2016 Presidential Campaign Blog

Scott Walker Joining David Young at the Machine Shed in Urbandale, Iowa on Saturday, April 25, 2015

Congressman David Young & Special Guest Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker For a reception in support of Young for Iowa

Saturday, April 25, 2015

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Suggested Contribution:  

$100/couple or $250/host couple

Machine Shed

11151 Hickman Road

Urbandale, Iowa

Rand Paul Stand With Rand Iowa Rally University of Iowa Iowa City Iowa April 10, 2015 #RandPaul 1 of 2

What They’re Saying About Martin O’Malley on Day One of His Iowa Trip, April 9, 2015

Day One of Governor O’Malley’s Trip to Iowa: “Applauded Big,” “Very Impressed,” “Standing O,” “O'Malley-mentum!” “Standing Room Only”

Des Moines Register: “With a few strums of a borrowed guitar, Martin O'Malley had the attention of a packed Cooney's Tavern in Beaverdale.”

Des Moines Register: “O'Malley…strummed and sang following a stump speech to the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd.”

Des Moines Register: “O'Malley, who frames himself as a progressive, results-driven leader, touted his progress in reducing crime as mayor of Baltimore from 1999 to 2007. He also looked to the present day to call for changes, including raising the minimum wage, improving the threshold for overtime pay and making it easier to join unions.”

Des Moines Register: “REACTION: The friendly crowd applauded big, especially on a line about regulating Wall Street.”

Washington Post: “O’Malley…has been warmly received by Democratic audiences, spoke following an event Thursday night where close to 150 people packed into an Irish bar in the Beaverdale neighborhood here…delivering a speech laced with populist themes…”

Washington Post: “My sense, having traveled around the country now over the course of the last year, is that Americans … feel that their politics has been very badly damaged, that the rules have been unfairly manipulated in ways that threaten the future of our American Dream and of a growing American middle class,” [O’Malley] said. “And people in our party, I think, are looking for new leadership that will break with the failed policies of our past and create a new and better day for our country. That’s my sense.”

Ari Melber: “We talked about how he reformed policing and brought crime down in Baltimore as Mayor, one of the toughest city environments in the country. So it is certainly true that he is a chief executive here who has a background that in any other normal year, Richard, would be attractive on paper to Democrats.”

Ari Melber: "Look, he was there out campaigning. He’s going to be at an event tonight with Jim Webb in Polk County over in Des Moines. He says there's a hunger for a choice, for an alternative...We talked about his record. Where does he fit into this race? And he was very, very clear and muscular about the fact that he's done a lot of progressive things. He said at one point, ‘I've done in Maryland what national democrats talk about.’”

Peter Hamby @PeterHambyCNN: emails from Iowa Dem activists who saw Martin O'Malley at Cooney's in Beaverdale last night: He was "on fire." "Huge crowd." "Love him."

Ed Henry @edhenry: O'Malley playing guitar live at Cooney's -- will periscope in a min instagram.com/p/1RrqSLKa1Z/

Jeff Zeleny @jeffzeleny: A week before expected Clinton launch, @GovernorOMalley visited Iowa Senate caucus this morning. Good reviews, those inside room tell @CNN.

Ben Jacobs @bencjacobs: Hearing Martin O'Malley's appearance before Iowa Democratic legislators this morning went very well and impressed listeners.

Ron Fournier @ron_fournier: Bar packed for @GovernorOMalley. #Iowa Democrats are not talking coronation. Cc @HillaryClinton pic.twitter.com/9W6izo4U5k

Ron Fournier @ron_fournier: More than most suspect @deniseparashac: @ron_fournier @GovernorOMalley This should be a very interesting primary.”

Ron Fournier @ron_fournier: 120+ @MattMcGovern: @ron_fournier @jaketapper oh c'mon there are 30 people at that bar.”

State Rep Art Staed @StaedArt: .@GovernorOMalley addressing the @iahousedemocrat . Inspiring speech about bringing back the #AmericanDream . pic.twitter.com/twqBFMxWhv

Jessalyn Holdcraft @JessalynNeal: It's a full house with @GovernorOMalley at #SimpsonCollege. Iowa is the place for politics. pic.twitter.com/X7wgwVN23l

Ben Rodgers @BenRodgers1: O’Malley: While our country is creating jobs again the truth is 80 percent of us are making less than we were 12 years ago #iacaucus

Jessalyn Holdcraft @JessalynNeal: "Why is it easier to get a credit card than a voter card?" @GovernorOMalley #goodquestion #votingmatters #votingrights

Brittany Robb @Brittany_Robb: Experience with immigration reform, justice system reform, economic reform, etc. @GovernorOMalley giving great insight at @SimpsonCollege

Tom Sanford @tom_sanford: Very impressed by @GovernorOMalley today at Simpson.

Iowa Starting Line @IAStartingLine: Good standing o' for @GovernorOMalley as he finishes up in Warren County #IACaucus

Michael Libbie @MichaelLibbie: Big crowd at Cooneys in Beaverdale waiting for @GovernorOMalley pic.twitter.com/f9VOTxmDtA

Iowa Starting Line @IAStartingLine: Feel that O'Malley-mentum! Crazy packed crowd for @GovernorOMalley in Beaverdale #IACaucus pic.twitter.com/uXjLN3Fnox

Iowa Starting Line @IAStartingLine:.@GovernorOMalley speaking to an amped-up, rowdy crowd in Irish bar in Des Moines/Beaverdale #IACaucus pic.twitter.com/Gvf5aAmGdM

Rick Smith @ricksmith2825: At Cooneys Tavern in Beaverdale with @GovernorOMalley with the @iowademocrats Standing room only tonight pic.twitter.com/K5HwwreH73

Iowa Starting Line @IAStartingLine: This the quickest time a crowd has followed @GovernorOMalley's "I voted for you" refrain #IACaucus

Rick Smith @ricksmith2825: In Beaverdale @GovernorOMalley has packed Cooneys with excited @iowademocrats, they like what they are hearing

Gregory Huauenstein @greghauenstein: One of the best parts of tonight's event w/ @GovernorOMalley: The women chanting "Q&A!" at the end. Iowa! #IACaucus pic.twitter.com/RNo5mZptTF

Ari Melber @AriMelber: There is more punishment for people speeding than for banks violating SEC rules," Martin O'Malley tells me in Iowa: http://on.msnbc.com/1FriIr8  

Iowa Democratic Party Announces Sam Lau as Communications Director

Iowa Democratic Party Announces Communications Director Sam Lau
 
DES MOINES—Today the Iowa Democratic Party announced the hiring of Sam Lau as its communications director.  
 
“We are excited to welcome Sam back to the Iowa Democratic Party,” said IDP Executive Director Ben Foecke. “His wealth of experience from both Iowa and a variety of campaigns will allow us to bring our party’s message to every corner of the state and elect Iowa Democrats up and down the ballot.”
 
Lau returns to the IDP after serving as a chief spokesman for the party in early 2014, before joining the Bruce Braley for U.S. Senate campaign as its press secretary. He previously worked as the communications director for U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI), as well as in the press shops of OFA-New Hampshire, the 2012 Democratic National Convention Committee, and U.S. Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC).

Jim Webb Visits Iowa from Council Bluffs to Mason City on April 9-12, 2015

Jim Webb Visits Iowa from Council Bluffs to Mason City on April 9-12, 2015

“Jim will be on the road in Iowa this week, from Council Bluffs to Mason City, for a mixture of events, greeting supporters, honoring veterans, listening to caucus voters, meeting with party leaders, helping local Democrats raise campaign funds, and delivering two dinner speeches in Des Moines – to the Polk County Democrats and to the Iowa Vietnamese Alliance. All part of Jim’s seriousness of purpose about exploring a presidential bid.” – Craig Crawford, Webb 2016 Communications Director
 
Webb will be joined on the trip by longtime friends former Parade Magazine publisher Walter Anderson and Democratic strategist Dave "Mudcat" Saunders. Also during his Iowa swing, Jim will meet privately with several party leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Mike Gronstal, IDP Chair Dr. Andy McGuire, former IDP Chair and DNC Committeeman Scott Brennan, and former Lt. Governor Patty Judge.
 
“I think it's safe to say that Iowans and the rest of the country are tired of the "same ol', same ol'" rhetoric when it comes to today's political atmosphere. They're ready for someone different, someone who will put people ahead of politics. That is Jim Webb. We are eager for Iowans to get a chance to meet Jim, get to know him, and see what he's all about.” – Rania Batrice, Iowa Director
 
Thursday, April 9th
 
12:30-13:30             
Council Bluffs Meet and Greet
Council Bluffs Library
400 Willow Ave.
 
Friday, April 10th
 
9:00-10:00                                       
Radio Interview with Jan Michelson
WHO Studio-2141 Grand Ave, Des Moines
 
17:30-19:30             
Polk County Democrats Awards Dinner
UAW Local 450
4589 NW 6th Drive, Des Moines
 
Saturday, April 11th
 
10:00-11:00am                                     
UAW Veterans Caucus and Cedar Valley Veterans
Sullivan Brothers Veterans Museum
503 South St.
Waterloo, IA 50701
https://www.groutmuseumdistrict.org/sites-exhibits/sullivan-brothers-iowa-veterans-museum/
 
11:15-12:00                         
Tour of Cedar Valley Tech Works
http://cedarvalleyalliance.com/cms/251/Cedar_Valley_Tech_Works
 
18:00-20:00              
Dinner and Address to the Iowa Vietnamese Alliance
Vietnamese Cultural Center
2600 Euclid Ave, Des Moines
 
Sunday, April 12th

13:00-14:30                         
House Dems Fundraiser for Reps. Todd Prichard and Sharon Steckman
CHOP Restaurant
11 S Delaware Mason City, IA 50401

Donald Trump to Headline Scott County Republican Event on Thursday, April 30, 2015

DONALD TRUMP TO HEADLINE SCOTT COUNTY REPUBLICAN EVENT

Davenport, IA. Business tycoon, television star and conservative commentator Donald Trump is visiting Davenport for a Scott County Republican fundraiser. This is part of the County Party’s Lincoln Club political insider briefings, but this event is also open to the public. “We are excited to welcome Donald Trump to Scott County as he explores a potential candidacy for President of the United States. I look forward to hearing his vision for the future of America.” Judy Davidson, Chair, Scott County Republicans.
 
Details of the event:

WHAT: Scott County Republican Lincoln Club event and fundraiser, buffet breakfast

WHEN: Thursday, April 30, 8:00 am

WHERE: Radisson Hotel, 11 East 2nd St., Davenport, IA

RESERVATION DETAILS:  This is a Lincoln Event which we are opening to the public. Lincoln Club members receive 2 complimentary reservations to the event, but need to complete the reservation form they received in the mail.
There are a LIMITED number of seats available to non Lincoln club members at a cost of $50 per reservation.

Mike Huckabee to Host Education Roundtable with Duggar Family in Iowa Thursday, April 9, 2015

Huckabee to host education roundtable with Duggar family in Iowa Thurs., April 9

Little Rock, Ark. - Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar, stars of the TLC show "19 Kids and Counting," will join former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee April 9 for an education roundtable in Des Moines, Iowa.  Later in the day,  Gov. Huckabee will meet with homeschool parents at the Network of Iowa Christian Home Educators' eighth annual "Homeschool Day."
Details of the event are as follows:
 
Thurs., April 9, 2015
 
EVENT: Gov. Huckabee hosts education roundtable with Duggar family
TIME:  11 a.m. CT ( Lunch provided )
LOCATION: Holiday Inn Des Moines - Ballroom North
ADDRESS: 6111 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, Iowa
 
EVENT: Gov. Huckabee to attend "Homeschool Day"
TIME: 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. CT
LOCATION: Des Moines Airport Holiday Inn
ADDRESS: 6111 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, Iowa
 
EVENT: Gov. Huckabee to speak at the Iowa Family Leader Pres. Lecture Series
TIME:  6:30 pm CT
LOCATION: Iowa Wesleyan College - The Chapel
ADDRESS: 601 N Main St., Mt. Pleasant, Iowa

Rick Santorum Returns to Iowa for a Two-Day Swing on April 8-9, 2015 **Updated

Santorum returns to Iowa for two-day swing

VERONA, PA - Winner of the 2012 Iowa Republican presidential caucus, former U.S. Senator, and Chairman of Patriot Voices Rick Santorum will return to Iowa for a two-day swing through central and eastern Iowa this Wednesday and Thursday.
 
Wednesday, April 8th:

12:00pm CT:  Senator Santorum will address the Bull Moose Republican Club in Des Moines, IA.

Location:
Embassy Club
666 Grand Avenue
33rd Floor
Des Moines, IA

5:00pm CT: Senator Santorum will keynote the Dallas County, Iowa Republican Spring Speakers Series in West Des Moines, IA.
 
Location:
West Des Moines Marriott
1250 Jordan Creek Parkway
West Des Moines, IA
 
7:30pm CT: Senator Santorum will hold a book signing for his book "Bella's Gift" in Des Moines, IA.

Location:
Divine Treasures
5701 Hickman Road
Des Moines, IA

Thursday, April 9th:

12:30pm CT: Senator Santorum will address the "Road to 2016 Informing the Energy Debate" in Des Moines, IA.
 
Location:
World Food Prize
Hall of Laureates
100 Locust Street
Des Moines, IA
 
1:30pm CT: Senator Santorum will participate in an Network of Iowa Christian Homeschool Educators townhall hosted by radio host Steve Deace in Des Moines, IA.
 
Location:
Des Moines Airport Holiday Inn
6111 Fleur Drive
Des Moines, IA
 
6:00pm CT: Senator Santorum will address the Iowa FAMiLY Leader's Southeast Iowa Presidential Lecture Series in Mt. Pleasant, IA.
 
Location:
Iowa Wesleyan College
601 North Main Street
Mt. Pleasant, IA

Governor Jindal & Willie Robertson to Address Good Friday Prayer Breakfast in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Governor Jindal & Willie Robertson to Address Good Friday Prayer Breakfast in Iowa

Tomorrow, Governor Bobby Jindal will join Duck Dynasty’s Willie Roberton at the Good Friday Prayer Breakfast in Cedar Rapids, Iowa at 7:00 AM.

WHO: Governor Bobby Jindal

WHAT: Governor Jindal to discuss faith and religious liberty at the Good Friday Breakfast

WHEN: Friday, April 3, 2015 7:00 a.m.

WHERE:    

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex
350 1st Ave NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

Meet and Greet with Bobby Jindal on Saturday, April 25, 2015 in Ottumwa, Iowa

Meet and Greet with Bobby Jindal

Saturday, April 25, 2015

10:00am

Wapello County Republicans invite you to the Bridge View Center Saturday April 25, at 10:00am to visit with Gov. Bobby Jindal.

Ottumwa Bridge View Center
102 Church St.
Ottumwa, Iowa 52501