Source: 2007 GOP Iowa Straw Poll debate
Aug 5, 2007
Ron Paul:
With neocon philosophy, Cheney is more powerful than Bush
Q: What authority would you delegate to the office of vice president? And should those authorities be more clearly defined through a constitutional amendment?A: I certainly wouldn't support an amendment to change the role of the vice president.
But there's no way to know exactly what goes on, but if you take perceptions from Washington, most people there behind the scenes think the vice president is more powerful than the president. Philosophically, I think this is the case.
It's obvious that he represents a neoconservative viewpoint. And my objection is that that has been the rejection of the Republican Party platform and traditional conservatism. And I think this is where we have gone astray.
We have drifted from our fundamental premises and the conservative values that this party used to get.
Source: 2007 GOP Iowa Straw Poll debate
Aug 5, 2007
Rudy Giuliani:
Qualification for VP is readiness for presidency, in wartime
Q: What authority would you delegate to the office of vice president? And should those authorities be more clearly defined through a constitutional amendment?A: The vice president's office has to be worked out with the president. And the thing that's
clearest about it, now that we're at war, is that a vice president has to be just as capable, just as ready to take over that office, literally on a moment's notice. And that should be the major qualification. And then it should be in the discretion of
the president and the vice president to decide on what kind of responsibilities they should have.
Q: But would you like to have a vice president like Vice Pres. Cheney, with that wide range of responsibility?
A: I thought the division of
responsibilities between Pres. Reagan and Vice Pres. Bush was a good one. I thought it was a really comfortable one. And I'm comfortable that you select somebody who can step in on a moment's notice with experience, background, knowing what's going on.
Source: 2007 GOP Iowa Straw Poll debate
Aug 5, 2007
Sam Clovis:
Photo ID for voting
Question topic: People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Clovis: Strongly Disagree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Iowa Senate race
Jul 2, 2014
Staci Appel:
Public matching funds for congressional elections
Why Mayday PAC chose Staci Appel: Staci Appel has pledged to support the Government By The People Act (public matching funds for congressional elections.) and she supports a constitutional amendment to overturn the disastrous Citizens United ruling.
As State Senator, Appel sponsored legislation (SSB 1173) that would have established public financing of elections in Iowa for the first time.[Appel's opponent] David Young received maximum donations from Crossroads Strategies [& numerous lobbyists].
He received more money from VA, MD, and DC than from Iowa, and the top contributing industry to Young's campaign is "Lobbyists," who have contributed $71,350.
Mayday PAC works with candidates who support reform on both sides of the aisle.
Mayday PAC will be communicating directly with voters in these districts with specific messages on political cronyism and reform. Mayday PAC will be working to make changing the way elections are funded a fundamental issue in each of these races.
Source: PacWatch: MaydayPAC in 2014 Iowa 3rd district House race
Aug 11, 2014
Steve Forbes:
Remove gov't from health care, retirement, & education
I'm running for president because I believe it's important for somebody to step forward and deal honestly and openly with the American people. - Someone who will speak directly to the American people
about a healthcare system where you choose your own doctor, not the politicians or bureaucrats.
- About a Social Security system where you choose your retirement account.
- An education system where parents
choose the schools that their children go to, no mother should be forced to send her children to a failing school.
- A tax system that is honest and fair for all Americans, not just lobbyists and Washington special interests.
- An America where everyone is allowed to develop to the fullest of their God given talents.
- An America that the world respects and tries to emulate.
These are the things I will do as president
Source: Television advertisement in NH & Iowa
Dec 30, 1999
Terry Branstad:
Sunset of rules and regulations every four years
Jobs for Iowa:- Cut Iowa corporate income tax rates in half.
- Bring commercial property taxes to 60% of value, down from the current rate of 100%.
- Remake the Department of Economic Development into a 21st Century public-private partnership
that works with businesses to create jobs.
- A sunset of rules and regulations every four years to determine their effectiveness, and have a jobs-impact statements.
- Tour the country and world in search of new jobs for the state of Iowa.
Source: 2011 Iowa Gubernatorial press release
Feb 16, 2011
Terry Branstad:
2010: No fees for government records; 2011: imposed fees
During his 2010 campaign for governor, Branstad promised he wouldn't impose fees for legal reviews of public documents requested under Iowa's open-records law. His legal counsel also questioned the legality of those fees while running for attorney
general that year.But almost immediately after taking office in 2011, Branstad began imposing those same fees. In September, the Register agreed to pay $626 for a legal review of 677 emails involving the Iowa Juvenile Home. The Register paid the fee,
but the state, under a policy endorsed by the Iowa attorney general, initially decided to keep 1/3 of the requested emails confidential.
[In 2013], the Register requested detailed information on the number of youths kept in isolation cells at the
Iowa Juvenile Home. The Iowa Department of Human Services responded that it would compile the information if the newspaper first paid $31,776. The newspaper rejected the proposal, and the state later provided similar information at no charge.
Source: Des Moines Register on 2014 Iowa gubernatorial race
Jan 6, 2014
Terry Branstad:
Require identification to vote
Legislative Summary: HF516 requires county commissioners to cancel the voter registration if jury service-related documentation indicates that the voter is not a U.S. citizen.[New subsections]: - "Voter ID card" is amended to include
a US military or veterans identification card.
- If the photo ID presented does not contain the person's current address in the precinct, the person shall also present documents with a current address in the precinct, dated within 45 days
-
At polling places with access to an electronic poll book, election officials shall verify against a state database that the person has not been convicted of a felony or, if the person has been convicted of a felony, the person has had the person's
voting rights restored.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 28-21-1 on April 13, vote #S.J.1005; passed House 56-40-4 on April 10, vote #H.J.960; signed by Gov. Branstad May 5, record #H.J.1148.
Source: Iowa legislative voting records: HF 516
May 5, 2017
Theresa Greenfield:
Ban corporate PAC money, overturn Citizens United
She will fight for reform that makes our government and elections more transparent. That starts with supporting legislation that will root out corruption and make sure our representatives are actually working for us, not the corporate special
interests--like banning corporate PAC money, passing lobbying reforms, overturning the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision, and getting rid of the secret, unlimited cash flooding our elections through dark money groups.
Source: 2020 Iowa Senate campaign website GreenfieldForIowa.com
Jun 2, 2020
Theresa Greenfield:
Vital that Iowans can vote without fear of falling ill
Greenfield's campaign launched a webpage to serve as a resource for Iowans to vote by mail ahead of Iowa's June primary election. "During tough times like these, it's especially important that Iowans are able to make their voices heard.
It is vital that every Iowan be able to cast a ballot safely and without fear of falling ill," said Greenfield. Greenfield has called for making it easier for Iowans to vote by mail by proactively mailing registered voters an absentee ballot.
Source: Senate press release on GreenfieldForIowa.com for 2020
Apr 27, 2020
Theresa Greenfield:
Don't support packing the Supreme Court
Q: How many justices should there be on the Supreme Court?Greenfield: The rhetoric that comes out of Washington, it's so divisive and as I travel this state Iowans want it to end. I've been clear all along that
I don't support packing the courts if that's what you call it.
Q: You want 9 justices on the court, you want it to stay 9?
Greenfield: Absolutely. That is our institution and our tradition and I don't support packing the courts.
Source: Iowa Public Television transcript of 2020 Iowa Senate debate
Sep 28, 2020
Theresa Greenfield:
Get dark money out of politics; no corporate PAC money
Greenfield: Iowans want those attack ads, those awful attack ads to end and how we do it is by getting rid of dark money in our politics and ending the political corruption. Senator Ernst has taken $2 million in corporate PAC donations.
Folks, there's too much money in our politics. I put a plan together, she doesn't have one. I drew a line in the sand and said, I won't accept one dime of corporate PAC donations.
Source: Iowa Public Television transcript of 2020 Iowa Senate debate
Sep 28, 2020
Theresa Greenfield:
Don't privatize Post Office but examine their finances
Q: What do we do about the Post Office? Privatize it?Greenfield: Right now, absolutely not. Right now we are in a crisis and we need to make sure that they can operate and continue to provide those medications,
continue to get us through this election in the fall, and then we need to take a look at their financial structure so that they can be solvent.
Source: Iowa Public Television transcript of 2020 Iowa Senate debate
Sep 28, 2020
Tom Fiegen:
Whoever underwrites your campaign, owns you
Q: Why do you swear off PAC money?A: Because whoever underwrites your campaign, owns you. And as the Bible says, you cannot serve two masters. You cannot take money from corporate PACs and then serve working people. If me or anyone else running for
public office wants to stand with working people, they cannot owe anything to the corporate PACs. Our democracy is under fierce attack. Billionaire families are now able to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to buy the candidates of their choice.
Source: 2016 Iowa Senate campaign website, FiegenForUSSenate.com
Oct 9, 2015
Tommy Thompson:
Cheney is honorable individual; doesn't have too much power
Q: You served in the Cabinet with Vice President Cheney. Do you think that Vice President Cheney has too much power?A: I believe that Vice President Cheney is criticized for a lot of things that he doesn't do.
I believe that Dick Cheney is an honorable individual. And I think President Bush depends a great deal upon him.
Source: 2007 GOP Iowa Straw Poll debate
Aug 5, 2007
Kim Reynolds:
Put a moratorium on new rulemaking, assess existing rules
Iowa's Administrative Code has ballooned to more than 20,000 pages and 190,000 restrictive terms. Many of these rules are unnecessary. Some are actually counterproductive, short-circuiting legitimate economic activity and making our state less
competitive. Today, I signed an executive order that puts a moratorium on new rulemaking while directing state agencies to assess whether their existing rules--each and every one--are worth the economic cost.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Iowa legislature
Jan 10, 2023
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023