BREAKING: Over 300 attendees packed the Collegiate United Methodist Church in Ames, Iowa on Saturday for the Story County Democrats’ annual “Soup and More” fundraiser, marking the event’s highest turnout since 2020. The gathering featured eight Democratic candidates vying for various state offices, emphasizing their urgency to engage with a community eager for change.
Maddie Anderson, chair of the Story County Democrats, expressed excitement over the turnout, stating, “I counted at least 320 people, which is more people than we’ve had since Kamala Harris was here running for the nomination in 2020.” This surge in attendance highlights the growing mobilization among Iowa Democrats as they gear up for the upcoming elections.
Among the speakers was Nate Willems, a candidate for attorney general, who recalled attending the event 23 years ago. “Story County is home to a lot of activism,” Willems noted. He emphasized the community’s desire for change, saying, “The people are looking forward to this election and having the opportunity to retake our state this November.” Willems aims to rebuild Iowa’s Consumer Protection Division, asserting that he would focus on prosecuting corporate crimes affecting workers.
Attendee Teri Veysey raised concerns regarding voting rights, particularly after the SAVE America Act passed the U.S. House on February 11. Critics argue this bill could disenfranchise millions by imposing stricter identification requirements. “We’re really concerned about losing our democracy,” Veysey remarked, highlighting a widespread anxiety shared among attendees about the future of voting rights.
Despite these federal concerns, the event primarily focused on pressing statewide issues. Judy Lemish, another attendee, voiced her worries about the transparency of Iowa’s Education Savings Account (ESA) program, which funds private and religious schools. “I think this event gives us a chance to at least feel like we’re doing something,” Lemish stated, underscoring the importance of community engagement.
Other candidates also voiced their concerns. Chris Jones, running for secretary of agriculture, criticized the state’s handling of water quality issues. “We’re not in a water quality crisis, we’re in a state of failure,” he declared, asserting that corporate interests hinder effective solutions. Jones pointed out the stark contrast in funding, revealing that Iowa has spent $70 million on ethanol-related initiatives while allocating only $2 million to promote local foods in public schools. “We could supply a free school lunch served with Iowa-grown fruits, vegetables, and meat to every student for less than the cost of the school vouchers,” he added.
Rob Sand, the state auditor, concluded the event by criticizing legislative efforts that would reduce the governor’s power. “They’re literally advancing bills to limit the power of the next governor,” he asserted, referencing three bills currently under consideration that could restrict executive authority during emergencies and influence budgetary decisions.
The urgency of these discussions reflects a growing discontent among Iowa Democrats as they prepare for the upcoming elections. Officials and candidates alike are rallying support in a state poised for change, amid a backdrop of critical policy debates.
As the political landscape shifts, the Story County Democrats’ event served not only as a fundraiser but as a crucial platform for mobilizing support and addressing key issues that resonate with voters. Expect heightened engagement as the election approaches, making this a pivotal moment for Iowa’s Democratic base.
