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IowaPolitics.com: Jim Nussle Profile
10/26/2005

This profile appeared in the Oct. 26 edition of the IowaPolitics.com REPORT, sent exclusively to IowaPolitics.com subscribers.

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By Chris Dorsey

Long-time Congressman Jim Nussle wants to leave Washington, D.C. and lead his home state as governor.

Many political pundits are already calling Nussle the front-runner in the race. Congressional newspaper Roll Call said in a recent article Nussle was the "odds-on favorite." The publication also said Iowa's gubernatorial seat was second most vulnerable to switch parties (out of the control of incumbent Gov. Tom Vilsack's Democratic Party) in the mid-term election.

The Manchester Republican is hitting the campaign trail hard pitching his energy plan at town hall meetings across Iowa. The candidate wants Iowa to become a leader in renewable energy, and that is among his priorities if elected governor.

"Iowa can lead the way in showing the nation how alternative energy sources like ethanol, wind and biomass are part of the solution," Nussle said. "I believe that Iowa can be the cornerstone of America's energy solutions. We are pioneers in ethanol, biodiesel and wind energy, and with the right policies in place, fueling America can fuel Iowa's economy."

Throw in education, and Nussle is saying all of the right things voters want to hear.

"Trailing the results in Minnesota, South Dakota and Wisconsin is simply not good enough for a state once recognized as number one for its academic achievement," Nussle said. "We can do better and, in fact, we should strive to be the best. With the global competition we face, Iowa must set the standard for world class education, so that our students have the skills they need to pursue limitless opportunities in their future," Nussle said.

"Our goal should be to make Iowa's schools the best not only in the nation, but in the entire world. And if we succeed in working toward that goal, Iowans currently living in the state, and others across the country, will be more inclined to choose Iowa when deciding where to live and raise their family."

Nussle also touts the importance of tax reform. His plan includes eliminating the state tax on Social Security and pensions, reforming the state property tax system and establishing a commission, which would be appointed by the governor with Legislative approval.

"The charge of the commission will be to consider all makes and models of tax reform proposals and to report their findings and recommendations to the governor and the legislature within 90 days," Nussle said. "As governor, I will then ask the Legislature to have an up or down vote on each of their reform proposals."

Nussle has served seven terms in Congress. He was the youngest member in D.C. when he was elected in 1991. Prior to taking the national office, Nussle served as the Delaware County attorney for four years.

In Congress, Nussle serves as the chairman of the House Budget Committee and is a senior member on the Ways and Means Committee.


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