EXHIBIT 23

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report 
dated March 14, 1997, on the consolidated financial statements of Consolidated 
Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 1996, and 
to all references to our Firm included in or made a part of McLeodUSA 
Incorporated's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission on October 9, 1997 (File No. 0-20763) and this Current 
Report on Form 8-K/A.

                                            /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
                                            ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Chicago, Illinois
November 21, 1997