Iowa prospers as farmers ride boom into presidential race
In Carroll and across Iowa the farm economy strengthens with high crop prices, rising land values, and abundant demand for equipment and labor. The upbeat mood contrasts with drought fears while Iowa’s manufacturing and services sectors diversify, shaping how voters view Obama and Romney in a tight election. Independent voters loom large as polls and ads unfold statewide.
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Carroll
Iowa
Russ Ranniger
Deere
Howard Drees
Carroll County
Jim Gossett
Obama
Pella Corp
Deere & Co
Pella
Student loan deal draws to a close
Congressional bargainers near a compromise to avert a July 1 loan rate doubling to 6.8 percent for 74 million college students and end the election year fight. The plan aims to preserve the current 3.4 percent rate for subsidized Stafford loans for another year while funding the bill at about 6 billion dollars, with talks also touching a broad overhaul of federal transportation programs. Senate aides say a deal is close on how to finance the measure, with options including higher pension insurance charges and reduced tax deductions for pension contributions. President Obama urged action, warning of mass layoffs if Congress stalls, while Republicans signal willingness to extend the current rate for a year.
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Washington
Barack Obama
Congress
Senate
House
Obama
GOP
Mitt Romney
Harry Reid
D-Nev
Reid
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