May 2019
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See You Again In June!
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…
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Marcia Nichols: Why I’m Endorsing Cory Booker
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…
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Health Care Ads Bolster Finkenauer And Axne
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…
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Inside Abby Finkenauer’s Quiet Rise In Congress
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…
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Progress Iowa Corn Feed: A Can’t-Miss Event In Cedar Rapids
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…
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Long List Of Prominent IA-02 Dems Endorse Rita Hart
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…
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Starting Line/Change Research Poll: Biden, Sanders Locked In Iowa Tie
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…
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Eddie Mauro Launches Senate Run To Take On Joni Ernst
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.…
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Iowa 2020 Book Club Review: Pete Buttigieg’s Shortest Way Home
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…
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The Candidates With A Secret Weapon In Iowa
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,…
