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The Iowa Standard has covered the lackluster attendance record of Democrat State Sen. Rob Hogg extensively the last couple of weeks. As of late last week, Hogg had collected more than $15,000 in per diem pay on top of his legislative salary. Up to that point, he had attended less than two handfuls of days at the Iowa Capitol this year.
Yet when Advocates for Social Justice hosted a Black Lives Matter rally two weeks ago, Hogg showed up in a hoodie and blue jeans.
The Cedar Rapids Gazette highlighted Hogg’s absences in this story, which at least gave The Iowa Standard credit for shedding light on the issue.
Hogg told the Gazette that Republicans “didn’t provide a safe working environment.”
“So I have tried to minimize my exposure to the coronavirus (at) the state Capitol and I’ve tried to be there when I thought it was essential to be there,” he said.
To the Gazette’s credit, they even mentioned the fact that Hogg has dodged much of the action inside the Capitol, but showed up for the BLM protest.
Full disclosure, the Gazette didn’t word it exactly like that, the paper reported Hogg “was inside the building on the day of the racial justice protests wearing a mask and talking in proximity to others at the Capitol.”
But it should be noted — and reported clearly — Hogg was at the Capitol that day for the express reason of being at the Black Lives Matter protest-turned-riot.
He attended the event because some constituents who are members of Advocates for Social Justice requested his presence.
(If only his constituents would also request he show up to be a legislator.)
Here is what Hogg told the Gazette:
“I was masked up, I was outside and I stayed away from people as much as possible. That’s the situation there.”
If only there was someone at the Capitol that day capturing the “situation there.”
If there was, we’d have a photo like this to show:
And maybe even one like this that shows him “staying away from people as much as possible.” 
And of course, you’ve already seen these:
Hogg, who told the Gazette he has asthma, also was largely absent in June 2020 when session resumed.
He voluntarily contributed a share of his June 2020 per diem to charitable organizations in Cedar Rapids, according to the Gazette. And he expects to do something similar this year but hasn’t made a final decision.
***The Iowa Standard is an independent media voice. We rely on grassroots financial supporters to exist. If you appreciate what we do, please consider a one-time sign of support or becoming a monthly supporter (even just $5/month would go a long way in sustaining us!) We also offer advertising options for advocacy groups, events and businesses! If you’ve ever used the phrase “Fake News Media” — this is YOUR chance to do something about it! You can also support us on PayPal at [email protected] or Venmo at Iowa-Standard-2018 or through the mail at:
PO Box 112
Sioux Center, IA 51250
Thank you so much for your support and please invite your friends and family to like us on Facebook, sign up for our email newsletter and visit our website!***
