DES MOINES – Chairwoman Sue Dvorsky released the following statement in response to an inflammatory fundraising email from Iowa State Senator Kent Sorenson. In the email, Sorenson called Democrats “pro-death” and disparaged the service of three Democratic senators.

“Senator Sorenson’s remarks represent the worst display of political discord I can recall since becoming politically involved in Iowa. His comments epitomize the type of harsh inflammatory rhetoric Iowans loathe.  Rather than working in cooperation with his colleagues in the Senate to put Iowans back to work and grow our economy, Kent Sorenson has chosen to become nothing more than a bully, known mostly for his continued efforts to promote a divisive culture within our government and among our citizens.

“For Sorenson to openly refer to Senator Joe Bolkcom, Senator Jack Hatch, Senator Brian Schoenjahn  as “pro-death” and “pro-murder,” while also calling Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal a “pro-death dictator,” shows just how little interest he has in conducting a reasonable mature debate on any issue. Each of the senators Sorenson named has worked tirelessly over the years to build consensus across party lines to improve the quality of life for all Iowans. Kent Sorenson’s effort to vilify their records of service is beyond reprehensible.”