Iowa historian makes independent bid for US Senate

In this May 20, 2016 photo, Michael Luick-Thrams, of Mason City, Iowa, stands is front of his retrofitted bus museum during a stop at the Adel Public Library in Adel, Iowa. Luick-Thrams is pursuing an independent bid for U.S. Senate, arguing his nonpartisan approach offers a needed alternative to longtime Sen. Chuck Grassley.

Known for political temperance, Iowa moves sharply right

After decades as the crossroads of prairie populists and checkbook conservatives, Iowa has suddenly become solidly Republican like many of its Midwestern neighbors. It was one of four states - along with Kentucky, Missouri and New Hampshire - that flipped to complete GOP control in the November election, but Iowa's rush of new legislation has been the most intense.