John Delaney Adds Experienced Iowa Operative To Caucus Campaign

Congressman John Delaney, the only declared Democratic presidential candidate for 2020, is staffing up his Iowa operation with a new hire that has some solid in-state experience. Monica Biddix will serve as Delaney’s new communications director for the lead-off caucus state, building out Delaney’s current presence here a year and a half out from the Iowa Caucus.

Biddix most recently worked as Andy McGuire’s campaign manager in the gubernatorial primary. A native of North Carolina and proud Tar Heel sports supporter, Biddix first came to Iowa in 2012 and was instrumental in keeping the Iowa Senate under Democratic control. She managed State Senator Mary Jo Wilhelm’s successful race in Northern Iowa, which became Democrats’ 26th seat and held the majority when Wilhelm won by 126 votes (side note: this reporter first hired Biddix back in 2012). Biddix also ran Laura Hubka’s Iowa House race in 2014, worked in the Legislature and was a past communications director for the Iowa Democratic Party.

“Team Delaney is pleased to welcome Monica to our campaign,” said John Davis, senior advisor for Delaney. “As one of the best in the business, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in navigating the Iowa political landscape and a tireless work ethic to match. As our campaign digs its heels into Iowa in the coming months, we know we can trust Monica to spread our message to a broad audience across the state.”

As more and more potential 2020 presidential contenders come to visit Iowa, having an experienced press person with good relationships around the state will be useful in helping Delaney stand out. Now that the primary is over, the state is seeing an influx of White House hopefuls coming in to stump for local candidates. Just these past two weeks, Iowans have seen Jeff Merkley, Jason Kander and Jay Inslee travel the state.

Delaney himself has his 12th visit to Iowa planned for the end of the month. He’ll visit 14 counties across the northern and northeastern part of the state. His campaign is also up with a new TV ad that highlights the Delaney family’s own history with immigration and calls for more compassion for people seeking refuge in America.

“I am very excited to join Team Delaney, and be part of a campaign that wants to unify our country moving forward,” said Monica Biddix. “I believe Iowans and Americans are tired of partisan bickering and are ready for a leader with long-term solutions and real plans for the future. As President, John Delaney is ready to bring together a nation that is deeply divided and focus on getting things done and promoting the common good.”

The early start has seemed to pay off so far for Delaney, even as he faced some skepticism for announcing before the 2018 elections. Turnout for his meet-and-greet events across the state has looked good, and his heavy rotation of TV ads has boosted his name recognition significantly among Iowa Democrats. With so many Democrats likely to run in 2020, any little early advantage like that could be crucial.

Here’s Delaney’s list of upcoming Iowa events:

Friday, June 29

WHAT:  Meet and Greet with Buchanan County Democrats
WHO:  Congressman John Delaney; Buchanan County Democrats
WHEN:  8:00-9:00AM
WHERE:  Em’s Coffee Co., 324 1st Street East, Independence, IA 50644

WHAT:  Meet and Greet with Bremer County Democrats
WHO:  Congressman John Delaney; Bremer County Democrats
WHEN: 10:00-11:00AM
WHERE:  Duo’s Coffee & Ice Cream, 805 W Bremer Ave, Waverly, IA 50677

WHAT:  Meet and Greet with Fayette County Democrats
WHO:  Congressman John Delaney; Fayette County Democrats
WHEN:  12:00-1:00PM
WHERE:  Valone’s Family Restaurant, 2 S Frederick Ave, Oelwein, IA 50662

WHAT:  Meet and Greet with Allamakee County Democrats
WHO:  Congressman John Delaney; Allamakee County Democrats
WHEN:  2:30-3:30PM
WHERE:  Robey Memorial Library, 401 1st Ave NW, Waukon, IA 52172

WHAT:  Meet and Greet with Winneshiek County Democrats
WHO:  Congressman John Delaney; Winneshiek County Democrats
WHEN:  4:00-5:00PM
WHERE:  Java John’s, 400 W Water Street, Decorah, IA 52101

WHAT:  Meet and Greet with Howard County Democrats
WHO:  Congressman John Delaney; Howard County Democrats
WHEN:  5:30-6:15PM
WHERE:  A&W Restaurant, 628 2nd Ave SW, Cresco, IA 52136

WHAT:  Meet and Greet with Chickasaw County Democrats
WHO:  Congressman John Delaney; Chicksaw County Democrats
WHEN:  7:00-8:00PM
WHERE:  New Hampton Diner, 421 S Linn Ave, New Hampton, IA 50659

Saturday, June 30

WHAT:  Meet and Greet with Worth County Democrats
WHO:  Congressman John Delaney; Worth County Democrats
WHEN:  8:00-9:00AM
WHERE:  The Corner Post, 700 Central Ave, Northwood, IA 50459

WHAT:  Meet and Greet with Winnebago County Democrats
WHO:  Congressman John Delaney; Winnebago County Democrats
WHEN:  9:30-10:30AM
WHERE:  Cabin Coffee Company, 206 US Highway 69, Forest City, IA 50436

WHAT:  Meet and Greet with Hancock County Democrats
WHO:  Congressman John Delaney; Hancock County Democrats
WHEN:  11:00AM-12:00PM
WHERE:  Mat’s Place, 235 State Street, Garner, IA 50438

WHAT:  Meet and Greet with Kossuth County Democrats
WHO:  Congressman John Delaney; Kossuth County Democrats
WHEN:  1:00-2:00PM
WHERE:  Miller’s Bar and Grill, 1320 US Highway 169, Algona, IA 50511

WHAT:  Meet and Greet with Humboldt County Democrats
WHO:  Congressman John Delaney; Humboldt County Democrats
WHEN:  2:30-3:30PM
WHERE:  Miller’s Landing, 600 13th Street S, Humboldt, IA 50548

WHAT:  Meet and Greet with Wright County Democrats
WHO:  Congressman John Delaney; Wright County Democrats
WHEN:  4:00-5:00PM
WHERE:  Pizza Ranch, 102 S Main Street, Clarion, IA 50525

WHAT:  Hardin County Democrats Booth at Riverbend Rally
WHO:  Congressman John Delaney; Hardin County Democrats
WHEN:  6:00-7:00PM
WHERE:  Estes Park, Iowa Falls, IA 50126

by Pat Rynard
Posted 6/22/18