State Republicans says election gives them a mandate

Republicans are crowing today about their victories in statehouse races. Republicans will hold a 30 to 20 vote margin of control in the Iowa Senate, and a 56 to 44 majority in the Iowa House. Senate Republican Leader Stewart Iverson of Dows says G-O-P candidates for the legislature focused on some issues, and have a mandate.He says Republicans will press to make English Iowa’s official language, as well as pass a law forcing schools to test third graders’ ability to read. Reducing property taxes and reducing the state tax on Social Security benefits are other top priorities according to Iverson.Last night, Iowa’s democrat Governor, Tom Vilsack, says he’s ready to bury the partisan wrangling of the election season and work with republicans to govern. Senate President Mary Kramer, a republican from West Des Moines, says the election returns were a strong mandate for the G-O-P policymakers at the statehouse. She says they feel voters gave them a resounding vote of support.