Democrats Plan Event To Counter Joni Ernst’s Roast And Ride

Iowa Republicans are getting ready for their exciting weekend of motorcycles, hog roasts and celebrating senators intent on taking away people’s healthcare. But Democrats don’t plan on letting them have all the fun in Boone for Joni Ernst’s Roast And Ride fundraiser this Saturday. A Picnic For The People is being planned by the Boone County Democrats to serve as a more substantive alternative to Ernst’s event.

The Democratic gathering looks to link activists and voters up with progressive issue groups and candidates. There’s already a long line of speakers planned for the event, including:

Derek Eadon
Rob Hogg
Mark Smith
Nate Boulton
Rich Leopold
Andy McGuire
Jon Neiderbach
Todd Prichard
Deb Duncan, candidate for Iowa House
Mike Matson
Mike Carberry
Kate Larson, Dubuque City Council candidate
Cathy Glasson

Senate Minority Leader Rob Hogg is incorporating the event into his “Summer of Citizenship” tour, and sent out the following information on it recently:

Welcome to the “Summer of Citizenship,” a campaign to encourage and empower Iowans to reach out and listen to each other, get involved, and renew the spirit of citizenship our state and country so urgently need.  You can join in, reach out, and speak up with us.

“Summer of Citizenship” begins this Saturday, June 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the “Picnic for the People” at McHose Park Shelter in Boone, Iowa. This picnic is sponsored by the Boone County Democrats. Suggested contribution for food tickets is $10 per person. Please RSVP at this Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1886415901637203/

At the “Picnic for the People,” I will provide more details on ways you can participate. Some ideas:

• Join your local County Democratic Party or advocacy organization
• Register people to vote
• Get to know our Democratic candidates
• Organize a study group, educational program, or service project in your community
• Invite people to contribute financially to the party, candidates, or community groups
• Speak up with elected officials and staff in person, by phone call, by mail, and in public

Here’s the bottom line: The answer to our problems – with the President and Congress in Washington, D.C., and the Governor and the Iowa Legislature in Des Moines – is a renewed spirit of citizenship.

by Pat Rynard
Posted 5/31/17