State Democrats give Republicans a failing grade on the work product of the 2001 Legislature. House Democrat Leader Dick Myers of Iowa City says republicans have cut so many education programs, they are making the state — in Myers’ words — “a southern backwater.” Myers says there was no area during the campaign where “the republicans promised more and delivered less.” Myers says the republicans can’t work together, let alone work with the governor. Republicans say all areas of the state budget must be cut in lean times, and education’s no exception. House Republican Leader Christopher Rants of Sioux City says the state will still spend millions MORE on education next year. The Legislature was scheduled to adjourn last week, but the G-O-P and democrat Governor Tom Vilsack are still sparring over how much to spend.