Laura Belin, author of the blog Bleeding Heartland, updates you on developments in Iowa government, hosted by KHOI’s newsman Dennis Hart. An in-depth look at each week’s legislative actions, the governor, public agencies, and important events, as lawmakers act on matters that affect you and your family.
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KHOI FM Podcasts
Afflict the Comfortable is the Ames Romero House podcast. We discuss the beauty of Catholic social teaching and how we tangibly live it out in our mission to the poor. Our episodes feature interviews with guests and volunteers, giving them a platform to share their experiences of poverty or explain why they feel called to help those in need. The podcast will be released monthly.
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Iowa Senate leadership change, 2026 campaign polls, lawsuit over Charlie Kirk fallout
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks cover news from the week in Iowa politics, starting with the sad news that Democratic State Senator Claire Celsi has entered hospice care. They talked about Republican Jack Whitver's decision to step down as Iowa Senate majority leader, his lasting impact on the Senate, and possible candidates to replace him. Other top…
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Iowa angles on Kirk assassination; Polk County Steak Fry highlights; DOGE recommendations
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks began with Iowa news related to Charlie Kirk's assassination: controversy over social media posts by some educators, a Johnson County official's decision not to lower flags to honor Kirk's memory, and calls to name a center at the University of Iowa after the conservative movement leader. They also discussed State Sena…
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Ernst out, Hinson in; new Congressional candidates; Democratic town halls
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Laura Belin and George A. Clark (filling in for Spencer Dirks) dug into Iowa's latest political reshuffle: Joni Ernst's exit and Ashley Hinson's Senate campaign launch, Hinson's competition for the GOP nomination, and the Republicans lining up to run for Hinson's seat in Congress. Other topics covered: another Democrat running for Senate, new endor…
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Ernst retirement watch, Sioux City special, Nate Boulton comeback
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks began with reporting that Senator Joni Ernst won't seek re-election in 2026, other potential GOP candidates for U.S. Senate, and the first "principled conservative" endorsement for Jim Carlin in that race. They dug into a Democrat's convincing victory in an Iowa Senate district that voted for Donald Trump, and a Republ…
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New candidates, Dems weigh caucus future, a high-stakes special election
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks began with more new candidate announcements: another Republican running for governor and two more Democrats running for Congress. They discussed news from several 2026 races, an internal poll suggesting Senator Joni Ernst is vulnerable, and Chuck Grassley dodging a question about his 2028 plans. Other topics covered: t…
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Turek in, Scholten out; lots more 2026 campaign news
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks began with State Representative Josh Turek, the fifth Iowa Democrat to announce for U.S. Senate; less than a week later, State Representative J.D. Scholten left that race and endorsed Turek. They discussed other news related to the Senate race, then highlights from the Iowa Democratic Wing Ding, including pitches from …
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Norris joins Senate field, Iowa DOGE touches third rail, Grassley on Trump
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks began with news from Iowa's U.S. Senate race: Jackie Norris became the fourth Democrat in the field, and Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona came to boost Iowa Dems. Other topics covered: a third Democrat running in Iowa's third Congressional district, Rob Sand's latest comments on Iowa's water quality problems, the Iowa …
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U Iowa targeted over DEI; Trump dings Grassley; Feenstra a no-show
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks began with the Fox News "undercover" video that sparked an investigation into the University of Iowa's DEI practices, a spat between President Trump and Senator Chuck Grassley, some partisan Senate confirmation votes, and Senator Joni Ernst opposing a ban on individual stock trading by members of Congress. Other topics…
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Iowa campaigns for Congress, Senate, governor; passing an anti-SLAPP law
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks began with news from Washington, DC: the Trump administration's retreat on freezing K-12 education funds, U.S. House turmoil over the Epstein files, and work that may cut into the Senate's long summer break. They discussed two new Congressional candidates in IA-04 and one in IA-02; Senate campaign news related to Joni …
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Iowa public tv/radio cuts, more new candidates, 2Q fundraising
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks began with news from Congress: the bill cutting $9 billion in spending, the potential impact on Iowa public radio and television, frozen federal education funds, Senator Chuck Grassley's handling of the Emil Bove nomination, Grassley's work to help Grinnell College avoid a tax hike, and House votes on the Jeffrey Epste…
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks began with Zach Nunn's bizarre trial balloon, followed by his retreat after speaking to President Donald Trump. They also discussed speculation about Joni Ernst's future plans, Ashley Hinson as a possible Senate candidate, GOP primary challenger Jim Carlin's first digital ad, a slew of endorsements for Randy Feenstra f…
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Iowa angles on BBB; Trump rally in DSM; Windschitl in, Bird out
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks covered that monumental budget reconciliation bill from many angles, with a focus on the Iowa impact and role in Iowa's 2026 campaigns: taxes and the federal debt, Medicaid cuts and rural health care, defunding Planned Parenthood, cuts to food assistance, clean energy tax credits, more money for immigration enforcement…
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New candidates, Sand town halls, Iowa impact of SCOTUS rulings
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks began with Iowa angles on the big budget reconciliation bill, including how cuts to food assistance could cost the state tens of millions of dollars, and concerns Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Zach Nunn expressed over Senate language on Medicaid. Campaign stories covered include the death of an Iowa state senator and th…
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Iran strikes, Bohannan campaign, Iowa angles on ICE and Pride Month
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks began with Iowa political reaction to U.S. strikes against Iran, Christina Bohannan's campaign launch in Iowa's first Congressional district, and Ryan Melton leaving the race in the fourth district. They noted the Iowa House effort to call a special legislative session. Next, several stories related to immigration poli…
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Iowa ties to MN tragedy, Governor's vetoes and bill signings, Wahls declares for Senate
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks began with Iowa angles on the horrific political shootings in Minnesota. They discussed Governor Kim Reynolds' unsurprising veto of an eminent domain bill and its aftermath, her surprising veto of a bill the legislature had approved unanimously, and notable bills signed related to pharmacy benefit managers, gender-affi…
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Two more candidates for governor and lots of news about Iowa's Senate race
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks began with the governor's race, where Republican Eddie Andrews and Democrat Julie Stauch launched campaigns and Democratic front-runner Rob Sand highlighted the statewide economy and a small town's water problems. They covered the U.S. Senate race from several angles: a campaign manager and a GOP challenger for Joni Er…
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Fallout from Ernst's town hall gaffe; more 2026 campaign news
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks began with the Iowa political event that became a major national news story: Senator Joni Ernst's reminder that "we all are going to die." Democrats pounced and J.D. Scholten moved up the announcement date for his own Senate campaign. Other topics covered: GOP talking points on Medicaid cuts, news from the first Congre…
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2026 campaign news and Iowa angles on the "big, beautiful bill"
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks review the week in Iowa politics, starting with the latest news from the 2026 campaigns for governor and U.S. Senate, and the Democrat who's running for secretary of state. They covered the Iowa impact of the Republican budget reconciliation bill from many angles: cuts to food assistance and Medicaid, access to health …
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More trial balloons, legislative session ends, court rules on "don't say gay/trans"
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks recapped an extremely busy week in Iowa politics, starting with Randy Feenstra's moves toward running for governor, a hint about Brenna Bird's ambitions, monster fundraising and a high-profile endorsement for Rob Sand, and the GOP legislator who may run for Feenstra's seat in Congress. They spent much of the show on th…
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks had loads of 2026 campaign news to discuss. Rob Sand (D) launched his campaign for governor, Randy Feenstra (R) took the first step toward running for governor, Jennifer Konfrst (D) launched her campaign for Congress in the third district, her primary rival Sarah Trone Garriott (D) launched her first digital ad, Ryan M…
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Dem running in IA-03; Republicans at odds over budget, property rights
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks began with campaign news: State Senator Sarah Trone Garriott was the first Democrat to announce in Iowa's third Congressional district, two Republicans ruled out the 2026 governor's race, and the outcome of an Iowa House special election. Other topics covered: Republican drama over the state budget and eminent domain h…
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Governor's office sues DM Register; new possible candidates for governor, auditor
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks begin with the legal battle brewing over the Iowa governor's ability to shield documents from public view. On the same day, the governor's office sued the Des Moines Register, and the ACLU of Iowa sued the governor's office. In both cases, the governor claims records can be withheld because of "executive privilege." Ot…
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Bousselot exploring governor's race; new candidates for U.S. Senate and House
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks started with news from the 2026 campaign trail: GOP State Senator Mike Bousselot is exploring a gubernatorial campaign, Democrat Nathan Sage is running for U.S. Senate, and Kevin Techau and Travis Terrell are running for U.S. House. They also discussed what makes a credible candidate for federal or statewide office, an…
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In this episode, David updates our audience on all the new stuff happening at the Ames Romero House. Listen in to learn about our developments at the Orange House and all that has happened in the city. We hope you enjoy this newest episode of Afflict the Comfortable!By Ames Romero House
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Fallout from a Kim Reynolds bombshell, Dems target IA-02
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks cover the biggest Iowa political news stories, starting with fallout from Governor Kim Reynolds' announcement that she won't seek a third term: potential Republican and Democratic candidates, impact on the next elections for governor and down-ballot offices, and reasons for Reynolds' relatively low approval rating. Mea…
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Tariffs, trial balloons, and the Iowa legislature's second funnel week
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks discussed Iowa reaction to President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs and their likely impact on the state's agriculture sector. The U.S. Senate confirmed Matt Whitaker to the most senior role an Iowan has received in the second Trump administration. Also covered: more Democrats considering a 2026 bid for U.S. Senate, w…
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School book ban blocked, Iowa sheriff sued, Wahls vs. Ernst?
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks discuss the week's top Iowa politics stories, starting with U.S. District Court Judge Stephen Locher blocking enforcement of Iowa's school book ban. Other topics covered include Attorney General Brenna Bird's unprecedented lawsuit against a county sheriff, reaction from Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst to "Signal…
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Reynolds, Bird cheer Trump policies; Lawmakers take on education and DEI
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks begin with Iowa angles on Trump administration news: Governor Kim Reynolds cheered the order dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, Senator Chuck Grassley dealt with angry crowds at his town halls, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks stuck close to the president, Attorney General Brenna Bird backed efforts to deport a…
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Dems weigh Congressional campaigns, Walz in Iowa, news from the statehouse
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks review the week in Iowa politics, starting with the three Democrats taking a serious look at running for Congress in the third district, where GOP incumbent Zach Nunn is seen as vulnerable. Other topics covered: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's "town hall" in that targeted district, a special election for an Iowa House se…
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Funnel week surprises, bills still moving, a ProPublica exclusive on Joni Ernst
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks cover an exceptionally busy week in the Iowa legislature ahead of the first "funnel" deadline. They discussed new bills that popped up last week (not all of them advanced), and notable bills that are "alive" and "dead" in the areas of K-12 education, higher education, public libraries, energy policy, state government, …
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Digging deep on Iowa's new transgender discrimination law
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks focused this week on the wide-ranging new Iowa law targeting transgender and nonbinary people. They discussed the key provisions, including some that have received little attention in other reporting. Laura described the atmosphere at the capitol, the House and Senate debates, last-minute maneuvering to secure House Re…
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All about the trans discrimination bill; Sand & Reynolds spar on auditing voucher funds
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks discuss the biggest news in Iowa politics, starting with an omnibus transgender discrimination bill that is on a fast track: what's in the bill, how it compares to earlier proposals, why Republicans are pushing this now, and what happens next. They also discussed bills moving forward related to abortion, higher educati…
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Sherman declares for governor; Iowa challenges anti-discrimination law
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks start with 2026 election news: who is newly declared candidate Brad Sherman, and what are his chances in a Republican primary against Governor Kim Reynolds? Other topics covered: the candidates running in an Iowa House special election and legislative action related to school funding, other education policies, a pro-Is…
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Iowa DOGE, a GOP challenger for Miller-Meeks, and lots of legislative action
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks discuss the week in Iowa politics, starting with Governor Kim Reynolds creating a new "Iowa DOGE" task force and testifying before the U.S. House Oversight Committee about government reorganization. Other topics covered: Iowa angles on Trump administration policies, cabinet appointees, and NIH grants, an Iowa House spe…
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A surprising special election, lots of legislative news, Ernst speaks for Gabbard
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks cover top stories from the week in Iowa politics, starting with Democrat Mike Zimmer's shocking victory in a state Senate district that just voted for Donald Trump by 21 points. They also covered the unexpected passing of State Representative Martin Graber and legislative action on many bills affecting higher education…
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News about the 2026 governor's race, Iowa legislative happenings, and Steve King
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks cover the the week in Iowa politics, starting with an appeals court ruling that kept a state immigration law blocked. They discussed Iowa angles on Trump administration news: Senate confirmations, inspector general firings, and January 6 pardons. Other topics covered: big fundraising numbers from the likely 2026 Democr…
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Governor's wish list for state lawmakers, Ernst backs Hegseth, and more
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks share their favorite Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. quotes and discuss lots of news from a busy week in Iowa politics, starting with Iowa angles on President Donald Trump's return to the White House. They dug into the many policies Governor Kim Reynolds is asking Iowa legislators to enact this year, some items on her wish…
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Kicking off the Iowa legislature's 2025 session
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks cover the start of the Iowa legislature's 2025 session from many angles: what happened on the opening day, highlights from remarks by majority and minority leaders, two new committees created in the Iowa House, important dates for the legislature's work, some key issues lawmakers may tackle, how Iowans can follow what'…
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Afflict the Comfortable - Gavin Andersoon
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By Ames Romero House
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Dems stick with Hart, GOP rival says Ernst sucks, Trump ally off U Iowa advisory board
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks cover the biggest Iowa politics stories of the week, starting with the first actions of the new Congress. Other topics covered: candidates set for the Iowa Senate district 35 special election, a GOP rival's ad with a vulgar message about Senator Joni Ernst, Iowa Democratic Party state chair Rita Hart winning another te…
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Remembering Jimmy Carter, a new job for Vilsack, and Iowa politics takeaways from 2024
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Laura Belin and Dennis Hart discuss President Jimmy Carter's legacy and how his 1976 campaign changed the Iowa caucuses. Other topics covered: former Governor Tom Vilsack's impending return to Iowa, President Biden's veto of a bill that would have added a permanent federal judge in Iowa, U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra's priorities for the next …
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Trump's Iowa Poll lawsuit; news from Congress; racial disparities and juvenile justice
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks discuss the top Iowa politics stories from the week, starting with Donald Trump's lawsuit against the Des Moines Register and its longtime pollster, Ann Selzer. They also talked about how the Iowans voted on last-minute efforts to keep the federal government open and a Social Security bill, which divided the Iowa deleg…
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Works of Mercy ep. 2: Give Drink to The Thirsty
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In this episode we discuss giving drink to the thirsty. How we do so here at the Romero House and how we can do so in our regular lives. Join us this month and learn more about why we do what we do!By Ames Romero House
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Meet Iowa Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer, farewell to Jim Leach
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Iowa finally has a new lieutenant governor. Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks talk about Chris Cournoyer's background and work in the Iowa Senate, what was and wasn't surprising about Governor Kim Reynolds' choice, political reaction to the new LG, and what the pick signals about the 2026 governor's race. Other topics covered: Reynolds backs using the …
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Joni Ernst in the hot seat, GOP primary challenger announces
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks discuss the intense pressure campaign U.S. Senator Joni Ernst is facing from MAGA Republicans. Joshua Smith has announced plans to run against Ernst in the 2026 GOP primary, and conservative influencers have floated other possible challengers. Also covered: comments from other Iowa politicians about Trump's picks, fewe…
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More Iowa election takeaways, reaction to Trump nominations
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Iowa's elections were certified on December 2, and Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks discuss the shift to Donald Trump, GOP gains in early voting, final results from the last races to be recounted, and the seven Iowa legislators elected in districts that voted the other way for president. Other topics discussed: counties with the highest and lowest tur…
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Two recounts done, Ernst all in with DOGE, feds reject Iowa waivers
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It's two recounts down and two to go in Iowa's very close 2024 elections. Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks discuss the state of play and how Republicans expanded their Iowa Senate majority to 35-15. Other topics covered: newsworthy changes to Iowa House committees, a new Iowa Senate Democratic leader, Senator Joni Ernst's bet on the Trump administrati…
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Iowa recounts, early Trump picks, and Democratic woes in mid-sized cities
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks discuss the four Iowa elections that are headed for recounts, how Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst will approach Donald Trump's controversial cabinet picks, and unsuccessful bids by Ernst and Mariannette Miller-Meeks for GOP leadership roles in the new Congress. Other topics discussed: challenged ballots in some …
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In this episode of the podcast Liam interviews retired firefighter and current Romero House volunteer Bob Martin. They talk about the difficulties of retirement, the search for community, the beauty and sorrow of being a firefighter, and the goodness of serving at the Romero House. We hope you enjoy this conversation and that you may be motivated t…
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Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks explore many aspects of the latest red wave in Iowa, starting with Donald Trump's biggest win yet and the warning signs for Democrats. Also covered: what went wrong with Selzer's final Iowa Poll for the Des Moines Register, how Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Zach Nunn survived strong challenges in the first and thi…
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