Political News

Democratic State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald explained why he thinks Iowans should elect him to an 11th four-year term Thursday at the Iowa State Fair. He said he wants to keep pushing for a retirement program that would provide an option for Iowans who don't have an employer-based retirement plan.

A longtime Republican Iowa congressman endorsed Democrat Christina Bohannan.

Hundreds of Iowans gathered outside the Iowa Capitol Sunday to protest against attempts to restrict abortion. On Saturday, a couple dozen people gathered outside of a Roman Catholic cathedral downtown for a prayer walk to end abortion.

Iowa Democrats have gone before the Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee to make their final case to keep their caucuses first in the order of nominating a presidential candidate. The DNC this year had states apply for the early window that Iowa has occupied for decades.

All Things Considered host Catherine Wheeler talked to IPR’s lead political reporter Clay Masters about what to expect who is in Washington to cover the meetings.

Four Republican state lawmakers lost their primary races Tuesday night after Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds endorsed their opponents. All four incumbents opposed the governor’s bill to create state-funded scholarships for private school expenses.

Franken defeated two opponents to win the Democratic nomination, including former U.S. Rep. Abby Finkenauer.

Republican Zach Nunn will face Democratic incumbent Rep. Cindy Axe in a race many analysts point to as one that could decide which party controls Congress going forward.

It comes as the Democratic National Committee has asked states to apply to go first in an effort to revamp the process. Iowa is among more than a dozen states that have applied.

Rep. Cindy Axne is the only Democrat representing Iowa in Congress, but Republicans believe they can flip the seat back to the GOP, and take control of the U.S. House.