See You Again In June!

On By prynard

Hey everyone – Starting Line will be going dark for the next week and a half as we prepare to bring on new staff to help cover the Iowa Caucus. We are opening a new office, getting all the paperwork sorted out, shoring up our finances, and getting story ideas ready. To get all this administrative stuff done, we need to take a break from writing and reporting for several days. So, you won’t see stories back on Starting Line until June 3 or 4 (our new email newsletter will still be sent out during this time). The new Starting […]

Marcia Nichols: Why I’m Endorsing Cory Booker

On By guest-post

Guest post from former AFSCME Council 61 political director Marcia Nichols. Endorsing a presidential candidate is not a decision I take lightly. However, when we’re facing the most consequential election of our lifetimes, I think it’s incredibly important that we get this decision right. Which is why I have decided to support Cory Booker for President in 2020. We all know that Cory is an inspirational candidate, but it’s the work that he does behind the scenes that made the difference for me. Not only does he believe in the Democratic Party and their mission to stand up for working […]

Health Care Ads Bolster Finkenauer And Axne

On By prynard

A new seven-figure ad campaign will promote the work of Cindy Axne and Abby Finkenauer for their efforts to protect Iowans with pre-existing conditions and reduce the cost of care and prescription drugs. The national group Protect Our Care is running the ad campaign, called “Better Care, Lower Costs” across the country, focusing on twenty districts, including Iowa’s 1st and 3rd districts. Last week, Protect Our Care launched its first digital ads in support of these 20 House members that promoted Axne’s and Finkenauer’s support for the Strengthening Health Care and Lowering Prescription Drug Costs Act (H.R. 987), which seeks […]

Inside Abby Finkenauer’s Quiet Rise In Congress

On By prynard

Two weeks ago, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer presided over the U.S. House chamber, sitting in the Speaker’s chair as the chamber discussed and passed a major flood relief package. The bill was of particular importance to Iowa, which has seen crippling flooding in recent months. Congresswoman Cindy Axne, who made history last year with Finkenauer as the first female members of the House from Iowa, stood in the well and explained her amendment that added funds for the state. It was an important moment for Iowa, with both of their newly-elected female representatives prominently involved in a major federal aid effort […]

Progress Iowa Corn Feed: A Can’t-Miss Event In Cedar Rapids

On By guest-post

A guest post from State Representative Liz Bennett. Nothing says quintessential Iowa summer quite like candidates and corn. Every year Progress Iowa, a statewide advocacy organization, hosts their Corn Feed, a fun-filled event featuring progressive speakers. This year I’m excited that the Corn Feed will move to Cedar Rapids, and I’m pleased to help host the event at Newbo City Market, right here in the district I represent. The fifth annual Progress Iowa Corn Feed will feature presidential candidates and provide attendees an opportunity to listen to speeches as well as meet and mingle with the candidates. There will be […]

Long List Of Prominent IA-02 Dems Endorse Rita Hart

On By prynard

In a show of organizational strength, Rita Hart announced today the endorsements of 73 local leaders in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District for her campaign. It included people in all 24 counties across the district and nearly every local Democratic state legislator. The slew of endorsements is reflective of the deep well of support Hart was within the Democratic Party. She spent six years in the Iowa Senate and was Fred Hubbell’s running mate in 2018, impressing activists and fellow lawmakers during that time. She personally took the initiative on several major policy items, including hosting a statewide water quality summit […]

Starting Line/Change Research Poll: Biden, Sanders Locked In Iowa Tie

On By prynard

Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders are locked in a tie in Iowa atop the large field of Democrats running for the presidential nomination. An Iowa Starting Line/Change Research Poll of 615 likely Democratic caucus-goers that was conducted this past week, May 15 to May 19, found both Biden and Sanders garnering 24% among the Democratic candidates. The poll’s margin of error is +/- 3.9%. Three contenders trailed the leaders with healthy percentages of support: Pete Buttigieg at 14%, Elizabeth Warren at 12%, and Kamala Harris at 10%. Beto O’Rourke came in at 5%, while Amy Klobuchar and Andrew Yang both […]

Eddie Mauro Launches Senate Run To Take On Joni Ernst

On By prynard

Des Moines coach and businessman Eddie Mauro is launching his run for the U.S. Senate today, aiming to be Democrats’ nominee to take on Senator Joni Ernst next November. Mauro’s been traveling the state for several months in advance of a possible candidacy, building up a campaign team, and showing up at many caucus events. His new website is here. Mauro holds events today in Carroll, Fort Dodge, Ames, and Des Moines as part of his roll-out. He begins the race with several endorsements, including from state representatives Charlie McConkey of Council Bluffs and Ako Abdul-Samad of Des Moines. “Washington […]

Iowa 2020 Book Club Review: Pete Buttigieg’s Shortest Way Home

On By andrea-phillips

From IDP Vice Chair Andrea Phillips, who organized this year’s 2020 book club. Iowa Democrats take their role in vetting the 2020 presidential candidates seriously. I started a book club to read the books of all of the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates, and over 500 people have joined so far from all across Iowa (plus over 250 people from 39 other states). Mayor Pete Buttigieg will be joining us for the discussion of his book the evening of Friday, May 17, and all are welcome to attend, even if you haven’t read the book! We’d love to have you join […]

The Candidates With A Secret Weapon In Iowa

On By prynard

With a presidential field that now numbers 23, Democratic candidates need every tiny advantage they can find in Iowa to deliver them delegates on caucus night. For a lucky few contenders, they come to the state with a special connection in their pocket thanks to long-established friendships, past organizational building, or a family bond. And, as we all know, relationships are everything in the Iowa Caucus. Now, okay, most of what we’re listing aren’t exactly “secret” weapons, but they are important advantages that seven candidates have over the rest of the field. Of course, just about every candidate has some […]