(Radio Iowa) – State Senator Zach Wahls, of Coralville — a Democratic candidate for the U-S Senate — is calling on Chuck Schumer to resign as Senate’s minority leader. Wahls says Schumer has failed to assure an extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits established in 2022 for tens of thousands of Iowans. “What we saw last night was unacceptable,” Wahls said. “…Senator Chuck Schumer was unable to lead this party at the exact moment when it was time to fight and I think it is clear as day that it is time for him to step down and make way for a new generation of leaders.” Wahls did not suggest who he’d support as Schumer’s replacement. Schumer, who is 74, voted no last (Sunday) night on the compromise plan to end the federal government shutdown.

“I think it’s pretty clear that this deal would not have happened without his blessing privately,” Wahls said, “and so his decision to vote no on the bill I think reflects his own personal political situation and frankly I think it’s a good illustration of why so many people have lost trust in the leadership of the national Democratic Party.” Nathan Sage of Indianola and Josh Turek, of Council Bluffs — Democrats who’re also running for the U-S Senate — have both said the health care subsidies are worth fighting for, but have not called for Schumer to resign from his leadership position.

State Senator Zach Wahls (D-Coralville) is running for the U.S. Senate. (Wahls campaign photo)

Republican Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, who’s also running for the U-S Senate, says after 41 days of chaos, she’s glad several Senate Democrats finally worked with Republican Senators to begin the process of reopening the government. Republican Congressman Zach Nunn says while he’s grateful to the eight Senate Democrats who’re helping to reopen the government, it shouldn’t have taken over a month to get here.

Republican Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks says eight Democrats finally told Schumer enough is enough, no more using the American people as leverage in the shutdown standoff. Republican Congressman Randy Feenstra has not yet commented on last (Sunday) night’s vote in the Senate. Feenstra, who’s running for governor, is hosting an event tonight (Monday) in Sioux Center to kick off his statewide campaign tour.