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Humane Society hatches bid to unseat Iowa lawmaker

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October 18th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican U.S. Representative Steve King of Iowa has little use for the Humane Society, particularly when it comes to laws designed to give calves, pregnant sows and hens a little more freedom on the farm. The organization’s political arm is devoting most of its campaign budget this year — nearly $500,000 so far — to its effort to see that King doesn’t return for a sixth term. King is running against Democrat Christie Vilsack in a district that has become less conservative due to redistricting.

The Humane Society’s ads focus on his votes regarding dogfighting laws while ignoring their disagreements over laws concerning the treatment of farm animals. King’s campaign says the Humane Society is going after him because he’s an effective advocate for farmers.