Des Moines, IA – Republicans in the Iowa Senate yesterday voted no on the confirmation of Shearon Elderkin to serve on the Environmental Protection Commission. During the public debate over Elderkin’s confirmation, not one republican Senator raised an objection. Today, Senator McKinley announced Senate Republicans will continue their campaign of no and will vote against Gene Gessow as director of the Department of Human Services.

“The Republican Party is once again showing they have no interest in working together in these tough times. Iowa voters rejected these tired partisan tactics when they voted for the party of hope in the last election,” said Michael Kiernan, Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party. “Iowans need their elected officials to work together to solve the difficult problems facing our state. I urge Republicans in the legislature to put people ahead of politics and work with the Democratic Leadership and the Governor to confirm these nominees so they can get to work for the people of this state.”