McCarthy believes Legislature will allow local smoking bans

Publication Date: 2008-01-12

• Publication:Des Moines (IA) Register

A leading Democrat said Friday that he expects the Iowa Legislature to give local governments the power to ban indoor smoking in bars, restaurants and other public facilities.

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, D-Des Moines, said Democrats who control both chambers of the Legislature have met privately to discuss the issue and found overwhelming support.

"Virtually everyone in the caucus says that's something they want to tackle," he said. "That's something that's been generating a lot of support."