Iowa delegates share excitement ahead of DNC in Chicago

DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa Democrats and delegates traveled to Chicago on Sunday in preparation for the week long Democratic National Convention.

It has been a busy month for those in the state party, but the change at the top of the ticket has been reflected in the enthusiasm of those wanting to help out with campaigning. Democrats hope that this excitement translates to the ballot box

“I truly believe that is what is going to happen because of the really unprecedented numbers of volunteers that are coming out,” said State Senator Janice Weiner, (D) District 45 from Iowa City. Senator Weiner is also a delegate at the convention. “The number of candidates we recruited both on the House and Senate side for the statehouse, and it’s palpable. Just when you talk to volunteers, when you knock on doors and listen to folks.”

Chair of the Iowa Democrats highlighted some policy points that the state party wants to see hit on during the week. Specifically the ones that she wants to see Vice President Kamala Harris address.

“And I think that is clear that these two candidates have been listening. They understand the challenges that ordinary Americans and therefore ordinary Iowans are struggling with,” said Rita Hart. ” I think it’s really clear that the economy, of course, has got to be talked about, that people are facing challenges on the cost of living.”

Hart continued on the concerns at the U.S. Southern border, knowing that the Vice President has received blame for the numbers seen there over the last several years.

“They’ve gotten a lot of criticism, has gotten a lot of criticism about border issues. This is an issue that’s really important to Iowans. You know, immigration is important to us because we have a state that has a lot of help wanted signs up yet. And we are also a state that has much benefited from immigration itself.”

Sen. Weiner also mentioned taking back rights that were stripped from them over the last several weeks, talking about the new abortion law in the state.

Another delegate that traveled to Chicago said that he is expecting a lot out of this week, only being in the city for 24 hours, he is able to feel the excitement.

“I’m really excited that my first vote was in 2008 and I was actually voting against President Biden because I was a Republican then,” said C.J. Petersen. “And so you know, now to be here as a delegate originally for President Biden and now for Vice President Harris as he passes the torch. It’s just something really surreal and exciting.”

All three said that they loved the choice of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as the running mate, explaining that, that would equate to midwestern values being represented on the ticket.

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