Topic: Terry Branstad

Change Agent
Number of volunteers in US hits highest level since 2005

More than one-quarter of Americans did volunteer work in 2011, providing 7.9 billion hours of service worth $171 billion. Utah led among states. Iowans responded to their governor's call for volunteers.

GOP leaders Jindal, Christie, McDonnell, Walker begin jockeying for 2016

Less than two weeks after Republican nominee Mitt Romney came up short in his bid to unseat President Barack Obama, the next class of potential GOP presidential hopefuls is laying the groundwork for bids of their own. 

Marco Rubio headed to Iowa: Has 2016 already started?

Senator Marco Rubio will be in Iowa next week – birthplace of many a presidential campaign. After Mitt Romney's dismal showing among Latino voters, the ambitious young Cuban-American is only growing in importance to the Republican Party.

Obama visits Iowa to make pitch on tax cuts

Romney challenged Obama's call for an extension of tax cuts for households earning less than $250,000, saying the US needed to restore economic freedom for everyone.

In Iowa, Obama on the offensive against Romney

He criticized the GOP nominee for distorting the truth and said he wasn't prepared to be President.

Tornado watch: Early warnings may have saved Iowa town

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla., issued a stern warning about oncoming storms more than 24 hours in advance. Residents credited early warnings with saving lives. 

Why is China's Xi Jinping going to Iowa?

China's heir apparent, Xi Jinping, will return to Iowa Wednesday. Xi spent a week in Muscatine, Iowa, in 1985, and will be feted upon his return.

Newt Gingrich fades, Mitt Romney and Ron Paul rise, say polls

Newt Gingrich's support is fading, says a new national poll. It shows Mitt Romney now tied with Gingrich, and Ron Paul gaining momentum.

The Vote
Did Newt Gingrich just flip-flop on immigration?

Newt Gingrich has said that law-abiding, tax-paying illegal immigrant families should not be forcefully kicked out of the US. Now, he's emphasizing the get-tough part of his stance on immigration.

Republicans seek Iowa social conservatives' nod

At an event sponsored by an Iowa Christian group, Republican candidates tried to gain a political edge with social conservatives. But some of the discussion turned uncharacteristically personal.

The Vote
The Romney ceiling: Can he ever win over conservatives? Does he need to?

No matter what, Mitt Romney appears unable to get more than 25 percent of likely GOP primary voters to choose him in a poll. But the other candidates' shortcomings could be all he needs.

Herman Cain: Sexual harassment allegations help campaign fund raising

Herman Cain raised $400,000 Monday, as Cain attempted to clear up confusion over his different accounts about the harassment controversy. 

Straw poll: In Iowa, GOP leans to the right of the right

Iowa's GOP is dominated by social conservatives whose focus is on opposing abortion and gay marriage, say party insiders. That explains why not all Republican presidential hopefuls are competing in the Iowa straw poll on Saturday.

Rick Perry's most rapt audience: Michele Bachmann and Mitt Romney

A Perry candidacy for the 2012 GOP nomination could be devastating for conservative rival Michele Bachmann. Rick Perry would also be a bigger threat than Bachmann to moderate Mitt Romney.

Five reasons the GOP race is so unsettled

Among the Republican candidates, Mitt Romney has emerged as the early front-runner. Yet the field remains as uncertain as any in modern times – can any of them beat Obama?

Michele Bachmann discusses 2012 presidential caucus, US debt with Iowa audience

Michele Bachmann was born in Iowa, where the first caucus in the 2012 presidential primary race will take place. Now a Minnesota congresswoman, Michele Bachmann took her tea party message to Iowa late last week.

Education reform: eight school chiefs to watch in 2011

Education reform will be on many state education agendas across the nation in 2011. The past year saw Republicans elected or appointed to top state education posts in many states. But a bipartisan group of veteran education leaders has also stepped up to call for more dramatic change in how schools operate.

Here’s a sampling of state education leaders to watch:

Americans split over public education for illegal immigrants, poll shows

Few favor government benefits for illegal immigrants, a Monitor/TIPP poll shows. Less than half back admitting them to public schools.

Sarah Palin PAC gave $87,500 to candidates

Sarah Palin's SarahPAC financial disclosure also shows Palin spending more than $210,000 on consulting.

Sarah Palin vs. Bill Clinton: Whose endorsement means more?

Sarah Palin-endorsed candidates went three-for-four Tuesday night. But Bill Clinton helped Sen. Blanche Lincoln pull off a stunner. Just how much of an impact do their endorsements have?

Voters choose fall matchups, decide fates of Blanche Lincoln and Bill Halter

Lincoln is in a runoff against Arkansas Lt. Gov. Bill Halter, who is being supported by labor unions and liberal groups.