Gomers: What's going wrong

DRY UP: October in Iowa. Crisp, dry days showcasing fall color. Farmers wrapping up another abundant harvest. Not this October. Record rainfall, mostly cloudy days and below-average temperatures spoiled outdoor activities and put Iowa's farmers at least three weeks behind the average date for completing their harvest. The foul weather also is raising drying costs so grain can be stored safely.

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LOOPHOLE EXPLOITED: Political campaign reform in 2007 was supposed to ban members of Congress from accepting gifts from lobbyists, with the idea of reducing their influence. Always, it seems, there's a loophole to exploit. This one allows creation of leadership PACs, which a congressman can use to collect money and distribute it to help other candidates in their party. A Gazette report found the money also is being used by some for questionable expenses like golf clubs and luxury hotels.

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PAY UP: Why did it take another law (signed by the president last week) to make sure a program already in place will pay National Guard members (including 700 Iowans) who served extended deployments the money they're owed - before they're deployed again?