2020 Presidential Campaign Blog

Michael Bennet in Iowa on Tuesday, August 20 and Wednesday, August 21, 2019 *Updated

Michael Bennet in Iowa Tuesday and Wednesday: Council Bluffs, Labor Convention *Updated

DENVER — Michael Bennet will visit Iowa on Tuesday and Wednesday to continue meeting with Iowans and to share his vision for unifying the country and making progress on our most pressing challenges.

Tuesday, August 20

Council Bluffs Meet and Greet
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Barley’s Bar, 114 W. Broadway, Council Bluffs, IA

**NEW EVENT: Tour of Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Training Center
Time: 4:00 PM CT
Location: 2501 Bell Avenue, Des Moines, IA

Wednesday, August 21

**NEW EVENT: Telephone Press Briefing: Plan to Empower American Workers
Time: 11:45 AM CT

Iowa Federation of Labor State Convention
Speaking Time: 2:55 PM
Location: Prairie Meadows, 1 Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona, IA

Julián Castro Returns to Iowa on August 20-21, 2019 *Updated

Secretary Julián Castro Returns to Iowa to Unveil Policy, Speak at Native American Forum, Address Iowa Workers, Highlight Children’s Issues *Updated

SAN ANTONIO, TX (August 19, 2019) – On Tuesday, August 20, and Wednesday, August 21, former Obama Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Mayor of San Antonio, Texas, Julián Castro, will return to Iowa for his 11th trip as a presidential candidate. During his trip to the first-in-the-nation caucus state, Secretary Castro will tour a wind turbine factory in Newton, speak at the Native American Presidential Forum, participate in the Every Child Matters “Caucus for Kids” Roundtable and address the Iowa AFL-CIO Convention. While in Iowa, Secretary Castro is expected to unveil new policy.

On Tuesday, August 20, Secretary Castro, the first candidate to release an Indigenous communities platform, will speak at the first-ever Native American Presidential Forum in Sioux City. Secretary Castro will participate in the Every Child Matters “Caucus for Kids” Roundtable in Des Moines, speak to workers and labor leaders at the Iowa AFL-CIO Convention in Altoona, and tour a wind turbine manufacturer in Newton on Wednesday, August 21.

Tuesday, August 20th, 2019
Native American Presidential Forum
WHAT: Secretary Castro will join other candidates for the first-ever presidential election forum focused entirely on the concerns of Native Americans.

WHERE: Orpheum Theater
528 Pierce St.
Sioux City, IA 51101

WHEN: Tuesday, August 20
1:00 PM CT
Approximate speaking time 3:00 PM CT

WHO: The event is hosted by Four Directions & Native Organizers Alliance, and co-hosted by National Congress of American Indians, Native American Rights Fund, Great Plains Tribal Chairman's Association, Coalition of Large Tribes, Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes, USET Sovereignty Protection Fund, NDN Collective, Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council, Global Indigenous Council, and Seeding Sovereignty.

Wednesday, August 21st, 2019
Every Child Matters “Caucus for Kids” Roundtable
WHAT: Secretary Castro will participate in a roundtable and Facebook Live event with Every Child Matters as part of their “Caucus for Kids” Project, encouraging presidential candidates to highlight issues affecting children.

WHERE: Conmigo Early Education Center
828 Scott Ave.
Des Moines, IA

WHEN: Wednesday, August 21
8:30 AM CT - 9:30 AM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro, Every Child Matters, Children’s Policy Coalition members

Iowa AFL-CIO Convention
WHAT: Secretary Castro will speak at the Iowa AFL-CIO state convention about the need to strengthen our labor unions for working families.

WHERE: Prairie Meadows Convention Center
1 Prairie Meadows Drive
Altoona, IA 50009

WHEN: Wednesday, August 21
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM CT
Approximate speaking time 1:25 PM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro, union members from across Iowa

Tour of Wind Turbine Manufacturing Plant
WHAT: Secretary Castro will tour a wind turbine manufacturing plant in Newton.

WHERE: TPI Composites Inc.
2300 N 33rd East
Newton, IA 50208

WHEN: Wednesday, August 21
3:20 PM - 4:00 PM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro, Turbine Manufacturing Plant staff, supporters

John Delaney Announces Tour of New Hampshire on August 22-24, 2019

John Delaney Announces Tour of New Hampshire on August 22-24, 2019

FRIENDSHIP HEIGHTS, MD – Presidential candidate John Delaney is making his 22nd trip to New Hampshire tomorrow, where he’ll be participating in staple FITN events, including a Stonyfield 2020 Presidential Forum and the Concord Coalition’s 20/20 Vision Candidate Forum.

Events scheduled for Sunday, August 25th will be rescheduled for a later date

THURSDAY, August 22:
WHAT: Concord Coalition and 20/20 Vision Candidate Forum
WHERE: New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College, Goffstown, NH
WHEN: 5:00PM
WHO: John Delaney and the Concord Coalition

WHAT: Stonyfield 2020 Presidential Forum Series
WHERE: Stonyfield HQ, 10 Burton Drive, Londonderry, NH, 03053
WHEN: 7:00PM
WHO: Stonyfield, the New England Farmers Union, New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility, and the New Hampshire Young Democrats are hosting this series.

SATURDAY, August 24:
WHAT: Littleton NH Pancake Breakfast
WHERE: Littleton Community Center, 120 Main Street, Littleton, NH 03561
WHEN: 9:00AM
WHO: John Delaney and the Littleton Democrats

WHAT: Bristol Old Home Day with the Plymouth Area Dems
WHERE: Kelley Park, 41 N. Main St, Bristol, NH 03222
WHEN: 12:30 PM
WHO: Town of Bristol, the Plymouth Area Dems, and John Delaney

WHAT: Foreign Policy Forum for World Affairs Council of New Hampshire
WHERE: SNHU, Penmen Room, 2500 N. River Road, Manchester, NH 03106
WHEN: 3:00 PM
WHO: John Delaney and the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire

WHAT: Bedford Democrats' Annual Ice Cream Social
WHERE: Bedford Old Town Hall, 70 Bedford Center Rd, Bedford, NH 03110
WHEN: 6:00PM
WHO: John Delaney and the Bedford Democrats

SUNDAY, August 25

Events scheduled for Sunday, August 25th will be rescheduled for a later date

New Hampshire Leaders Endorse Secretary Julián Castro Ahead of His Return

New Hampshire Leaders Endorse Secretary Julián Castro Ahead of His Return

SAN ANTONIO, TX (August 16, 2019) – Nashua Alderman Tom Lopez and Former Concord City Councilor Norman Patenaude endorsed former Obama Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Mayor of San Antonio, Julián Castro, for president on Friday ahead of his sixth trip to the state.

"Alderman Lopez and Councilor Patenaude are respected leaders in their communities and in this state and I appreciate their support as we continue to build momentum in the critical state of New Hampshire," Secretary Castro said.

Patenaude, who also served as the deputy executive director of the New Hampshire Retirement System, knew he wanted Secretary Castro to be president since watching his 2012 keynote address at the Democratic National Convention and hearing his inspiring story. He also believes Secretary Castro can deliver Arizona, Florida and Texas for Democrats in the 2020 general election.

"Julián Castro represents the new and younger face of the Democratic Party with his commonsense solutions to important issues like education, a sensible tax code, environmental protection, diplomacy, defense, immigration, job training and equal pay for the same work," Patenaude said. "He is the candidate for our time."

"I think Julián Castro is uniquely qualified to speak about housing as a human right, as a platform for opportunity and as a foundational issue key to so many other aspects of life," said Lopez, the alderman in Ward 4 of Nashua who also served for two terms on Nashua’s Board of Education and who has been a strong advocate for the homeless. "He has insight and plans and the knowledge to implement them. Without decent affordable housing, all other rights are diminished. Julián Castro understands this."

Secretary Castro returns to New Hampshire this weekend for a canvass kickoff with State Representative candidate Naomi Andrews, to discuss his People First Housing plan at Cross Roads House in Portsmouth, host a meet-and-greet with residents in Rye, meet with voters in Bedford at the home of Emma Paridis and attend the Hillsborough County Dems Picnic in Greenfield.

Iowa LULAC Deputy State Director Joins Other Leaders Endorsing Kamala Harris for President

Iowa LULAC Deputy State Director Joins Other Leaders Endorsing Kamala Harris Following Bus Tour

In the wake of Senator Kamala Harris’ 5-day, river-to-river bus tour, Iowa LULAC Deputy State Director, Davenport area LULAC Council 10 President, and Iowa ACLU Board Member Jazmin Newton-Butt announced her endorsement of Harris for president.

Newton-Butt’s announcement follows other recent prominent endorsements, including Des Moines School Board Member and teacher librarian Kyrstin Delagardelle, the Asian & Latino Coalition of Iowa, and Iowa powerhouses Sue and Bob Dvorsky.

“Kamala understands the issues that Americans face today and I strongly believe she is prepared to fight for all of us,” Newton-Butt said. “She exemplifies the strong moral character and work ethic this country needs. I look forward to working with her team to get help get Sen. Harris to the White House.”

Newton-Butt joined Harris on the final stop of the bus tour and took part in a roundtable on July 16 that Harris organized to focus on issues that impact women of color in the Davenport area where State Rep. Phyllis Thede also endorsed. Newton-Butt is an active member of the community, serving as a Commissioner for the City of Davenport and on the Board of Directors for the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce.

Jazmin’s support of Harris represents her personal views, and not those of the organizations she represents.

Former President of National Corn Growers Association and Iowa Farmers Endorse Amy Klobuchar for President

Former President of National Corn Growers Association and Iowa Farmers Endorse Amy Klobuchar for President

DES MOINES, IA — Following the release of U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar’s Plan for the Heartland, which lays out her economic agenda to strengthen our agricultural and rural communities, bridge the rural-urban divide, and make sure that kids who grow up in rural America can stay in rural America, a crop of Iowa farmers announced their endorsement of Klobuchar for President.

Klobuchar spent last week in Iowa where she traveled to 20 counties in three days, 17 of which were counties that Trump won in 2016, to lay out her Plan for the Heartland.

New endorsers include:

Pam Johnson - Former President of the National Corn Growers Association, corn and soybean farmer (Floyd, IA)
Dave and Mary Jensen - Retired commodity crop farming family (Iowa Falls, IA)
Dan and Allison Sorenson - Cattleman, commodity crops farmers (Dickens, IA)

“As a corn and soybean farmer and the first woman President of the National Corn Growers Association I’m excited to caucus for Amy Klobuchar,” said Pam Johnson, former President of the National Corn Growers Association. “Farmers and rural communities are suffering under President Trump’s trade and agricultural policies. I had the opportunity to hear Amy’s plan for rural America and it resonated with me. She called out Trump’s tariffs and his small refinery exemptions that are destroying demand for the crops and the products we farmers grow. Amy has a proven track record, she understands agriculture policy, and she’ll stand up for rural America. I know that Amy not only understands rural America, but she cares about rural America.”

“I’m caucusing for Amy because she knows how to get things done. She has experience with the issues farmers face every day and, with her position on the Senate Agriculture Committee, she has solutions to those problems. Amy has shown she can win in Trump country and that’s really important,” said Mary and Dave Jensen, retired commodity crop farming family in Iowa Falls.

“Amy sat at our table last week to discuss her plan for rural America and listen to the issues we care about,” said commodity crop farmer and cattleman Dan Sorenson. “She doesn’t shy away from the issues -- she knows what she’s talking about and she says the truth. That matters here in Iowa and in the Midwest. We need to win in 2020 and she’s the person to do it.”

Klobuchar has previously received endorsements from several current and former Iowa legislators and political and community activists, including:
Former Iowa Legislator and U.S. Ambassador Swati Dandekar
Iowa Representative Marti Anderson
Iowa Representative Ruth Ann Gaines
Former Iowa Representative Bill Witt
Adel City Council member Shirley McAdon
Community activist Jackie Wellman
Political and community activist (The Caucus Couple) Ruth Thompson
Political and community activist (The Caucus Couple) Scott Thompson
Community activist Melissa Fath
Former IDP Chair Dr. Andy McGuire

Bernie Sanders Returns to South Carolina on August 17-18, 2019

Bernie Sanders Returns to South Carolina on August 17-18, 2019

New Saturday event in Columbia added to weekend's itinerary.

COLUMBIA, SC – Senator Bernie Sanders will bring his message of economic, racial, social and environmental justice for all back to South Carolina on Sunday with a series of events in the Midlands including a town hall at Greenview Park in Columbia. At that event, Sen. Sanders will be joined by National Campaign Co-chair Sen. Nina Turner, renowned civil rights activist Phillip Agnew and a number of state and local leaders including Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin.

Sen. Sanders upcoming trip to the Palmetto State will build on the campaign’s growing momentum demonstrated in recent polling numbers, fundraising and grassroots organizing.

“All across this state, people are excited to have a candidate who understands you don’t win votes in South Carolina. You earn them,” says Bernie 2020 SC State Director Kwadjo Campbell. “That’s what this campaign is all about, meeting voters where they are and talking about real issues that impact their lives. That’s exactly what we’ll be doing this Sunday.”

Here is the itinerary:

Saturday, August 17 (UPDATED)
3:00 p.m. Bernie 2020 Basketball Tournament
John Hurst Adams Gym, Allen University, 1530 Harden St., Columbia, SC
Information for the public: The tournament begins at 3:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Food and drink will be served. The tournament is co-hosted by the Allen University Student Government Association.

Sunday, August 18
12:00 p.m. Lunch at Brookland Baptist Church
1066 Sunset Blvd., West Columbia, SC
Information for the public: Doors open at 11:30 a.m. The event is open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis. https://act.berniesanders.com/event/event-bernie-sanders-attend/15307

1:00 p.m. Walking Tour in the Booker Washington Heights Neighborhood
Location is given upon RSVP.
Information for the public: The event is co-hosted by the South Carolina Democratic Party Black Caucus and is not open to the public.

2:00 p.m. Greenview Town Hall
Greenview Park Gym, 6700 David St., Columbia, SC
Information for the public: Doors open at 1:00 p.m. and the program begins at 2:00 p.m. featuring Sen. Bernie Sanders as well as campaign national co-chair Sen. Nina Turner, Phillip Agnew, Rep. Justin Bamberg and Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis. https://act.berniesanders.com/event/event-bernie-sanders-attend/15283

3:30 p.m. Bernie 2020 Block Party “On the Hill”
1432 Crosshill Rd., Hopkins, SC
Information for the public: Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and the program begins at 3:30 p.m. featuring Sen. Bernie Sanders as well as campaign national co-chair Sen. Nina Turner. The event is free and open to the public. Food and drink will be served. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis. https://act.berniesanders.com/event/event-bernie-sanders-attend/15284

Steve Bullock to Campaign in New Hampshire on August 16-17, 2019

Governor Steve Bullock to Campaign in New Hampshire on August 16-17, 2019

Governor Bullock to Attend House Parties Hosted by Democratic Leaders

Friday, August 16th

STOP 1 - Portsmouth Retail Walk

WHAT
Governor Bullock will tour Portsmouth businesses with candidate and small business owner Tyler Goodwin

WHEN
5:00 PM ET

WHERE
The Friendly Toast
113 Congress St.
Portsmouth, NH 03801

STOP 2 - House Party Hosted by Mayor Caroline McCarley

WHAT
Governor Bullock will attend a Fair Shot House Party hosted by Mayor Caroline McCarley.

WHEN
6:30 PM ET

WHERE
15 Nature Ln.
Rochester, NH 03867

Saturday, August 17th

House Party Hosted by Former Senate President Sylvia Larsen

WHAT
Governor Bullock will attend a Fair Shot House Party hosted by Former Senate President Sylvia Larsen.

WHEN
11:30 AM

WHERE
23 Kensington Rd.
Concord, NH 03301

Bernie Sanders to Return to Iowa on August 19-21, 2019

Bernie Sanders to Return to Iowa on August 19-21, 2019

DES MOINES -- Sen. Bernie Sanders will return to Iowa for stops next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in Davenport, West Branch, Storm Lake, Okoboji, Sioux City, Des Moines, Altoona and will hold a press and staff softball game at Iowa’s iconic Field of Dreams in Dyersville.

Earlier this month, Sen. Sanders visited Iowa and held stops in Clear Lake, Williams, Des Moines, Avon, Orient and spoke at the Iowa State Fair.

Here is the itinerary:

Monday, August 19th
10:30 a.m. Labor Town Hall: The Crisis Facing The Middle Class with Sen. Bernie Sanders
Large Meeting Hall, Davenport Public Library, 321 N Main St, Davenport, IA 52801
Information for the public: This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis. https://act.berniesanders.com/event/event-bernie-sanders-attend/15503

12:00 p.m. Davenport Office Barnstorm with Sen. Bernie Sanders
4436 North Brady Street, Suite 103, Davenport, IA 52806
Information for the public: This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis. https://act.berniesanders.com/event/event-bernie-sanders-attend/15504

3:00 p.m. Cedar County for Bernie Ice Cream Social with Sen. Bernie Sanders
326 North 4th St, West Branch, IA 52358
Information for the public: This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis. https://act.berniesanders.com/event/event-bernie-sanders-attend/15505

7:00 p.m. Field of Dreams Press and Staff Softball Game with Sen. Bernie Sanders
The Field of Dreams, 28995 Lansing Road, Dyersville, IA 52040
Information for the public: This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis. Please bring blankets and lawn chairs. https://act.berniesanders.com/event/event-bernie-sanders-attend/14851

Tuesday, August 20th
10:00 a.m. Storm Lake Breakfast with Bernie
Better Day Cafe, 518 Lake Ave N, Storm Lake, IA 50588
Information for the public: This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis. https://act.berniesanders.com/event/event-bernie-sanders-attend/15506

1:00 p.m. Okoboji Ice Cream Social with Sen. Bernie Sanders
The Waterfront Event Center - Gazebo Lawn, 610 Linden Drive Arnolds Park, IA 51331
Information for the public: This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis.https://act.berniesanders.com/event/event-bernie-sanders-attend/15507

5:00 p.m. Frank LaMere Native American Forum with Sen. Bernie Sanders
Orpheum Theater, 528 Pierce St, Sioux City, IA 51101
Information for the public: This is a ticketed event. Tickets can be purchased here and an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/native-american-presidential-forum-day-2-tickets-67623177745?

7:00 p.m. Sioux City Office Rally with Sen. Bernie Sanders
409 Nebraska St, Sioux City, IA 51101
Information for the public: This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis. https://act.berniesanders.com/event/event-bernie-sanders-attend/15508

Wednesday, August 21st
12:00 p.m. Iowa AFL-CIO Convention with Sen. Bernie Sanders
The Meadow, 1 Prairie Meadows Dr, Altoona, IA 50009
Information for the public: This is a private event for AFL-CIO members only.

2:30 p.m. Town Hall on the Health Care Crisis with Sen. Bernie Sanders
Central Library, 1000 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Information for the public: This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis. https://act.berniesanders.com/event/event-bernie-sanders-attend/15509

Michael Bennet Statement on Hickenlooper Decision

Michael Bennet Statement on Hickenlooper Decision

DENVER — Michael Bennet today released the following statement:

"John was a great mayor and governor, and helped shape the presidential race with his pragmatic viewpoint. He provided a valuable voice in this primary, bringing the ideas and solutions he successfully championed in Colorado to the national debate."