Gaming's big bucks shape Iowa gaming politics and lobbying
The industry uses campaign contributions to influence policy, with leaders like Wes Ehrecke arguing money buys context not decisions. Industry data show Iowa casinos generate taxes, jobs, and purchases, while groups push to protect smoking on gaming floors and defend revenue plans amid Culver bonding recovery efforts.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ine Gazette ES Moiies
Iowa
Ed Fallon
Des Moines
Fallon
Ehrecke
Illinois
Peninsula Gaming Employees Pac
Pat Murphy
Lobbyists defend campaign spending as access and education
Iowa lobbyists for banks, credit unions, and insurers defend campaign contributions as a path to influence and education for lawmakers. Critics say money buys access, while insurers warn rising costs affect customers and businesses.
Campaign donation limits debated in Iowa legislature
Iowa lawmakers consider caps on individual and PAC contributions to state House Senate and statewide races. Proposals set $500 cash and $500 in kind for House primaries, $1,000 for Senate, and $10,000 statewide, with higher party and organizational limits. Supporters cite money as a distortion. opponents warn at stake is balance and practicality.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mason
Iowa House
Iowa Senate
Iowa
Supreme Court
Principal Financial Group
Wellmark
Microsoft
Senate
West Des Moines
Geri Huser
D-Alitoona
Huser
Scott Raecker
Urbandale
Raecker
Common Sense
Pat Murphy
D-Dubuque
Joe Bolkcom
Iowa City
Mike Gronstal
Council Bluffs
Teachers fuel campaign money to back education agenda
Iowa educators union donated 370000 to Democratic legislative races in 2008 through its PAC. The ISEA raises member contributions, claims no dues funding, and aims to back candidates supporting teacher pay, early childhood funding, and curriculum issues amid state budget pressures. Senate and House leaders respond varying views on union influence.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Charlotte Eby
Jes Moines
ES Moines
Iowa State Education Association
Brad Hudson
ISEA
Hudson
Iowa
Senate
Mike Gronstal
Council Bluffs
Iowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board
Gronstal
Pat Murphy
Dubuque
Murphy
Paul McKinley
Chariton
Democratic Party
Searchable donation database remains an elusive entity
Five years after Money & Politics Iowa folded due to funding gaps no full time watchdog has filled the void. Joan Lucas a former staffer laments the difficulty of providing a truly searchable campaign contribution database noting reluctance from some to share data. The Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board has added a limited database online.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Charlotte Eby
Des Moines
ES Moines
Money & Politics
Iowa
Joan Lucas
Iowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board
Also Mentioned on This Page
Gaming
Big
James Q. Lynch
Iowa Gaming Commission
James.lynch
Gazcomm.com
Westhrecke
Iowa Gaming Association
Bob Nandell
Derek Holland
Iowa Statehouse
Iowa Citizens For Community Improvement
Gazette
Statehouse
I’m For
Independent Movement For
Paula Dierenfeld
Dierenfeld
Fred Haskins
Iowa Insurance Institute
Chareby
Aol
Geri
Altoona
Rep
Lucas
Joan Lucas Farmer Watchdog
Towas
Liz Gilbert
Iowa Falls
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!