EXHIBIT 23.2

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation
by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-4 of our McLeodUSA
Incorporated reports dated January 29, 1998, our Consolidated Communications
Inc. report dated March 14, 1997 and to all references to our Firm included in
or made part of this Registration Statement.


                                                             ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Chicago, Illinois
December 10, 1998