2020 Presidential Campaign Blog

Bernie Sanders to Hold an End Corporate Greed Tour in Iowa on October 24-25, 2019 *Updated

Bernie Sanders to Hold an End Corporate Greed Tour in Iowa on October 24-25, 2019 *Updated

UPDATE: Iowa City End Corporate Greed Rally to Feature Special Announcement from New Iowa Endorser

Newton Press Conference at Former Maytag Plant Moved to Noon

DES MOINES -- Sen. Sanders’ upcoming End Corporate Greed Rally in Iowa City on Friday will now feature a special announcement from a new Iowa endorser. More details to come.

In addition, the Newton press conference will now take place at noon on Friday.

All other tour stops remain as scheduled. The Marshalltown Town Hall will feature local Iowans speaking out against factory farms and massive agribusinesses. In Newton, Sanders will hold a press conference at the former Maytag plant that saw thousands of layoffs after a multinational shipped Iowan jobs out of the state. At the Toledo/Tama Town Hall, Sanders will speak out against the monopolistic targeting of Iowa Premium by National Beef. Sanders will end the swing by holding a rally with Iowa City activists who have been speaking out against the greed of the fossil fuel industry.

The End Corporate Greed Tour of Iowa will continue on November 1 in Des Moines with Sanders leading the March to End Corporate Greed.

Here is the itinerary:

Thursday, October 24th
5:00 p.m. Marshalltown End Corporate Greed Town Hall with Sen. Bernie Sanders
Fisher Community Center, 709 S Center St, Marshalltown, IA 50158
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.

8:20 p.m. LULAC Town Hall with Sen. Bernie Sanders
Iowa Events Center, 4th Floor Ballroom. 730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Information for the public: This is a ticketed event. Tickets can be purchased here.

Friday, October 25th
**UPDATED TIME: 12:00 p.m.** Newton End Corporate Greed Press Conference with Sen. Bernie Sanders
Maytag Complex at Legacy Plaza, 403 W. 4th St. N., Newton, IA 50208
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.

3:00 p.m. Toledo/Tama End Corporate Greed Town Hall with Sen. Bernie Sanders
Toledo Reinig Civic Center, 1007 S Prospect Dr, Toledo, IA 52342
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.

6:00 p.m. Iowa City End Corporate Greed Rally with Sen. Bernie Sanders **and New Iowa Endorser**
Iowa City Pedestrian Mall, 210 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52240
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.

Iowa Cedar County Democrats Chair Larry Hodgden Endorses Kamala Harris for President

Cedar County Democrats Chair Endorses Kamala Harris Citing Rural Plan

Cedar County Democrats Chair, former Tipton School Board member, and retired farmer Larry Hodgden announced his endorsement of Senator Kamala Harris today. His endorsement comes one day after Harris announced her plan to combat President Trump’s war on rural America and fight for justice for rural Americans at a meet and greet in Tipton.

Hodgden specifically pointed to Harris’ rural agenda as a central reason for his endorsement. “I've lived in this rural community my entire life, over 70 years. So I know what it takes for a rural community to thrive and grow. It takes a strong farm economy, it takes strong local businesses, good schools, and everything that Kamala Harris spoke to in her rural America plan addressed those issues that will make small, rural communities, strong,” said Hodgden.

“I know she's a fighter. She stands up for what she believes in and I think would work hard for all Americans. We need someone like Kamala Harris in the White House to get this country moving in the right direction,” he continued.

Harris is hosting a house party in Clinton today. On Sunday, Harris will return to Iowa for her fourth trip of the month for a four-day swing through the state that will include stops in Cedar Rapids, Marshalltown, Waterloo, Vinton, and Iowa City.

Iowa State Senator Liz Mathis, State Representative Andy McKean Endorse Amy Klobuchar for President

Iowa State Senator Liz Mathis, State Representative Andy McKean Endorse Amy Klobuchar for President

New pair of legislative endorsements come after Klobuchar’s strong debate performance

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA — Iowa State Senator Liz Mathis and State Representative Andy McKean today endorsed U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar for President. Mathis has represented Senate District 34 since 2011 and becomes Klobuchar’s first endorsement from a sitting member of the Iowa Senate. 

McKean, who switched from the Republican to Democratic Party in April over objections to Donald Trump’s conduct, cited Klobuchar’s vision, experience and desire to unite the country in announcing his support. 

“Having the support of Sen. Liz Mathis and Rep. Andy McKean is a testament to the growing enthusiasm we see across Iowa for Amy Klobuchar’s candidacy,” said Lauren Dillon, Iowa State Director. “With the addition of these two renowned lawmakers, Sen. Klobuchar now has the support of 13 current and former members of the Iowa Legislature - more than any other Democratic candidate for president. We’re thrilled to have their support as we kick off our ‘For All of America’ bus tour to take this campaign’s message across the Hawkeye State.” 

During her time in the Senate, Mathis has been a leader in efforts to protect collective bargaining rights, expand access to affordable health care and invest in mental health services, particularly for children.

“Throughout her career, Amy has worked tirelessly to address the needs of working families, including affordable healthcare and mental health services,” said Senator Liz Mathis. “Our country needs a leader with Amy’s priorities in the White House, and that’s why I am thrilled to endorse her for the Democratic nomination for president.” 

McKean made national headlines in April when he publicly announced he was leaving the Republican Party to become a Democrat. At the time, he was the longest-serving Republican in the history of the State Legislature. 

“Amy Klobuchar has a proven record of leadership, and I am proud to support her campaign for president,” said Representative Andy McKean. “Since her election in 2006, Amy has been one of the most effective members of the U.S. Senate, leading more than 100 bills and amendments that have become law. She has the smarts, vision, and grit we need to defeat Donald Trump and reunite the country.” 

McKean is the second Iowa legislator who left the Republican Party while in office, citing Donald Trump and the actions of the current Republican Party in their decision to switch parties. The other, former State Senator David Johnson, has also endorsed Klobuchar.

The endorsements come as Klobuchar prepares to kick off her 3-day “For All of America” bus tour across Eastern and Central Iowa, which will take her to a number of Obama-Trump pivot counties. Both McKean and Mathis will appear with Klobuchar at her kickoff event in Cedar Rapids this morning.

Tom Steyer is Back in Iowa in October 20-21, 2019

After a Strong Debate Performance, Tom Steyer is Back in Iowa!

(DES MOINES, IA, October 17, 2019) — Presidential candidate for the Democratic nomination Tom Steyer will be in Iowa on Sunday October 20th and Monday the 21st. This will be Tom’s first trip back to Iowa following his debate debut. Tom will be meeting with curious voters and local democratic leaders in Delaware and Black Hawk County, attending Passport to Victory in Elkader and the Linn County Democrats’ Hall of Fame Dinner, and hearing from students at the University of Northern Iowa on what they are looking for in the stewardship of their and the planet’s future. Tom will focus on connecting with Iowans, listening to how policies are made personal in their everyday, and sharing more about himself and the values and experiences that are motivating his run. 

Meet and Greet with Delaware County Democrats

When: October 20th

11:00-12:15 PM CT

Where: Rio Blanco 

110 W Main St, Manchester, IA 52057

Passport to Victory

When: October 20th

1-2:30 PM CT

Where: Johnson’s Restaurant and Reception Hall

916 N High St, Elkader, IA 52043

Hall of Fame Dinner

When: October 20th

6-8:00 PM CT

Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex

350 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

Facing the Future Together with UNI Students

When: October 21st

10:15-11:30 AM CT

Where: University of Northern Iowa Maucker Union, Presidential Room

063 Sabin-Maucker, Cedar Falls, IA 50614

Meet and Greet with Black Hawk County Democrats

When: October 21st

11:50-12:50 PM CT

Where: SingleSpeed Brewing Co.

325 Commercial St, Waterloo, IA 50701

Patty Judge, John Norris, Other Iowa Leaders Praise Harris’ Plan for Rural America

Patty Judge, John Norris, Other Iowa Leaders Praise Harris’ Plan for Rural America

This morning, rural leaders across the state are praising Harris’ comprehensive plan to combat President Trump’s war on rural America and fight for justice for rural Iowans. Harris’s rural agenda exposes Trump’s betrayal toward rural America and how he has made the lives of farmers, ranchers, business owners, and others worse, not better. Harris’ plan outlines how she will be a partner in the White House to work side by side communities across Iowa to find real solutions to improve their lives.

Read her full plan here.

Patty Judge, Former Lieutenant Governor of Iowa: “Senator Harris’s plan shows that she has talked with rural America and listened to these voters. This is much more than what we have seen from the sitting President whose reckless trade policies and damaging use of Small Refinery Waivers have brought us to the brink of an agricultural disaster. Her plan to undo his damage and to partner with rural communities is a solid step in the right direction.”

John Norris, Former Iowa Gubernatorial Candidate and Chief of Staff to Former Governor Vilsack: "It's clear Senator Harris has been talking and listening to rural Iowans. Her plan shows a comprehensive commitment to generating economic opportunity in Rural America, protecting our natural resources and investing in our children and communities."

Larry Hogdgen, Farmer and Chair, Cedar County Democrats: “Kamala's Rural America Plan seriously and thoughtfully addresses the issues affecting rural communities, the people who live there and its farmers.”

Jennifer Herrington, Former Chair, Page County Democrats and Social Worker: “As a mental health social worker for over thirty years, I saw firsthand the critical need for a holistic approach to health and well-being. Kamala’s health care plan for Rural America addresses those needs. I especially like the components of the plan that address the need for improved access to quality child care and an increase in funding for SNAP. These are two examples of often overlooked needs of individuals and families that directly impacts overall physical and mental health.”

Kathy Winter, Chair, Osceola County Democrats and Health Care Provider: "Accessibility to mental health services is one of the greatest needs in our county. More providers able to offer mental health services via telehealth would be a great benefit to the residents of Osceola County."

Ruby Boedecker, Benton County Democrat, “Mamas for Kamala was formed because we felt like there was only one candidate in this field that is truly standing up for our children’s future. For so many of us in rural America, that depends on our ability to have two parents work so we can give our kids the future they deserve. Kamala’s plan to eliminate child care deserts gets right to the heart of a real problem that families face, and we would be so lucky to have her as a partner and a fighter in the White House.”

Harris’s agenda does what Trump failed to do: create jobs in rural America. Harris takes more than $100 billion from her plan to hold the wealthiest corporations accountable for paying their fair share of taxes and pushes that money directly into bringing jobs back to rural communities. She will also establish a $10,000 tax credit for businesses that hire in rural zones for each full time job they create, with a maximum tax credit of $250,000 per year.

She’ll end Trump’s trade war, finally hold big oil companies accountable like she has her entire career, and use her experience to ensure her Department of Justice enforces existing antitrust laws that protect small family farms. And she’ll invest in the future of rural communities, strengthening rural hospitals, eliminating child care deserts, connecting every home to affordable broadband by 2024, and expanding support for education, schools, and children.

Cory Booker Receives 18 New Endorsements from Key Iowa Caucus Activists

Cory Booker Locks in Key Iowa Caucus Supporters Following Stand Out Debate Performance

Des Moines, IA - Following a stand out debate performance in which he showed voters once again why he is the best candidate in this race to defeat Donald Trump and heal our nation, Cory Booker locked in 18 new endorsements from key Iowa Caucus activists.

These activists join 56 other prominent Iowans, including State Representatives Kenan Judge, Jennifer Konfrst, Monica Kurth, Heather Matson, Amy Nielsen, and Mark Smith, in supporting Cory Booker’s 2020 campaign.

“Cory’s support in Iowa continues to consistently grow as more and more caucus goers get to know him as a leader who can bring people together to take on America’s toughest problems,” said Cory 2020 Iowa State Director Mike Frosolone. “We look forward to working with these hardworking Iowa activists to recruit even more support to our campaign. Today’s endorsements represent yet another step towards victory on caucus day.”

“Our nation is facing an epidemic of gun violence and I truly believe there are common-sense solutions to address this public health crisis. Senator Booker is the candidate with the most comprehensive gun safety proposal and the only candidate with a firearm suicide prevention plan. I’m ready for a leader who will model love and empathy, and work to unite our broken nation. That's why I'm proud to endorse Cory Booker for President,” said Gun Violence Prevention Activist Rebecca Truszkowski.

“When I hear Cory give a speech, I feel a profound hope that our nation’s divisions can be healed. He worked with Democrats and Republicans alike on the landmark Criminal Justice reform that became law last year - a rare bipartisan victory. He treats his fellow Senators like fellow human beings, not as enemies to be destroyed. Before the February caucus, see Cory in person. His strength, compassion, and wisdom is what our nation needs to back away from the dark precipice and reconnect to our common humanity,” said Jason Snell, Strategic Relations and Co-Director at Sunrise Movement Cedar Rapids.

Full list of endorsements below.

Courtney Ball, Media Producer, Founder and Former Co-Executive Director of Matthew 25
Carrie Barr, Marshall County Activist
Christine Brunner-Luse, Global Health Specialist
Paul Dayton, Dallas County Activist
Will Flanegin, University of Northern Iowa Student Government
Miki Helton, UAW Member and Activist
Jason Helton, UAW Member and Activist
Mike Ladehoff, Consumer protection attorney and Community Services Chairman of his local UAW chapter
Davi Lowman, Former Communications Chair, Boone County Democrats
Sara Nottestad, Affirmative Action Chair, Winnebago County Democrats
Jason Nottestad, Winnebago County Activist
Lu Ann Pedrick, Polk County Activist
Mary Roskilly, Jasper County Activist
Sharon Rubis, Polk County Activist
Kale Smith, LGBTQ Rights Activist
Jason Snell, Strategic Relations and Co-Director at Sunrise Movement Cedar Rapids
Rebecca Truszkowski, Gun Violence Prevention Activist
Sally Wilson, Marshall County Activist

Michael Bennet to Address Linn County Democrats, Visit “Obama-Trump” Counties in Northeast Iowa on Sunday, October 20, 2019

Michael Bennet to Address Linn County Democrats, Visit “Obama-Trump” Counties in Northeast Iowa This Weekend

DENVER — Michael Bennet will return to Iowa this weekend to address caucusgoers at the Linn County Democrats Hall of Fame Dinner and tour counties in northeast Iowa that voted twice for Barack Obama and once for Donald Trump. On Sunday, Bennet will host “Breakfast with Bennet” with caucusgoers in Winneshiek County before making additional stops in Clayton and Jackson Counties.

Bennet, whose home state of Colorado is an even mix of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, has focused his efforts on winning back voters who left the Democratic Party in 2016 and who are critical for taking the White House and Senate and holding the House in 2020.

Sunday, October 20

Breakfast with Bennet
Time: 9:30 AM
Location: Java John’s, 400 West Water Street, Decorah, IA

Iowa 1st District Democrats Passport to Victory Tour
Speaking Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Johnson’s Supper Club, 916 North High Street, Elkader, IA

Meet and Greet with Jackson County Caucusgoers
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Decker Hotel, 128 North Main Street, Maquoketa, IA

Address to Linn County Democrats Hall of Fame Dinner
Speaking Time: 7:30 PM
Location: DoubleTree Convention Center, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, IA

 

John Delaney Makes 37th Trip to Iowa on October 16-20, 2019

The Full Delaney Continues with 37th Trip to Iowa

DES MOINES, IA – 2020 Presidential candidate and former three-term US Congressman John Delaney embarks on his 37th trip to Iowa this week. Delaney and the big blue campaign RV will be making stops across the state, including West Des Moines, Waverly, Newton, Cedar Rapids and North Liberty, where he will launch his new Heartland StartUp Tour. The full schedule is below.

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

WHEN: 7PM - 8:30PM
WHAT: West Des Moines House Party
WHERE: 589 82nd Street, West Des Moines, IA

Thursday, October 17, 2019

WHEN: 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM, Interview at 9:45 am
WHAT: Des Moines Register Ed Board Interview
WHERE: Location: 400 Locust St. Ste. 500, Des Moines, IA 50309

WHEN: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
WHAT: Iowa Caucus Consortium Candidate Forum Series
WHERE: Location: Iowa Historical Building, 600 E. Locust Street,
Des Moines, IA 50319

WHEN: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
WHAT: Ethanol Tour
WHERE: REG Newton, Newton, IA 50208, 3426 E 28th Street N

WHEN: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
WHAT: Meet and Greet with Bremer County Democrats
WHERE: Sasquatch Jacks Hideaway Barroom and Grill, 118 10th St St
Waverly, IA 50677

Friday, October 18, 2019

WHEN: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
WHAT: Heartland StartUp Tour - Event #1
WHERE: Moxie Solar, 230 Sugar Creek Ln, North Liberty, IA

Sunday, October 20, 2019

WHEN: 2:00PM to 2:30 PM
WHAT: Elkader Passport to Victory Event
WHERE: Johnson Supper Club, 916 N High St, Elkader, Iowa

WHEN: 6:00 PM - 6:15 PM
WHAT: Linn County Hall of Fame
WHERE: DoubleTree Hotel, 350 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

Beto for Iowa to Hold Debate Watch Parties Across Hawkeye State

Beto for Iowa to Hold Debate Watch Parties Across Hawkeye State

DES MOINES, IA — Beto for Iowa will continue to engage Iowans in every corner of the Hawkeye State on Tuesday night. Supporters and undecided Iowans will join our team to watch Beto’s performance during the fourth Democratic Debate. The debate, hosted by the New York Times and CNN, will be televised and streamed live beginning at 7:00 pm CT.

During last month’s debate, Beto changed the terms of our nation’s gun violence prevention debate by standing firm in his call for mandatory buybacks of assault weapons. He said:

If the high impact, high velocity round, when it hits your body, shreds everything inside of your body, because it was designed to do that, so that you would bleed to death on a battlefield and not be able to get up and kill one of our soldiers...Hell, yes, we're going to take your AR-15, your AK-47.

The watch parties will be held in the following locations:
1. Ames: Private Residence, 2519 Bristol Drive, Unit 206
2. Burlington: Beto for Iowa Field Office, 231 S 3rd Street, Ste A
3. Cedar Rapids: Private Residence, 7304 Beckett Drive NE
4. Davenport: Private Residence,
5. Dubuque: Jumper’s Sports Bar and Grill, 2600 Dodge St C8
6. Fort Dodge: Noon Lion’s Den, 731 Exposition Drive
7. Indianola: Simpson College, McNeil Room, 701 N C St
8. Iowa City: Private Residence, 1272 Dolen Place
9. Iowa City: Private Residence, 3316 Tulane Ave
10. Johnston: Private Residence, 9305 Catalina Circle
11. Ottumwa: Beto for Iowa Field Office, 408 East Main Street
12. Sioux City: Beto for Iowa Field Office, 1308 Pierce St
13. Sidney: Private Residence, 403 Webster St
14. Waterloo: Private Residence, 218 Maryland Ave

Steve Bullock Announces Four New Iowa Endorsements

Governor Steve Bullock Announces Four New Iowa Endorsements

Democratic Leaders Call Governor Bullock the Leader to Safeguard Democracy, Fight for Rural Iowa

Des Moines, IA – Today, Montana Governor Steve Bullock announced four new endorsements from Democratic leaders across Iowa:

Woodbury County Supervisor Marty Pottebaum Clinton County Auditor Eric Van Lancker Former Iowa Senate Assistant Majority Leader Staci Appel Former Warren County Democratic Party Chair Don Ruby 

The new endorsements bring the number of Iowa Democratic leaders who have endorsed Governor Bullock for President to 16 – spanning local government, education, agriculture, and community activism. They're backing Bullock’s campaign because he’s the proven leader who can beat Donald Trump, repair our broken politics, and ensure every Iowan gets a fair shot at success.

“I’m so pleased to stand with these great Democratic leaders as we grow our campaign in communities from river to river,” said Montana Governor Steve Bullock. “This election is about more than beating Donald Trump. It’s about finally fixing our broken politics and ensuring every American gets a fair shot at success.”

Marty Pottebaum, Woodbury County Supervisor

“Governor Steve Bullock is proof that our politics doesn’t have to be as broken as it seems. He’s governed a red state while passing major progressive victories; and he’s won elections in the same places we need to win in 2020. Steve can not only win the Iowa Caucus, he can help turn Iowa blue and elect talented Democrats up and down the ballot. That’s the kind of leadership our party needs to defeat Donald Trump and get our country back on track.”

Eric Van Lancker, Clinton County Auditor

“If Democrats are going to win back the White House and other places we’ve lost, there is no candidate better than Montana Governor Steve Bullock. In a state as red as Montana, he’s brought Democrats and Republicans together to safeguard our democratic rights, clean up our campaign finance system, and ensure that a fair shot at success is not a privilege for the few, but a right for everyone.”

Staci Appel, former Iowa Senate Assistant Majority Leader representing Warren County 

“Donald Trump has put the foundation of our country at stake, and our Democratic nominee must have the strength of character to put our nation back on track. That’s why I’m proud to endorse Steve Bullock. After listening to all of the candidates, Steve stood far and above the rest as a clear leader to protect and defend the integrity of our democracy. I look forward to sharing that vision over the next four months as we head into the Caucus.”

Don Ruby, former Warren County Democratic Party Chair

“I’m endorsing Governor Steve Bullock because he’s proven he can make our progressive goals a reality. Communities are bearing the brunt of inaction from Washington, with special interests pouring money into our politics to halt progress even before it begins. As a Governor who knows how to get things done, Steve will bring about the systemic change we need — not years down the line, but right now.”