Michael Gronstal
| Michael E. Gronstal | |
|---|---|
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| Member of the Iowa Senate from the 50th district 42nd (1993–2003) |
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| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office January 8, 1985 |
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| Preceded by | Tom Slater |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 29, 1950 Council Bluffs, Iowa [1] |
| Political party | Democrat |
| Spouse(s) | Connie Meisenbach |
| Children | Kate, Sarah |
| Residence | Council Bluffs, Iowa |
| Alma mater | BA Antioch College attended Loyola University |
| Website | Gronstal's website |
Michael E. Gronstal (born January 29, 1950) is the Iowa State Senator representing the 50th District in the Iowa Senate. He has served since 1985 and is currently the majority leader and chairman of the Rules and Administration committee. He is also chairman of the DLCC, the national organization to elect Democratic state legislators.
Gronstal has supported efforts to increase renewable fuels in Iowa and in 2006, Iowa passed the nation’s strongest ethanol legislation in 2006. In addition, he is working to bring more biotechnology jobs and businesses to Iowa. Senator Gronstal has supported legislation to increase funding for community colleges and school districts. After the Iowa Supreme Court ruled in favor of gay marriage in the Varnum v. Brien decision in April 2009, Gronstal blocked a Republican attempt to overturn the Court's decision with a constitutional amendment. He released a YouTube video in which he quoted his daughter's statement that opponents of same-sex marriage in Iowa had already lost because her generation does not care about the issue.[2]
Gronstal was re-elected in 2004 with 12,480 votes (54%), defeating Republican opponent Loren Knauss.[3] He won re-election again in 2008 with 58% of the votes.[4]
Gronstal received his B.A. from Antioch College. Prior to serving in the Senate, he served one term in the Iowa House of Representatives. He also served as the chair of the Pottawattamie County Democratic Party from 1986 to 1988. Senator Gronstal and his wife, Connie, have two daughters: Kate, who is a civil engineer at Schemmer Associates in Council Bluffs; and Sara, who is currently a lecturer at Eastern Illinois University.
References [edit]
- ^ "Project Vote Smart". Senator Michael Gronstal. Retrieved 2010-12-08.
- ^ Iowa Senate Debate: Gronstal blocks amendment to reverse Iowa marriage equality, Hannah Garden-Monheit, Iowa Senate News, April 6, 2009
- ^ 2004 General Election Results Iowa Secretary of State
- ^ Iowa Secretary of State. "November 4, 2008 General Election Results".
External links [edit]
- Senator Michael E. Gronstal official Iowa Legislature site
- Senator Michael E. Gronstal official Iowa General Assembly site
- State Senator Mike Gronstal official constituency site
- Biography, voting record, and interest group ratings at Project Vote Smart
- Financial information (state office) at the National Institute for Money in State Politics
| Iowa Senate | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Tom Slater |
50th District 1985 – 1993 |
Succeeded by Gene Fraise |
| Preceded by Elaine Szymoniak |
42nd District 1993 – 2003 |
Succeeded by Bryan Sievers |
| Preceded by Gene Fraise |
50th District 2003 – present |
Succeeded by Incumbent |
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