Iowa House denies press credentials to Bleeding Heartland blogger

The Iowa House is denying press credentials to an influential liberal blogger who has covered the Legislature for years.

Laura Belin, who operates the Bleeding Heartland blog, said she suspects the denial is tied to her critical coverage of Republican leaders and policies. Belin, who has reported on the Legislature since 2007, has appealed the decision and is considering legal action.

Carmine Boal, the chief clerk of the Republican-controlled Iowa House, said on Friday she applied the chamber rules "uniformly and consistently without consideration of content."

Belin applied for formal credentials for the first time to cover this session, which would grant her space to work, among other things. But she, or anyone else, can attend press briefings with lawmakers or hearings without credentials.

Read more: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2019/01/25/bleeding-heartland-blog-laura-belin-denied-press-credentials-iowa-house-chief-clerk-carmine-boal-ia/2678296002/