2014 in Review: Our Top Stories and Highlights

Shane Vander looks at some of Caffeinated Thoughts top stories and recaps monthly highlights in U.S. politics, Iowa politics and cultural news.

Common Core Will Be a Litmus Test Issue in 2016

Advocates try to downplay support for the Common Core State Standards as being a problem in 2016 for Jeb Bush. They will find they are sorely mistaken.

Joni Ernst Releases TV Ad in Iowa’s U.S. Senate Race Entitled “Service”

State Senator Joni Ernst (R-Red Oak), Republican candidate in Iowa’s U.S. Senate race, released her latest ad in the general election entitled Service.

Republican Hemingway declares candidacy for NH governor

Andrew Hemingway has become the first New Hampshire Republican to announce a…

Will Campaign Year Mute Ambitions Agenda in Wisconsin’s Legislature?

(Watchdog.org) Madison, WI – If history is any guide, 2014 promises to…

Iowa Right to Life Re-Launches PAC

Iowa Right to Life launched a new state political action committee on Tuesday that will enable them to more active in the 2014 Iowa House & Senate races.

Vulnerable Senate Democrats Targeted in New Web Ad

The National Republican Senatorial Committee released a new web ad entitled “They…

Gov. Perry Not to Seek Re-Election in 2014

SAN ANTONIO, TX – After more than a decade of principled conservative…

Matt Whitaker Announces Intentions to Run for U.S. Senate

Former U.S. Attorney Matt Whitaker announced his intentions to run for U.S. Senate today on WHO Radio.

No Senate Run for Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds

Cross off one more potential name on a list of Republicans who could run for Sen. Tom Harkin’s (D-Iowa) seat. Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds takes a pass.

David Vaudt Resigns as Iowa State Auditor, Branstad to Appoint Interim

Iowa State Auditor David Vaudt announced his resignation upon his election to the Governmental Accounting Standards Board. An interim will be appointed by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad to complete the rest of his term.

Sarah Palin Sets Her Sights on 2014 Races

Sarah Palin officially launches into the 2014 election cycle through a new video released by SarahPAC.