Lawmakers want to make it illegal for politicians to lie

The Iowa House has voted to make it a crime for politicians to lie about their opponents. Those found guilty of issuing “untrue or deceptive” statements could get up to a year in prison and a fine of up to 15-hundred dollars. Representative Steve Warnstadt of Sioux City says it’s about time.Representative Mike Cormack of Fort Dodge says it’s “gutless” to lie about an opponent. The bill also sets up penalties for those who use telephone “push polls” to smear an opponent. Representative Pam Jochum of Dubuque says it’s taken three years to get that provision through the legislature. She says what was once an unethical campaign practice – is now an illegal campaign practice. The bill passed the House without a dissenting vote.