Week in Iowa, Oct. 16, 2023: Recap of news from across the state

Miller-Meeks receives death threats for vote: Iowa U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, a Republican, withdrew her support for Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan for speaker of the House on Wednesday, voting instead for Rep. Kay Granger of Texas. Miller-Meeks said she received "credible death threats" after voting against Jordan, and that she had reported them to the authorities.

Miller-Meeks joined nearly two-dozen Republicans who voted against Jordan, denying him the gavel on his second attempt to clinch the position. Jordan, the hard-right co-founder of the House Freedom Caucus, had attempted to whip votes to replace ousted former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. But a coalition of moderate Republicans opposed his candidacy, meaning he could not muster the support of more than half of the House of Representatives to become speaker.

Early voting underway: Iowans can now begin voting early for city and school offices, either by mail or in person at their county auditor's office. Voters can check their registration status, find out where to vote, and request an absentee ballot at the Iowa Secretary of State's Office website.

Democrat announces House run: Sarah Corkery, a Cedar Falls community leader and small business owner, will seek the Democratic nomination to challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, a Republican, in 2024. Iowa's northeast 2nd District includes Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Dubuque and Cedar Rapids.

The first-time candidate said she is running to expand access to affordable health care, lower prescription drug costs and strengthen gun safety laws. Hinson's campaign said Corkery would be a "rubber stamp" for President Joe Biden's agenda. The seat is rated solid Republican by Cook Political Report.

Reynolds rededicates Holocaust memorial: At a rededication of Iowa's Holocaust memorial on the Iowa Capitol grounds, Gov. Kim Reynolds said the purpose of the monument has never been more important in light of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists. Jewish leaders said the attack on Israel shows education about the Holocaust remains relevant and needed. Iowa's Capitol was lit blue Wednesday night to show support for Israel.

Grants will help CDL programs: The Iowa CDL Infrastructure Grant program will dedicate $4.8 million to community colleges to help train more people to obtain a commercial driver's license. The program, announced by Gov. Kim Reynolds last week, aims to connect Iowans with high-demand jobs and increase the capacity of CDL programs in the state.

They said …

Someone who threatens another with bodily harm or tries to suppress differing opinions undermines opportunity for unity and regard for freedom of speech. … I did not stand for bullies before I voted for Chairwoman Granger and when I voted for Speaker designee Jordan, and I will not bend to bullies now." — Iowa U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks on receiving death threats over her speaker vote

“Iowans deserve better than a representative who puts partisan politics over our health care needs — including the right to make personal medical decisions without government intervention." — Democratic Cedar Falls community leader Sarah Corkery on her campaign against Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson.

Odds and ends

2024 watch: Seven Republican candidates joined Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks for her "Triple MMM Tailgate" fundraiser Friday. The cattle call event featured Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, Tim Scott and other candidates.

River restoration: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working to restore hundreds of acres of islands in the Mississippi River near Princeton in a $33 million project. Frequent flooding has eroded parts of Steamboat Island and deposited the sediment in backwater channels, threatening local fish and wildlife habitats.

Water cooler

Starbucks sues: Starbucks sued a labor union in Iowa City over its social media posts about the Israel-Hamas conflict, alleging the union made "inflammatory and misleading communications." The Starbucks workers union expressed support for a pro-Palestine protest earlier this month, and Starbucks claims people attributed the comments to the company, causing boycotts and property damage.

Officer convicted: A former Clarksville police officer was convicted on 11 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor this past week. The officer, Michael Tobin Jr., was convicted of showing sexually explicit images and videos to a minor.

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