iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Sister Jodi joined Paula and me, with Van Buren County Democratic chair Deb Woodward and husband Wally for the Harmony Homecoming parade in Farmington today. A great crowd welcomed our stickers, drink coasters and toffees. We saw many friends. Great work on the float, Wally!

Five people stand in front of a sign for the Van Buren County Democrats in Farmington Iowa.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Our group was delighted to work with the @bohannaniowa.bsky.social crew for a third time to canvass Fairfield. Meanwhile, I went to a gorgeous part of SW Jefferson County. People agree Iowa needs stronger rural schools & hospitals, clean water & safe care centers. Join us! Odonnellforhouse87.com.

Tom O'Donnell speaking to canvassers at the Jefferson County Democratic Party headquarters in Fairfield.

Tom O'Donnell posing with a long, undulating gravel road behind him

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

I came across the historic Second Baptist Church in Mt. Pleasant last night. It's up on some gnarly cribbing as workers install a new foundation. Congratulations to the nonprofit organization that has worked hard to preserve this significant structure!

A white building with mounds of earth around it and massive iron beams and wood cribbing supporting it.

A closeup of the beams and cribbing that supports a small building with mounds of earth around it.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Thanks to drivers Joy and Dave for carrying our signs in today's sun-soaked BBQ Days parade in Stockport. The crowd largely welcomed us. I later snuck in as the final diner at the fire department lunch. I enjoyed talking with firefighters Kurt, Colton, Frank, Shawn and Max. Happy Labor Day weekend!

A short woman in a blue top stands next to two men in green t-shirts.

Tom O'Donnell stands next to a pickup truck bearing one of his campaign signs

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

It was a pleasure to introduce Treasurer candidate John Norwood at the Fairfield library last night. We chatted with council member Bob Ferguson and then I toured the square at the First Friday Art Walk. great discussions about rural hospitals, public schools and more. Odonnellforhouse87.com

Three men talk at the library meeting room in Fairfield Iowa.

Four people talk on the street in front of an art gallery in Fairfield Iowa.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Paula and I were back at Midwest Old Threshers Reunion today, volunteering with our friend Bob Ferguson to handle admission at the bus gate. A bonus: We we're able to work with friend Jennifer Fett from Keosauqua. Busy day but all dealing with cheery folks. #oldthreshersreunion

Tom O'Donnell and Paula Mohr squint in the morning sun as they wait for a bus to the Old Threshers Reunion.

Tom O'Donnell in the ticket window at the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

We had two fun events on Saturday, talking with folks about their concerns: data centers, public schools and rural health care. First, coffee at the Keosauqua home of the unstoppable Twyla Peacock. Then wine and edibles at Fairfield's Vino del Mondo, hosted by Melissa Mahon. Great to see everyone!

A group of people gathered around an oval table for coffee

Four women with Tom O'Donnell holding an O"Donnell campaign sign.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

I chatted with @robsandia.bsky.social after his Keo town hall. He pledged to veto damaging bills, but the vetoes are meaningless if Republicans have a supermajority. It's not enough to just elect him to balance government. We must elect Democrats to the legislature. Let's go. odonnellforhouse87.com

Rob Sand talks with Tom O'Donnell as people congregate behind them.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

The Bohannan & O'Donnell campaigns took on Van Buren County today, talking to folks about a fairer more prosperous Iowa. Christina herself launched us after giving Oscar the cat some pets. On the road I spotted this pig family near Milton! Great discussions with many people.

People gather around a dining room table covered with literature and computers

Tom O'Donnell and Christina Bohannan in a living room.

A woman in a Pink top pets a gray cat that sits on a floral chair.

Four pink pigs sculptures made from oil drums and other containers sit on the edge of a corn field.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

I learned much as I followed Christina Bohannan on a water quality tour. First: JFAN leader Diane Risenberg on improving the Clean Water Act. Next to the Mt. Pleasant Waterworks to discuss treatment. Then VBC conservation head R. Daugherty on watershed plans ensured Lake Sugema's great water.

Two women at a talk on stage while sitting at a table.

A man in a baseball cap talks with a woman in a blue top as they view water treatment filters.

A woman sitting at a table gestures as she talks with a man standing at the table.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Our annual outing for Paint the Fair at Van Buren County is fun - a chance to see work by talented painters and to talk with friends. John Bybee and Margie Goehring judged the entries. Kurt & Gloria Mielke helped serve. Paula with top photog Penny Jones and the piece we bought of the Hotel Manning.

A man points to paintings as he talks with a woman.

A man and a woman stand behind a a table laden with appetizers.

A woman holding a checkbook talks with a woman holding a camera in front of paintings hanging on a wall.

A watercolor painting depicting Keosauqua's Hotel Manning from across the river.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

I enjoyed riding with Fairfield Police Officer Terry Smith today, learning about his trek from Georgia to Iowa, community policing in a small city, and his sport shooting ambitions. I'm always eager to talk with law enforcement about how we can work together for a safer Iowa. odonnellforhouse87.com

A man in glasses posed with a police officer in a squad car.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

We had a great time last night making new friends and seeing old ones at the Jefferson County Democrats pie auction fundraiser. I was lucky enough to be on the program with Christina Bohannan, Chris Jones and pie maven Beth Howard. Paula produced two pies and we won a strawberry-rhubarb. Yum!

A woman laughs while talking with a white-bearded man.

A brown-haired woman in a white blouse talks with a gray-bearded man.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

We joined the great Linda Whitten and a select group of Van Buren County Democrats for the Douds Field Day parade on a glorious morning. Small group, but more than the other team - which didn't show! Kudos to Recorder Lisa Crane for joining the queue. Join us! odonnellforhouse87.com

Five people standing in front of a person pickup truck bearing a campaign sign for Tom O'Donnell.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Visited folks in northern Fairfield today and came across someone who built their own dome - but copper-colored instead of MIU's golden ones.

A white-bearded man in a ball cap and plaid shirt stands in front int of a geodesic dome home covered in copper-colored shingles.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

A beautiful night after a stormy day, perfect for visiting folks near Lake Sugema, one of the state's prettiest and cleanest bodies of water.

A bearded man wearing a ball cap in front of a lake on the horizon.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Out talking to folks in northern Van Buren County last night and came across the classic Mt. Moriah Church, still well cared for, and its pretty cemetery. Someday I'd like to get inside!

A small white painted church with a pointed steeple sitting in a grassy field.

A closeup of a white church with a pointed steeple and a sign over the door.

A cemetery gate with an old metal sign above saying "Mt. Moriah cemetery."

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

We were delighted to welcome Rep. Sean Bagniewski on Sunday as we begin talking with voters in Fairfield. Sean helped spread our message of supporting rural schools and hospitals, keeping seniors safe and securing clean water for all Iowans. Thank you for your help!

Two men talk as they sit at a conference table.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

At the Birmingham Homecoming parade on Saturday with a great group of supporters, including Van Buren County grande dame Twyla Peacock and Birmingham's own Rising Sun. Great community spirit in this small town!

Tom O'Donnell with a truck carrying his campaign sign with matchers in the background.

Tom O'Donnell and parade marchers carrying his campaign signs

A native American man and a elderly woman sit in the bed of a pickup bearing a campaign sign for Tom O'Donnell.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Thanks to all who voted for us in yesterday's election, especially the folks who changed parties to vote for us, such as the Farmington woman who said our talk at her door resonated. Iowans agree: We want strong rural hospitals and schools, safe care centers and clean water. odonnellforhouse87.com/

odonnellforhouse87.com

Home - Thomas O'Donnell for Iowa House District 87

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

In Farmington today talking with some wonderful people, some of them struggling to get by. Meanwhile, the community turned out for a roast pork fundraiser for the baseball program. ( I had a sandwich and ice cream - with strawberries, of course.) The old gas station is frozen in time.

An old square gas station painted red black and white, with pumps and awning lights above

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

The annual #memorialday🇺🇸 program at Bentonsport Presbyterian Church is always beautiful and thoughtful. Mindy Kralicek organizes all, including the incredible flowers. Paula welcomed participants as president of the Bentonsport Improvement Assn, and the American Legion provided the 21-gun salute.

People sitting in church pews as seen from the choir loft

A woman stands at a pulpit with a cross on the wall behind her.

American Legion members aim rifles to fire a 21-gun salute.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

Another big day and another record for Van Buren County Schools boys track, winning the 1A distance medley and setting a meet record! Lots of hard work through the year pays off. www.southeastiowaunion.com/sports/high-...

southeastiowaunion.com

Van Buren County wins first state relay title in school history

DES MOINES — It started with a lap around the track hours before Drake Stadium was full of spectators.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

Memorial Day weekend in Van Buren County: Lions Club pancakes in Keosauqua, then the yearly Van Buren County Conservation hike to honor longtime chair Bob Steingraeber. His wife, Kris, started us with a remembrance, then we marched through woods and past beautiful fields of rye. Wonderful.

A crowd gathers amid cars in a grassy, sunny field.

A woman leaning against the back of a car reads a statement. Another wan in a cap listens on the right.

A group of people emerge from a thicket of trees.

Several people walk on a grassy trail next to a field of tall rye.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Paula and I were at the Van Buren County courthouse this morning to cast our ballots. Get in now, lock in your vote, and don't risk missing out on June 2! #earlyvoting

An older woman in glasses and an older man in glasses hold their absentee ballots.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Jefferson County and Fairfield are getting ahead of this trend to dump undesirable facilities like data centers and detention camps in rural Iowa. I was at a productive meeting last night to block them. Thanks to Taylor Ross for raising the alarm and gathering info. www.nytimes.com/2026/05/02/o...

nytimes.com

Opinion | Rural America Is Getting Blindsided by Something New

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

This piece captures Iowa's public-private education conflict. The bottom line: public schools could become a ghetto of the poorest students who often need the most help. Meanwhile, Catholic schools raised tuition because educating kids is expensive. #publicschoolsmatter www.tspr.org/npr-news/202...?

tspr.org

School choice is booming in Iowa. Are students better off?

With school choice programs ascendant not just in Iowa but across the U.S., Cedar Rapids offers a preview of who wins and who loses when education meets the free market.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

On Saturday I enjoyed talking with about 20 Henry County women leaders at the wonderful Mt Pleasant home of Mike and Anita Hampton. So many great thoughts and questions! I hope these influential people will advocate for our movement to create a lasting and caring community. odonnellforhouse87.com

Women sitting in a sunny room and eating food as they talk.

A gray bearded man in a blue shirt stands as he talks to a group of women in a sunny room.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

Enjoyed from-scratch pizza & conversation at Fairfield's Wanderer's Haul game store tonight, with Jesya, Ben and Ginger, plus Tobias & Saia, who had to leave. What will it take to keep them in Iowa? A state with clean water and air, a strong tech community, & a welcoming attitude toward all.

Tom O'Donnell in front of a sign for the Wanderer's Haul game store.

A woman and three men pose for a photo at the Wanderer's Haul game store.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

Working people built Iowa and keep it running. I'm proud to have the endorsement of the Iowa Federation of Labor. We all do better when workers have a strong voice.

A bearded man standing on a country road with the Iowa Federation of Labor seal superimposed.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

I learned today that my friend Gwen Pedrick has died. I knew Gwen was special when she walked in a parade with us and periodically stopped to hug friends and former students and colleague. She was our first campaign chair and gave her utmost effort. We're crushed and sad for Jim and their family.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

You can count on the yearly Keosauqua Lions soup dinner and auction for three things: delicious food, ample auction choices and a big crowd. It always raises a lot of money for worthy causes, such as eye exams for kids. I'm proud to be married to a Lion!

A line of people standing behind roaster pans serve soup to people.

Tom O'Donnell aNd Paula Mohr pose in ft my of the crowd at the Keosauqua Lions soup dinner.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

With thunderstorms and snow coming, we feared that attendance would be light for the weekly Henry County First Amendment rally today. So we donned our rain gear and grabbed some signs. A hardy band came out! Such a great tradition of speaking out for justice and freedom!

A woman and man in wet raincoats smiling for the camera.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

I toured the Van Buren County Sheriff's Department and then rode with Deputy Spencer Rider this morning. The department provides outstanding service, even though they're a bit short on staff. I enjoyed getting to know Spencer and learning about #lawenforcement in VBC.

A dispatcher sits before a bank of computer screens and windows overlooking jail cells.

A sheriff's deputy an d a man with a white beard sits in a police cruiser.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

This is what nomination petitions holding more than 400 signatures looks like. Proud to have filed papers today with my beautiful and smart wife! Let's go! secure.actblue.com/donate/tom-o...

Tom O'Donnell and Paula Mohr posing in front of an Iowa flag at the Iowa Secretary of States office.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 01/03/2026

Playing trivia for the Van Buren County Schools post-prom fundraiser with the dream team of Weston, Kirchner and three Whitlatches. Team KWOW rides again!

A group of people posing as they sit at a table.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Laura at the Van Buren County Auditor's office notarized my affidavit of candidacy this morning. We're ready to file the paperwork and petitions in Des Moines to get on the ballot for House 87! Join us to strengthen Southeast Iowa! odonnellforhouse87.com

A white-bearded white man 👞 n a blue parka leans over a counter while holding a pen to sign a piece of paper.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 22/02/2026

Paula and I are at the theater for the Van Buren Players 67th annual musical production. This time it's "Seussical the Musical." The whole county comes out, either to participate or enjoy their neighbor's' talents. A great show!

Tom O'Donnell with the stage featuring a marquee for Seussical the Musical

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

This gripping piece - a fictional account of real symptoms based on deep reporting- describes what parents risk - for their children and others' children - when they skip #vaccination. It's also why dropping school vaccine requirements is a terrible idea. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...

theatlantic.com

This Is How a Child Dies of Measles

When your family becomes a data point in an outbreak

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

JFAN brought ex-Polk County exec. John Norris and Adam Shriver @harkininstitute.bsky.social to Fairfield last night to discuss water research and, more importantly, how we all can change policy to decontaminate our waters. First: restore financing to preserve our water quality monitoring system.

A slide from a presentation on the Central Iowa Source Water Resource Assessment.

John Norris and Adam Shriver talking to audience in Fairfield Iowa.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

GOP rushed 3 bad bills through subcommittees and committees in 1 day: Ban gender information in HS, school-public library co-op & school vaccine requirements. Why the haste? They know people oppose this. thegazette.com/health-care-medicine/iowa-gop-lawmakers-move-to-end-school-vaccine-requirements/

thegazette.com

Iowa could end school vaccination requirements under bill moving forward

A bill advancing in the Iowa House would eliminate vaccination requirements for K-12 students, drawing sharp warnings from doctors and public health officials.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

Our last stop on Sunday's campaign kickoff tour was our best: home in Bentonsport, with good food and great friends. Linda Whitten roused the audience and we enjoyed time as a community. Please join us! Odonnellforhouse87.com

A table full of food at the Bentonsport Stone House.

Linda Whitten talks to observers at the Bentonsport Stone House.

Tom O'Donnell speaks to supporters at the Bentonsport Stone House.

Tom O'Donnell speaks with supporters at the Bentonsport Stone House

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

Scenes from our first campaign kickoff stop in Mt. Pleasant, where we joined the weekly First Amendment rally before moving to St. Michael's Episcopal, where the atmosphere was warmer in more than one way! Thanks to Kasey and the Henry County party for all the help. Join us! Odonnellforhouse87.com

People carrying signs in front of the Henry County courthouse in Mt. Pleasant Iowa.

Supporters listen to Tom O'Donnell speak in front of a banner bearing his name

Tom O'Donnell pointing as he speaks with supporters in the foreground.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

If you can, please attend this memorial as Alex Pretti's union family honors his service and sacrifice.

A flyer for a vigil for Alex Pretti on Sunday February 1 at the Iowa City VA hospital.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

Look what arrived yesterday! We'll unveil this Sunday at our three campaign kickoff events. Join us for cookies and community. (Cats for scale.)

Two cats sniff at a banner reading "Vote Tom O'Donnell For a stronger rural Iowa."

A graphic promoting campaign kickoff events for Tom O'Donnell for HD87.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

Great forum Sun. In Fairfield on damage coming #medicaid rules will do to rural #healthcare. Randy Dillon gave stats. ARNP Kerri Rupe & retired health care leader Rick Johnson described impact on hospitals & providers. Former Henry cry EMS chief Jacob Dodds & Sen. Janice Weiner added perspective.

A man stands by a flip chart with statistics written on it.

Three people sit at a table that has an Indivisible banner on the front.

A man sits at a table that has a banner for the Rural Restoration Project on the front.

A woman at a table speaks into a microphone.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

This is a start. Good to fully fund monitoring. I'm unsure that putting more $ into the largely ineffective NRS is best. Better to keep pollutants out from the start. Nonetheless, good for the @iowahousedems.bsky.social for getting ahead on this key issue. iowacapitaldispatch.com/2026/01/22/i...

iowacapitaldispatch.com

Iowa House Democrats release water quality package • Iowa Capital Dispatch

The proposal includes funding for water monitoring and incentives for implementing best practices to improve water quality in the state.

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thomasrodonnell.bsky.social @thomasrodonnell.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

Please join us February 1 after the Mt. Pleasant First Amendment rally and then in Fairfield and Bentonsport. Minimal speechifying, maximum fun and community

A graphic promoting campaign kickoff events for Tom O'Donnell, February 1 at 1:10 pm at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Mt Pleasant, 2 pm at the Fairfield Public Library and 4 pm at the Bentonsport Stone House.

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