Flag-waving tea partiers in Davenport and cheering laborunionists in Hampton, Ill., kicked off the traditional start to thepolitical season in the Quad-Cities on Monday.

CLINTON, Iowa — Even in an election year, the main message ofSunday's Labor Day Picnic focused on a traditional topic —jobs.

CLINTON —Even in an election year, the main message of Sunday’s Labor DayPicnic focused on a traditional topic —jobs.

WATERLOO, Iowa --- Republican 1st District CongressionalCandidate Ben Lange waded into the debate between Rep. BruceBraley, D-Waterloo, and a conservative advocacy group by launchinghis own video.

First-time political candidate Ben Lange is aiming high. The Republican, 31, is running for Congress in Iowa. And he's joining the call to oust incumbents.