Iowa

Iowa Libertarian candidate for Congress ready to fight ballot access objection

Published

2 years ago

August 12, 2024

Iowa Libertarian candidate for Congress ready to fight ballot access objection

DES MOINES, Iowa (Gray Media Iowa Capitol Bureau) – Sunday at the Iowa State Fair, one Iowa Libertarian congressional candidate took his turn at the Des Moines Register Political Soapbox – and says he’s ready to fight. That’s because some Republicans say he didn’t follow the rules to get on the November ballot and they want his name removed.

Upon taking the stage Sunday, Marco Battaglia called on Congressman Zach Nunn to compete with him in a wrestling match. “I invited Zach Nunn here to a no holds barred wrestling match. Loser leaves the ballot. And looks like there’s only one guy here,” Battaglia said.

Battaglia is running in central Iowa’s 3rd Congressional district, and is one of three Libertarians to face Republican objections to them being on the ballot.

Also facing objections are Charles Aldrich, who’s running in northwest Iowa’s 4th Congressional District and Nicholas Gluba, who’s running in eastern Iowa’s 1st Congressional District.

“The further they draw this out, like they’re really kind of screwing with the electoral process. They’re screwing with polls. They’re screwing with debates,” Battaglia said.

After caucuses, parties have to hold county conventions where they’ll choose their delegates for the state convention. The objection, which was made by Republicans, says Libertarians skipped county conventions and went right to state convention and selected candidates.

Battaglia says the party did have county conventions, but they did them in one centralized location.

“It was in Polk County, but the delegates broke out from their specific counties. So, they still had a meeting of people from these counties that nominated us,” he said.

Libertarian presidential candidate Chase Oliver backs them up. “This idea that there wasn’t conventions being held for their party is ridiculous because I know Iowans who were at these conventions who were there and so for me it should be as simple as saying, ‘hey, was there a convention? Yes, there was. You’re good to go’,” Oliver said.

Battaglia says this the way they’ve done it in the past and didn’t face objections

“I think they’re just really confused of how we just all of the sudden didn’t overnight have 99 counties of organization of people working for free to do this work that, you know, the average person doesn’t care about,” he said.

Later this month, a board made up of Secretary of State Paul Pate, Attorney General Brenna Bird, and State Auditor Rob Sand will make the decision on if he and two other libertarians can be on the ballot.

If he’s kicked off, he says they’ll continue to fight.

“If we do fight it, it’s going to be cause it’s a legitimate legal concern. We’re going to go through the court system. We’re not going to storm the golden dome and like pee on the Governor’s rug or something,” Battaglia said.

—

Conner Hendricks covers state government and politics for Gray Media-owned stations in Iowa. Email him at conner.hendricks@gray.tv; and follow him on Facebook at Conner Hendricks TV or on X/Twitter @ConnerReports.

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Iowa

Iowa lawmakers at a standstill over pipeline fight that could shape landowners’ rights

Published

9 hours ago

March 23, 2026

Press Room

Iowa lawmakers at a standstill over pipeline fight that could shape landowners’ rights

Lawmakers have yet to agree on whether private companies should be allowed to use eminent domain for a proposed carbon capture pipeline, leaving landowners and industry groups waiting on an outcome that could have lasting impacts across the state.

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Iowa

3 key bills that survived the Iowa funnel deadline — and 2 that didn’t

Published

21 hours ago

March 23, 2026

Press Room

3 key bills that survived the Iowa funnel deadline — and 2 that didn’t

The Iowa Legislature’s 2nd funnel deadline put an expiration date on dozens of bills that failed to advance far enough this session. Here’s a quick rundown:

The Iowa Legislature’s second funnel deadline has passed, closing the door on dozens of proposed bills.

The self-imposed deadline requires bills to have passed one chamber and be approved by a committee in the opposite chamber by March 20 or be relegated to the trash heap.

What Iowa bills missed the cut?

Among the casualties: bills that would have allowed community colleges to offer some four-year degrees and eliminated all school vaccination requirements.

What Iowa bills made the cut?

Other bills remain alive, including legislation restricting the governor’s emergency powers, allowing Iowans to buy ivermectin over the counter without a prescription and limiting tuition increases at Iowa’s public universities.

What big issues are hung up?

Republicans, who control the Iowa House and Senate, have yet to strike deals on two of the top issues of the legislative session: property tax relief and eminent domain restrictions.

“There are some heavy lifts obviously,” Senate Majority Leader Mike Klimesh, R-Spillville, told reporters. “Property taxes, eminent domain conversation, and budgeting.”

What was the fate of dozens of other Iowa bills?

If you’re looking for a more complete list of bills that lived and died, read our exhaustive roundup of education, health care, business, state government and law enforcement and courts legislation.

Portions of this article appeared in the Des Moines Register’s politics newsletter. Don’t miss out. Sign up here.

Marissa Payne covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. Reach her by email at mjpayne@registermedia.com. Follow her on X at @marissajpayne.

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Iowa

Iowa Girls High School Basketball: Top Returning Juniors

Published

1 day ago

March 22, 2026

Press Room

Iowa Girls High School Basketball: Top Returning Juniors

We have officially closed the book on the 2025-26 Iowa girls high school basketball season with the crowning of state champions and individual all-state and player of the year awards being handed out by High School on SI.

Now, we take a sneak peek towards 2026-27 with a look at some of the top junior players in Iowa girls high school basketball. All numbers are from those listed on Bound.

Iowa Girls High School Basketball: Top Returning Juniors

Melina Snoozy, Sioux City Bishop Heelan

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Snoozy was dominant this past winter again, averaging 21.2 points to lead all juniors while adding eight rebounds, three assists and over two steals per game.

Kylee Pexa, Dunkerton

In addition to her 19 points a game, Pexa contributed almost five steals, five assists and 3.5 rebounds a game.

Ainley Ulrich, North Union

Ulrich nearly helped the Warriors reach the state tournament this past year after posting 20 points with five rebounds and 2.4 steals per game.

Izzy Gilbertson, Mount Ayr

At nearly 21 points and over nine rebounds per game, Gilbertson is a tough opponent to slow down. She also blocked four shots a night with 3.6 assists and 3.6 steals.

Maryn Franken, Sioux Center

Franken posted 20 points per game with nearly nine rebounds while also averaging six steals, three assists and a block to her stat line.

Taryn Petersen, Exira-EHK

Petersen was just a shade under 20 points per game for her team, adding in over six steals, five assists and four rebounds.

Cora Sauer, Lake Mills

Lake Mills went as Sauer did, reaching the regional final before falling to Bishop Garrigan. She contributed 19.7 points, six rebounds, almost four steals and just under four assists a game.

Lizzy Frazell, Waverly-Shell Rock

Frazell and the Go-Hawks continue to make a strong statement, as she finished the year averaging 19 points, six rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks.

Addy Wolfswinkel, Cherokee Washington

Wolfswinkel recently committed to Omaha to play volleyball, but she is strong on the basketball court as well, averaging 19 points, six rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.5 steals.

Maggie McChesney, Glenwood

In addition to her 19.5 points per game, McChesney averaged eight rebounds, 3.5 steals, three assists and over a block.

KeaOnna Worley, Cedar Rapids Prairie

Watch out for a big senior season from Worley after producing 18 points, nearly five assists, over four rebounds and two steals.

Graclyn Eastman, Bishop Garrigan

Eastman and the Golden Bears reached the finals this past season in Class 1A, as she averaged 17 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks, three steals and two assists.

Katie Muller, Dowling Catholic

The Maroons will lean heavily on Muller next year, as she steps in for sister Ellie Muller. This past year, she averaged 16.5 points, six rebounds, 3.6 assists and a steal.