A number of IL legislators who I know knew Melissa Hortman quite well from various meetings of Midwest legislators. Without too much success we have tried to point out all MN did with a one seat majority a few years back, to argue that IL could do as much if not more with our massive Dem supermajorities.
Crucially they had a large budget surplus at the same time, while IL is perpetually broke. Nevertheless - we wouldn't get some of those things with supermajorities if money was no object and she got them with a one vote margin!
Indivisible QC covers IA and IL quad cities. They rotate between IA and IL side events. You should count the No Kings in Rock Island, IL. It was for the whole QC, including IA side. Est 2500 people.
That's excellent, thanks. I didn't try to compile an exact total. Clearly it was in the tens of thousands across the state. Has to be one of the biggest single days of protest we've seen in Iowa.
Appreciate it and you're reporting. Just wanted to spread the word since I think Indivisible QC events can be undercounted.
The QC is one of several communities along the Mississippi that are compromised of both IA and IL residents. 2 States, 2 standards for civil rights, 1 community. It's strange to know you can cross the river and have better rights. Many people live on one side and work on the other one vice versa. Same for families...parents on one side grandparents on the other for example.
Real convo I had recently: IA mom is tentatively okay with IL daughter visiting her in IA near her daughter's due date because IA mom lives close enough IL to feel confident that her daughter can cross over quickly to access reproductive healthcare should something happen. If IA mom lived further away, say closer to Des Moines, she wouldn't want her pregnant daughter to risk the trip for fear of legal or fatal consequences should something happen.
Thank you Laura and Spencer for your recap and analysis. I also believe Ernst is looking for a new job. The Iowa Republican legislators infighting is enlightening. Bet Jeff Kaufmann is trying to shut down those speaking up and out against Reynolds. Her veto was not a surprise, I thought she would let it die but she signed it and now has consequences.
Good, thorough post as usual. Yep, it sounds as if Joni is angling for a Trump Administration position. My advice to her would be to stay away from busses as there are plenty of previous Trumpers under them.
I'm sure you have or can get them too given your reporting chops but I have lots and lots of stuff about the federal budget reconciliation bill. Should there be any area where you're looking for something I imagine I'd be able to help.
Based on social media Senator Celsi is quite close to John Hoffman; not surprising given her having similarly spent many years helping to turn West Des Moines blue.
Has the Minneapolis Police Department labeled the killer as a “MAGA assassin”? Or, are you trying to make a comment by his former roommate into that banner? Great journalism. Not!
A number of IL legislators who I know knew Melissa Hortman quite well from various meetings of Midwest legislators. Without too much success we have tried to point out all MN did with a one seat majority a few years back, to argue that IL could do as much if not more with our massive Dem supermajorities.
It is phenomenal what they accomplished with a one-seat majority.
Crucially they had a large budget surplus at the same time, while IL is perpetually broke. Nevertheless - we wouldn't get some of those things with supermajorities if money was no object and she got them with a one vote margin!
Indivisible QC covers IA and IL quad cities. They rotate between IA and IL side events. You should count the No Kings in Rock Island, IL. It was for the whole QC, including IA side. Est 2500 people.
That's excellent, thanks. I didn't try to compile an exact total. Clearly it was in the tens of thousands across the state. Has to be one of the biggest single days of protest we've seen in Iowa.
Appreciate it and you're reporting. Just wanted to spread the word since I think Indivisible QC events can be undercounted.
The QC is one of several communities along the Mississippi that are compromised of both IA and IL residents. 2 States, 2 standards for civil rights, 1 community. It's strange to know you can cross the river and have better rights. Many people live on one side and work on the other one vice versa. Same for families...parents on one side grandparents on the other for example.
Real convo I had recently: IA mom is tentatively okay with IL daughter visiting her in IA near her daughter's due date because IA mom lives close enough IL to feel confident that her daughter can cross over quickly to access reproductive healthcare should something happen. If IA mom lived further away, say closer to Des Moines, she wouldn't want her pregnant daughter to risk the trip for fear of legal or fatal consequences should something happen.
It's wild out here. Unamerican, really.
Thank you Laura and Spencer for your recap and analysis. I also believe Ernst is looking for a new job. The Iowa Republican legislators infighting is enlightening. Bet Jeff Kaufmann is trying to shut down those speaking up and out against Reynolds. Her veto was not a surprise, I thought she would let it die but she signed it and now has consequences.
Good, thorough post as usual. Yep, it sounds as if Joni is angling for a Trump Administration position. My advice to her would be to stay away from busses as there are plenty of previous Trumpers under them.
I don't think Trump respects her enough to give her a senior job.
If she does accept an administration position, I wouldn't expect her to last long there. That's one reason I think she will seek re-election instead.
I guess the following can be taken either as fishing for an endorsement or a job application:
https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com/post/3lrxj6z4iou2jL
I'm sure you have or can get them too given your reporting chops but I have lots and lots of stuff about the federal budget reconciliation bill. Should there be any area where you're looking for something I imagine I'd be able to help.
Based on social media Senator Celsi is quite close to John Hoffman; not surprising given her having similarly spent many years helping to turn West Des Moines blue.
Apparently they both helped found the WDM Democrats.
Lots of cool stuff in here.
Thank you
Has the Minneapolis Police Department labeled the killer as a “MAGA assassin”? Or, are you trying to make a comment by his former roommate into that banner? Great journalism. Not!