Iowa's congressional delegation and the leaders of ag and commodity groups are warning the coronavirus pandemic is significantly damaging the rural economy. Some dairy farmers have dumped milk due to the dramatic drop in demand. Tom Vilsack, the former Iowa governor who served eight years as U.S. … [Read more...]
Biden says endorsements from Tom and Christie Vilsack ‘gigantic’ boost
Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack and his wife, Christie, endorsed Joe Biden's bid for president today. Tom Vilsack said Biden has a unique combination of experience and long-standing relationships with decision-makers around the globe. "We elected a rookie in Donald Trump," Vilsack said during … [Read more...]
Grassley and Vilsack meet up to tout USMCA ratification
Two prominent politicians from opposing parties held an event Monday to call for approval of the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement. The new deal would replace the North American Free Trade Agreement, updating some provisions and changing others. U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley appeared at a dairy in Des … [Read more...]
Grassley and Vilsack together in D.C., touting USMCA
Republican Senator Chuck Grassley and former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack, a Democrat, joined forces today in the nation's capitol -- making the case for ratification of the USMCA, which would replace the North American Free Trade Agreement. Vilsack, who served eight years as U.S. Secretary of … [Read more...]
Two Iowa governors — one Democrat, one Republican — share a meal
Two Iowa governors who first chatted 32 years ago on a doorstep in southeast Iowa recently met privately for a meal, chatting about the past and at least one idea for the future. Former Governor Tom Vilsack and his wife, Christie, hosted current Governor Kim Reynolds and her husband, Kevin, in … [Read more...]
Vilsack says USMCA ratification would be a victory for farmers, economy
Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack -- who served eight years as President Obama's secretary of agriculture -- says having congress ratify the "U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement" will provide stability to farmers and momentum for other trade deals. "Having this agreement passed creates optimism, creates … [Read more...]
Vilsack rules out run for U.S. Senate in 2020
Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack has decided against running for the U.S. Senate. For the past couple of months, Vilsack had been meeting with privately with influential Democrats and supporters of his previous statewide campaigns in 1998 and 2002 -- discussing a potential challenge to Republican … [Read more...]
Vilsack says Reynolds has historic opportunity with four-year term ahead
As Republican Governor Kim Reynolds prepares to take the oath of office for a full, four-year term as governor, one of Iowa's former governors is complementing Reynolds for the campaign she ran. Tom Vilsack, a Democrat who served two terms as governor, is also offering some advice. "She wanted … [Read more...]
DC think tank urging Iowans to ask presidential candidates about infrastructure
A Washington, D.C. think tank is encouraging Iowa Democrats to pepper the presidential candidates who'll start campaigning here with questions about how to improve the nation's critical infrastructure. Will Marshall, president of the Progressive Policy Institute, says his think tank was a bit of an … [Read more...]
Vilsack casts doubt on success of ‘make ’em squeal’ mantra
Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack is not closing the door on the idea he might run for the U.S. Senate in 2020, but Vilsack today said the more immediate task for Iowa Democrats is to be "well-prepared" with the right questions for what he referred to as the "onslaught" of presidential candidates … [Read more...]