^ abThe Iowa Constitution of 1857 moved the elections for state legislators from even years to odd years, making the 6th General Assembly only last one year in 1857 and the 7th last for two starting in 1858. Thus the terms of newly elected or current senators last only three years, and the terms of past or current representatives correspond to the duration of both.
^After 137 ballots, the Republicans and the Independent Anti-Monopolists with the Democrats, struck a deal on the evening of the 22nd of January, 1874. The Republicans controlled the Speakership under John H. Gear, but the Anti-Monopolists and Democrats controlled most of the minor offices, all standing committees' membership were split 50-50 including dual chairmen, and the investigation committees were run and led by the Anti-Monopolist coalition.[1][2]
^After 137 ballots, the Republicans and Democrats came to an agreement where the Democrats got the Speakership under John T. Hamilton, while the Republicans got the seat of Speaker pro Tempore, and the committees and minor offices were split.[3][4]
^With a Democratic Lt. Governor in Samuel L. Bestow who was also President of the Senate, the Democrats had the tie breaking vote, chose M.J. Kelly as President Pro Tempore, and organized the chamber.[5]
^ abA constitutional amendment in 1905 moved the elections for state legislators from odd years to even years, making the 31st General Assembly only last one year. Thus, the terms of newly elected or current senators lasted only three years, and the terms of newly elected representatives lasted only one year (except for those elected in 1906, whose terms lasted two years.
^The Republicans acquiesced to a Democratic President Pro Tempore, Irving H. Knudson, by unanimous consent. The Senate itself was organized on mostly bipartisan lines.[6]
^A Republican voted with the Democrats to elect a Democratic Speaker, LaMar Foster. Democrats were thus able to organize and control the House.[7]
Meyer, Theodoric. "Two Iowa counties an hour apart show America’s growing political divide: Rural Decatur County has moved sharply red, while suburban Dallas County has shifted the other direction" Washington Post Jan 12, 2024, online
