Richardson: Iowa a top terror target
M.E. Sprengelmeyer, Rocky Mountain News
Published July 27, 2007 at midnight
PLEASANT HILL, Iowa - Presidential contenders aren't the only ones targeting Iowa.
Terrorists are, too, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson said during a brief news conference here Thursday.
In fact, the Democratic candidate said he would put Iowa in the top 10 of all states when it comes to homeland security risk and the federal funds that go with it.
That could come as a surprise to folks who assume that much larger, more densely populated states deserve the lion's share of anti-terrorism dollars.
But at a gathering with Des Moines-area police and firefighters, Richardson said he was presented a "compelling" argument that Iowa isn't receiving its fair share.
"It's not just Northeast cities. It's not just West Coast, but the heartland also, America's food supply and the transportation corridors" that are at risk, Richardson told reporters.
"So I'd put (Iowa) in the top 10, and I'd treat it like that."
Asked what Iowa has that states such as Nebraska, Indiana and others do not have, Richardson said: "It's not just because of the primary, if that's what you're hinting at."
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