2019
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Where Joe Biden Will Be In Iowa During Donald Trump’s Visit
Former Vice President Joe Biden is planning his second Iowa trip since announcing his candidacy for next week, touring blue-collar communities in Southeast and Eastern Iowa at the same time as President Donald Trump visits the state. The dueling Iowa appearances should give Biden the opportunity to contrast his candidacy alone and in real time…
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Where candidates stand on the Hyde Amendment
Former Vice President Joe Biden made waves Wednesday when he reaffirmed his support for the Hyde Amendment, a law that prevents federal funds being used to pay for abortions. On Thursday, after the other Democratic candidates sounded their support for repealing the amendment, Biden reversed his position at a fundraising event in Georgia. “I can’t…
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Rita Hart Seen As ‘Perfect’ Candidate For Iowa’s 2nd District
Rita Hart is the “perfect” fit to represent Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District, according to party leaders and those who know her well. Hart, a farmer, retired teacher and former state senator, knows small towns and big cities. She’s just as comfortable working on the farm as she is shaping policy proposals. “I’ve known Rita for…
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Warren Campaign Unionizes, Joining Other Dems In New Trend
Senator Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign staffers are now among several hundred 2020 campaign workers who have unionized. In doing so, the campaign joins the likes of the staffers who work for the presidential campaigns of Julián Castro, Eric Swalwell, and Bernie Sanders. In a tweet Thursday morning, Warren said, “Every worker who wants to join…
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Gillibrand First To Endorse In Iowa Senate Race, Backs Greenfield
New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand today became the first presidential candidate to weigh in on Democrats’ primary for the U.S. Senate, putting her support behind Theresa Greenfield. Greenfield, a farmer who grew up in a small Minnesota town and now runs a small business in Des Moines, launched her candidacy to take on Republican Sen.…
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Where To See The 2020 Candidates During Pride Weekend
Democratic presidential hopefuls will fan out across Des Moines’ East Village this weekend to enjoy the Capital City Pride Fest. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Mayor Pete Buttigieg will kick off events Friday evening. Gillibrand is expected to make an appearance at the Blazing Saddle at 7 p.m. Friday, while Buttigieg will speak at the Matthew…
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Bernie Sanders Rolls Out First Round Of Iowa Endorsements
Senator Bernie Sanders is unveiling his first slate of key endorsements from Iowa progressive leaders today. Among them are some local elected officials and party leaders who were first mobilized to activism from Sanders’ previous presidential run, including LULAC State Director Nick Salazar, Dubuque City Councilwoman Kate Larson, and IDP Central Committee Member Emma Schmit.…
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How Kamala Harris’ Pre-Clearance Plan Could Halt Iowa Abortion Restrictions
National attention on abortion access has been heightened this year with states like Alabama and Missouri passing strict laws limiting women’s ability to access the procedure. This has prompted many presidential candidates to speak out and offer their thoughts and plans. In late May, Sen. Kamala Harris announced a plan to prevent states from dramatically…
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Meet The New Iowa Starting Line Team
Four and a half years ago, a group of friends and I gathered around a table in a downtown Des Moines bar to brainstorm what a new Iowa political blog could look like. I had just gotten finished with yet another exhausting campaign cycle, and was ready to do something different. We had a good…
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Control Of U.S. House Runs Through Iowa In 2020
Photos clockwise from top-left: Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01), former State Senator Rita Hart (IA-02), Congressman Steve King (IA-04), Congresswoman Cindy Axne (IA-03. Not only is Iowa ground zero for the dozens of Democratic presidential candidates competing for Iowans’ support in 2020, the state will also play a pivotal role in the battle for control of…
