Bob Vander Plaats, an influential evangelical leader, has endorsed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in his bid for the Republican presidential nomination. This marks the second major endorsement for DeSantis in Iowa this month, and supporters of DeSantis point to Vander Plaats' audience and influence to argue that his endorsement will help DeSantis make inroads with evangelical Christian voters in Iowa. DeSantis' campaign is hoping that Vander Plaats' endorsement will help him gain traction with this key voting bloc, potentially giving him a major boost in the upcoming Iowa caucuses.
Posts tagged as “Iowa”
18-year-old Jeremy Goodale was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole in 25 years for his role in the 2021 beating death of Nohema Graber, a 66-year-old Spanish teacher. Goodale apologized for his actions and expressed remorse, and the judge noted that the crime was "unforgivable" but that Goodale had taken responsibility. The sentencing brings closure to the tragic death of Graber, who is still mourned by her family, friends, and colleagues.
Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) announced the suspension of his presidential campaign on Sunday, surprising his campaign workers. He explained that the voters had been "really clear" that they were not ready for him to run at this time, and his campaign strategy, staff, and the GOP electorate had all been factors in his decision. This marks an official and swift end to Scott's months-long presidential quest.
An Illinois hunter has tragically died after being shot in the face by someone in his hunting party. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating the incident and urging anyone with information to contact them. The department is committed to ensuring the safety of all hunters and will continue to investigate this incident.
Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina has unexpectedly dropped out of the 2024 presidential race, citing low polling numbers and a lack of support from voters. His campaign staff were caught off guard by the announcement, which came shortly after a fundraising email was sent out. With Scott's departure, the race for the Republican nomination is now wide open.
The Council Bluffs Police Department in Iowa has arrested 25-year-old Dominic M. Henton in connection with the alleged sexual assault of former Senator Martha McSally (R-Ariz.). McSally reported the incident on Wednesday, saying that she had been grabbed from behind while jogging near Omaha, Nebraska. Surveillance footage released by police showed the suspect following the former senator on a paved pedestrian walkway, and McSally chased the suspect into the brush before calling 911. The police department is continuing to investigate the incident and is asking anyone with information to contact them.

Five Republican Presidential Candidates Square Off in Third Televised Debate Ahead of Primary Voting
Five Republican presidential candidates faced off in the third televised debate Wednesday night in Miami, Florida, discussing topics from fracking and fentanyl to the economy and Donald Trump. The candidates proposed plans to create jobs, reduce taxes and regulations, combat the fentanyl crisis, reduce the national debt, reform the criminal justice system, and reduce government spending. Bob Vander Plaats, a prominent Christian conservative leader in Iowa, said the real missed opportunity of the debate was the candidates’ failure to make a case against Donald Trump. With voting in the Republican presidential primary beginning in two months, the candidates must make a strong case for their candidacy if they want to win the nomination.
With just 68 days until the start of voting in the 2023 presidential election, the Republican candidates face a new challenge as they take the debate stage in Miami on Wednesday. Ohio voters chose overwhelmingly to enshrine the right to an abortion in the state constitution, providing a snapshot of voters' attitudes one year from the presidential election. The debate on Wednesday will be a key opportunity for the candidates to make their case to voters and demonstrate why they are the best choice for the Republican nomination.






