Paulsen Elected House GOP Leader

Kraig Paulsen, Iowa House

Tools

By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Nov 10, 2008 at 12:19 PM CST

Story Updated: Nov 11, 2008 at 10:32 AM CST

DES MOINES (AP) - Hiawatha lawyer Kraig Paulsen has been elected as House minority leader, taking over the top Republican leadership role in the chamber after the GOP suffered its fourth straight loss in this year's election.

Paulsen ousted Minority Leader Chris Rants of Sioux City during a private meeting at the Statehouse.

With a handful of close elections still being settled, Democrats hold a 56-44 margin in the House. That is a gain of three seats if results remain as they are.

Rants had sought another term as floor leader, pointing to his legislative experience and fundraising ability.

Paulsen and other Republican leaders say a fresh face and new approach was needed to turn around the GOP's losing streak in legislative elections.

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.


read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Violent crime, sexual abuse, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.

Most Popular >>

More Good Stuff

YouNews™ Politics!

Have video or pictures from the local or national political scene? How about comments and questions for your representitives? Share Them On YouNews!

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Do You Support Obama's Handling of the Bail Out?

Do You Support Obama's Handling of the Bail Out?

  • Yes
  • No