Author

Robin Opsahl

Robin Opsahl

Robin Opsahl is an Iowa Capital Dispatch reporter covering the state Legislature and politics. They have experience covering government, elections and more at media organizations including Roll Call, the Sacramento Bee and the Wausau Daily Herald.

Federal panel seeks Iowa’s involvement to celebrate America’s 250th birthday

By: - October 2, 2023

As the country approaches the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, federal organizers are asking Iowa and other states to start preparing for celebrations of American history. July 4, 2026, will mark 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. While that date is still more than two […]

Nikki Haley rallies against 2024 rival Vivek Ramaswamy’s voting age proposal

By: - September 30, 2023

Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley rallied in Iowa Saturday against rival 2024 presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s proposal to raise the voting age to 25. “If you are old enough to go fight in a war, you should be able to vote, period,” Haley told the crowd of 250 gathered for her town hall at the […]

GOP presidential hopefuls tear into each other and absent Trump at second debate

By: and - September 28, 2023

The candidates polling from second to eighth in the race for the Republican nomination for president largely agreed on policy, fought over their records and took aim at former President Donald Trump Wednesday night at their second debate of the year. Trump, who leads polls of the race by substantial margins, skipped the event at […]

U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn: Fine Congress members during government shutdowns

By: - September 27, 2023

Members of Congress shouldn’t get paid during a federal government shutdown — but military personnel should, U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn says. Nunn, a Republican representing Iowa’s 3rd District, introduced two pieces of legislation Wednesday aimed at discouraging a government shutdown. The “No Work, No Pay” act would fine Congress members for the equivalent of one […]

Governor announces $1.83 billion budget surplus, calls for tax cuts

By: - September 27, 2023

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Statehouse Republicans said they planned to pursue more tax cuts in the upcoming legislative session, after the governor’s office announced Iowa ended the fiscal year with a $1.83 billion surplus. In addition to the budget surplus in the general fund, the state closed out the 2023 fiscal year with $902 […]

Panel proposes paying members of three state boards $10,000 a year

By: - September 26, 2023

Members of the certain state boards would receive $10,000 a year for their service if lawmakers adopt recommendations of a panel charged with reorganization of Iowa’s boards and commissions. In its final report released Tuesday, the Iowa Boards and Commissions Review Committee also recommended that state lawmakers and Gov. Kim Reynolds remove Iowa’s gender-balance requirements […]

Plan would cut or merge 43% of Iowa boards and commissions

By: - September 25, 2023

The state Boards and Commissions Review Committee will recommend the elimination or merging of 111 of Iowa’s 256 boards and commissions, reversing some planned changes following public feedback. The committee, established by Gov. Kim Reynolds’ state agency restructuring plan, has a Sept. 30 deadline to submit its recommendations to the governor and state lawmakers. During […]

Libertarian Party of Iowa announces it will hold caucuses Jan. 15

By: - September 22, 2023

The Libertarian Party of Iowa announced Friday it plans to hold its presidential caucuses Jan. 15, 2024 alongside the state’s Republican and Democratic caucuses. Jules Cutler, chair of the Libertarian Party of Iowa, said in a statement that the party plans to hold events that reflect Libertarians’ “commitment to genuine representation and a bottom-up approach […]

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ husband diagnosed with lung cancer

By: - September 21, 2023

Iowa first gentleman Kevin Reynolds, husband of Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, has been diagnosed with lung cancer. The governor’s office shared the medical diagnosis Thursday, along with a statement from Gov. Reynolds about her spouse’s plans for treatment. “We’re grateful to the incredible medical team caring for Kevin,” she said in a statement. “Our doctor […]

Donald Trump defends abortion position, ramps up Iowa campaign plans

By: - September 20, 2023

DUBUQUE — Former President Donald Trump defended his position on abortion following criticism from some Republicans, saying that GOP politicians need to learn how to “properly talk” about the issue in order to win elections. The former president made two stops in northeast Iowa Wednesday afternoon. After speaking in Maquoketa, Trump held a rally at the […]

Opponent of transgender women in sports will headline Reynolds fundraiser

By: - September 19, 2023

Riley Gaines, a former woman student athlete who rose to prominence for opposing transgender women competing in women’s sports, will headline Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds annual Harvest Fest fundraiser in October. Gaines, who was on the University of Kentucky swim team, tied for fifth place in the 200-yard freestyle at the 2022 National Collegiate Athletic […]

GOP presidential candidates focus on abortion, Israel, parental rights at evangelical event

By: and - September 16, 2023

Republican presidential candidates emphasized their support for abortion restrictions, parental rights and Israel while working Saturday night to win over evangelical Iowa caucusgoers. More than 1,000 people gathered in Des Moines for the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition annual fall banquet. The conservative Christian organization has played an influential role in the Republican presidential race […]