Union Deal?

Last Wednesday, Governor Chet Culver said he "expected" to hear from state unions by today on whether they would agree to re-negotiate contracts to save jobs of state workers. This was his quote, “Unfortunately, we do not have an endless amount of time in which to reach an agreement and to have it ratified by each respective union. I expect to know by Friday, November 6, whether we will move forward in discussions with the unions or implement the layoff plans.”

Earlier this week, Culver's spokesman said today was only a "goal". The office did not say today whether the unions made the "goal".

Apparently, the governor has returned to the state. The office sent out a release late this afternoon to say Culver would be in Spencer tonight for a pheasant hunt. This would be the governor's first public event in Iowa this week. He held campaign-related events in Washington, D.C. this week and held a public event where he met with Iowa veterans on the Iowa Honor Flight. Here's the release on the event we just learned of for tonight:

Governor Chet Culver is attending the “Governor’s Pheasant Hunt” tonight in Spencer, joining dozens of Iowans who love the outdoors, to raise funds for the Clay County chapter of Pheasants Forever.

The annual hunt brings together private individuals, corporate sponsors, and the state Department of Natural Resources, to showcase Iowa’s great outdoors, and to highlight the unlimited opportunities in Iowa’s wilderness.

“As Governor, I can think of no better way to spend a crisp fall weekend than being outdoors with my fellow hunters,” said Governor Culver. “The best part is, this hunt goes to support a great organization – Pheasants Forever. I appreciate the individuals and businesses who have donated their time and funds to make this event a success, and I want to thank Director Rich Leopold of the Department of Natural Resources for all he does to protect Iowa’s lands, lakes, rivers and streams.”

This is Governor Culver’s third annual Pheasant Hunt.