IA-02: Rita Hart Sets Record With New Fundraising Haul

Following the first fundraising cycle of the general election, Rita Hart’s campaign is reporting its best money-making quarter since the Eastern Iowa Democrat launched her campaign last summer.

Between April 1 and June 30, Hart raised more than $620,000 and has $1.35 million in cash-on-hand, according to the campaign. Candidates’ Federal Election Commission filings have yet to be posted online.

Hart’s Q2 fundraising total is the largest haul in the history of Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District, according to the campaign.

[inline-ad id=”3″]

Mariannette Miller-Meeks, the Republican candidate in the 2nd District, has not disclosed her second quarter financials yet.

“Whether you are a Democrat, a Republican, or an independent, we want you on this team,” Hart said in a statement. “I’m honored to have the support of people from all walks of life on this campaign. Together, we can work to tackle corruption in Washington, reduce the costs of health care and prescription drugs, and support small businesses so we can bring back jobs.”

Hart and Miller-Meeks are vying for an open seat currently held by Democratic Rep. Dave Loebsack.

[inline-ad id=”2″]

Hart, who faced no primary opponent in June, won 67,039 votes across the district’s 24 counties, compared to the five Republican candidates who received a combined 48,415 votes.

Election forecasters consider the race a toss-up, though Democrats have a 180,015 to 151,008 advantage in voter registration there.

For Miller-Meeks, a physician and state senator from Ottumwa, 2020 marks the fourth time she has run for this congressional seat. Hart, a Wheatland farmer, 2o-year educator and former state senator, was a candidate for lieutenant governor in 2018 and is a first time congressional candidate.

By Elizabeth Meyer
Posted 7/6/20

Iowa Starting Line is an independently-owned progressive news outlet devoted to providing unique, insightful coverage on Iowa news and politics. We need reader support to continue operating — please donate here. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more coverage.