THE NATION IS LISTENING. WHAT WILL YOU SAY?
THE NATION IS LISTENING. WHAT WILL YOU SAY? | 1 WELCOME TO THE IOWANS WITH DISABILITIES IN ACTION’S IOWA CAUCUS GUIDE
Dear Fellow Iowan:
While Iowa is not the largest or most diverse state in the country, it is one of the most important states when it comes to presidential politics. The Iowa caucuses are the first in the nation. That means Iowans are the first to voice their opinion on who should run for president. In the past, many candidates have dropped out of the race after doing poorly in the Iowa caucuses.
Iowa is the first state where the people get a chance to look the next president of the United States in the eyes and size them up. The issues Iowans bring up during the caucus season are reported throughout the country. Iowans truly set the tone of the presidential debate and the issues that candidates talk about. Iowans have a lot of power—but not everyone takes this opportunity to talk about their issues.
Because the Iowa caucuses require candidates to meet face-to-face with potential supporters, organized groups of people can have a real voice in the process. The bigger the group, the louder the voice. With more than 300,000 Iowans with disabilities, the numbers don’t get much bigger! But a group’s success depends on how active its members are. In other words, the more YOU are willing to do, the larger the impact of the whole group.
Iowans With Disabilities in Action wants to help launch you and your group into action. We’ve prepared this Iowa Caucus Guide to answer some of your questions about the Iowa caucuses, the issues and the candidates to introduce you to the resources available through Iowans With Disabilities in Action and above all to motivate you to get involved and stay involved. Candidates, parties and politicians too often believe that if a group of people is silent, it means everything’s ok. We all know that’s not true, so don’t miss this important opportunity to be heard. We’re counting on you!
Sincerely,
Rik Shannon Iowans With Disabilities in Action Project Manager
Iowans with Disabilities in Action is a nonpartisan, statewide initiative dedicated to generating greater civic and political participation among people with disabilities. 2 | 2020 IOWA CAUCUS GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS
4 ...... EDUCATE YOURSELF: TERMS & DEFINITIONS It is important that when terms are used, they are understandable. We’ve included a short list and description of several often-used caucus terms. It is helpful to understand them before progressing further.
6 ...... EDUCATE YOURSELF: THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION PROCESS Learn more about the process used to select the presidential candidates for the November general election.
12 ...... EDUCATE YOURSELF: ISSUES What do you think? We’ve included a brief description of issues that many people feel are important to consider when choosing whom to support in the Iowa caucuses. This is not a complete list; feel free to add issues that are important to you. Find out how you can add YOUR issues to your political party’s “to do” list.
16 ...... RESOLUTIONS: REPUBLICANS & DEMOCRATS IN THEIR OWN WORDS Anyone attending a caucus can propose a resolution that asks the party to take a position on a specific issue. Whatever your issue, you can influence your party’s stand on that issue by writing and submitting a resolution for consideration at your caucus. Find out how.
22 ...... EDUCATE YOURSELF: PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES Learn more about each of the Democratic and Republican presidential campaigns, including how to reach their Iowa offices. National offices are listed for those campaigns that do not have an Iowa office.
27 ...... 2020 CAUCUS INITIATIVES Explore new initiatives and grant opportunities to help you and others get more involved in the Iowa caucuses.
28 ...... REPUBLICAN & DEMOCRATIC COUNTY CHAIRS Caucus events are a function of political parties, which makes the 99 county party chairs very important people. Their names and contact information are included here. These individuals will be able to tell you where your caucus is being held and can help with specific caucus night questions.
THE NATION IS LISTENING. WHAT WILL YOU SAY? | 3 EDUCATE YOURSELF: TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
4 | 2020 IOWA CAUCUS GUIDE CAUCUS NONPARTISAN A meeting held by people belonging Not associated with any one political to the same political party to pick the party’s agenda. presidential candidate they want to represent them in the general election. PARTISAN The parties run the caucuses. A strong supporter of one political party’s agenda. CONTESTED CONVENTION A situation when no candidate comes PLATFORM into a party’s national convention with The positions that a political party adopts a majority of delegates (so there is no on the issues Issues are added to a political clear “winner”). In contrast, a “brokered party’s platform by resolution. Voters convention” is when a candidate does not offer resolutions at their local precinct win the majority of delegates on the first caucuses, where they are adopted and vote. At that point, deals may be made forwarded to the county, district, state and delegates may change their votes and national conventions. before the second round of voting. PRIMARY DELEGATE An election where voters go to the A person selected to represent his/her polls and cast their ballots directly for political party at the county, district, state a candidate. In a presidential primary, or national convention. the winner becomes that state party’s candidate for office in the general election. DEMOCRATIC PARTY Primaries are run by local election officials One of two major political parties in the and are usually held in June. United States and the nation’s oldest existing party. The Democratic National REPUBLICAN PARTY Committee (DNC) is the governing body One of two major political parties in United for the Democratic Party (www.dnc.org). States; often called GOP, which stands for Grand Old Party. The Republican National GENERAL ELECTION Committee is the governing body for the The election held in November that is Republican Party (www.rnc.org). open to all registered voters, who will choose between the candidates selected RESOLUTION by each party during the primary or A written position statement or statement caucus process. of values. Resolutions are offered by people attending their local precinct INDEPENDENT caucus and, if accepted by other caucus A person who is not a member of a political participants, may be included in the party; an “independent” candidate is political party’s platform. running independent of any party.
THE NATION IS LISTENING. WHAT WILL YOU SAY? | 5 EDUCATE YOURSELF: THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION PROCESS
6 | 2020 IOWA CAUCUS GUIDE There are 80,000 elections held each year in the nominating process differs from state to state, United States. The most visible is the national but the goal is the same: to determine the state election for president, held every four years. party’s choice for president. The process of picking a President lasts more than a year now, taking up more than 25% of the CAUCUS VS. PRIMARY ELECTIONS current president’s term. Though the national There are two basic nomination processes: the election process can be confusing, here are the caucus system and primary elections. Caucuses essentials. and primaries are both ways for the general public to take part in nominating presidential THE PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATING PROCESS candidates. At a caucus, a voter registered with Each political party picks a presidential candidate a party meets with other members from the to represent them in the general election. Each same party to nominate a candidate. A caucus state holds either a primary election or a caucus is a lively event. People attend the caucus to to determine that state’s choice for the party talk about issues, consider candidates, choose nominee. delegates, and discuss the party platform (a statement of principles). The rules for caucuses The first step of a presidential campaign is the are different for each state and party nomination campaign. During this time, the candidate competes with other candidates in A primary is more like a general election. Voters the same party, hoping to win their party’s go to the polls to cast their votes for a presidential nomination. The candidate works to convince candidate. Some states have open primaries potential voters that they are the best choice where any voter can participate; other states and tries to win the most delegates—the state require voters to be registered with a party to representatives who promise to support the vote for that party’s nominee. candidate at the national party convention. The THE NATION IS LISTENING. WHAT WILL YOU SAY? | 7 IOWA’S “FIRST IN THE NATION” CAUCUS • Campaign costs are lower in Iowa. The Iowa uses a caucus system to choose its party candidate’s one-on-one interaction with nominees. Of all the country’s primaries or the people of Iowa is more important than caucuses, the first is held in Iowa. This is the first the amount of money they must raise to real test of the public’s opinion and receives a campaign. great deal of attention from the media because Iowa’s Democratic and Republican parties of the influence the Iowa caucuses have on the conduct precinct caucuses (precincts are small outcome of future races. The first Iowa caucuses local areas) that include a discussion of issues, were held in 1972. a decision on presidential candidate of choice and the selection of delegates to represent Why is Iowa first? While Iowa is not the largest the precinct at party county conventions. At or most populated state and does not have a the party’s county convention, delegates will diverse population, Iowa has many good things elect other delegates to go on to the district to offer: conventions and then to the state convention. • The Iowa caucus system makes candidates Delegates elected at the state convention will campaign in person and discuss issues with go to the Democratic and Republican national voters face-to-face. Candidates can’t count conventions where each party selects their entirely on TV ads to get votes. They must get official presidential nominee. So, the Iowa out and meet people. caucuses are the beginning of a long process of delegate and candidate selection and issue • Iowa’s population size ranks right in the discussion. It can be a confusing process, so middle of the 50 states. we’ve included a chart on page 11 showing the • Iowans are politically aware. We study the road to the national conventions. issues and take our role in the nomination process seriously.
8 | 2020 IOWA CAUCUS GUIDE REPUBLICAN VS. DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS While this might seem like a confusing system, On caucus night, Iowans gather as Democrats it’s actually quite simple. It is an exciting process or Republicans to elect delegates to the 99 where people fight for their candidates and try to county conventions. While the Republican and persuade others to join them. The Iowa caucuses Democratic processes are very different, both are your opportunity to show your support for a require you to be registered to vote in order candidate publicly and advocate for them with to caucus. Only registered Democrats may your neighbors. Each of the precinct caucuses is participate in a Democratic caucus, and only led by trained volunteers who can help with any registered Republicans can participate in a questions you may have. The county party chairs Republican caucus. If you are not registered listed at the end of this kit can also help you to to vote, you can do so at the caucuses, but be better understand the caucus process in your prepared for long lines and wait times if you county. choose to wait to register. It is a good idea to do it ahead of time and avoid the lines. If you are a While picking their party’s candidate for Republican or Independent wanting to caucus president will be the main focus of the caucuses, with the Democrats, you can do so if you are Iowans participating in the caucus will also registered and if you change your party before or develop their party’s stands on issues (through on caucus night. You can change your party back the resolution process, which is discussed on at any time, but you must be registered with that page 18) and pick party leaders to carry these party to participate on caucus night. messages on through the process. This focus on issues presents opportunities for advocates. The Republican caucuses are more like a traditional election with a simple vote for the A NOTE ON CAUCUS ACCESSIBILITY & candidate you support. This vote may be done by ALTERNATIVES a show of hands or by paper ballot. Both political parties have made it a priority to be accessible to voters of all abilities. However, The Democratic caucuses are more involved, some communities have a hard time finding with people splitting into groups with others local neighborhood gathering places that are who support the same candidate. These groups fully accessible. If you plan to caucus and need are called “preference groups.” A candidate must accommodations to do so, it is important to receive at least 15% of the votes in that precinct to contact your political party’s county chair well move on to the county convention. If a candidate before caucus night. This helps them plan receives less than 15% of the votes, they are not and helps make sure you have a good caucus considered “viable” and the supporters in that experience. If you know which candidate you group have the choice to: want to support, their campaigns are often • Join a viable candidate group (one that has willing to help with transportation to the caucus. more than 15% of the votes); Democrats are also working on alternatives • Join another nonviable candidate group to for individuals with work, transportation, and make it viable; other barriers to caucus participation.One such alternative is to allow “satellite caucus” locations • Join other groups to form an uncommitted that can be held at a workplace, college campus, group; or long-term care facility, support center, or other • Choose not to move anywhere and not be location. Any Democrat can ask for a site to be counted. designated as a satellite caucus location by
THE NATION IS LISTENING. WHAT WILL YOU SAY? | 9 November 16 (2019) and show why there is a the most support among the delegates at the need. The satellite caucuses will be held on national convention wins the party’s presidential the same day and at generally the same time, nomination. although the time can be changed if the person requesting the location can show a need. A If there is no clear front runner by the time complete list of these satellite locations will be the national conventions are held, there is made available to the public by December 18, a possibility of what is called a contested 2019. convention (when no candidate has the majority of delegates at the national convention). At THE NATIONAL CONVENTIONS that point, the delegates’ second choice will be After all of the state primaries and caucuses are really important. This is similar to a brokered over, each party holds a national convention. convention, when no candidate wins the first vote Each state has representatives called delegates. at the national convention. Again, if the majority The main purpose of a national convention is of delegates do not support a candidate during to announce the party’s platform and nominate that first vote, lots of deals (or “brokering”) can candidates for president and vice president. be made before the second vote. Not to worry, At each convention, a chair is elected and the this hasn’t actually happened since the 1952. delegates vote on a platform that is written by the platform committee. THE 2020 GENERAL ELECTION: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020 By the third or fourth day of the national convention, presidential nominations begin. The After the conventions, the campaign to win the chair calls the roll of states alphabetically. Each general election begins. It’s heated, it’s expensive state nominates a candidate. A simple majority and it’s exciting. You feel as if you can’t escape it! is required, although this may involve many On the Tuesday following the first Monday of ballots. The process of awarding the delegates November, millions of U.S. citizens go to local is very complicated. In most cases, delegates polls to elect, among other officials, the next cast their vote for the candidate that their state president and vice president of the United States voted for in their primary or caucus, but they are of America. Their votes will be recorded and not required to do so. The candidate who has counted, and winners will be declared.
THE 2020 GENERAL ELECTION: Tuesday, November 3, 2020
10 | 2020 IOWA CAUCUS GUIDE THE ROAD TO THE NATIONAL CONVENTION
PRECINCT CAUCUSES Held in 1,688 precincts throughout Iowa Monday, February 3, 2020
COUNTY CONVENTIONS Held in each of 99 counties Normally held in March
DISTRICT CONVENTIONS Held in each of the 5 congressional districts Normally held in April
STATE CONVENTION National Delegate Selection Normally held in June
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION NATIONAL CONVENTION July 13 - 16, 2020 August 24 - 27, 2020
Milwaukee, Wisconsin Charlotte, North Carolina
THE NATION IS LISTENING. WHAT WILL YOU SAY? | 11 EDUCATE YOURSELF: ISSUES
12 | 2020 IOWA CAUCUS GUIDE You have the power to make a difference in discrimination, state redistricting, and voter this country for years to come. You already ID laws. Americans with disabilities continue have an opinion. Now learn more about the to face challenges despite the Americans with issues, compare how the candidate’s feel Disabilities Act. Civil rights discrimination can about these issues and make an informed happen in elections, housing, employment, decision. The next president will have the school, and other settings, challenging a power to shape laws that directly affect your person’s ability to live in their community of life. Let your voice be heard. Here is some choice. information about some of the hot issues being talked about in this election. ECONOMY/JOBS & FOREIGN POLICY/TRADE The United States economy has slowly grown WHAT ISSUES MOVE YOU? since the 2007 recession. Experts are worried about the economy, and they see signs of CIVIL RIGHTS trouble ahead. Businesses are not hiring as Civil rights are the basic individual rights you much and new restrictions on trade with have as a citizen of this country. Things like China and other countries has made them the right to vote and the right to government invest less in their business. Farmers may services. These rights cannot be taken away suffer from new taxes on the products they from a person because of race, ethnicity, ship to other countries. Whether your issue gender, religion, age, or disability (to name a is better jobs, better wages, fair trade, or free few). Civil rights is not an issue of the past; trade, as President Clinton’s closest adviser many candidates are talking about race, James Carville said, “It’s the economy, stupid.” inequality, and discrimination. Courts are It’s the issue that wins – or loses – elections. reviewing cases on LGBTQ+ issues, gender
THE NATION IS LISTENING. WHAT WILL YOU SAY? | 13 EDUCATION The cost of college in the United States has become a big issue this year. USA Today recently reported student loan debt is higher than ever; students graduating in 2018 will owe an average of $29,200. This makes it tough for recent graduates to buy a home or start a business. Making college free or more affordable has been a top issue for many candidates. K-12 education, special education, or charter schools (aka “school choice”) are also being talked about. Your concerns may include keeping rural schools competitive, making sure urban “inner city” kids have the same advantages as suburban kids, or making sure education is accessible to students of all abilities.
ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE CHANGE Record rainfalls, more flooding, more damaging hurricanes and tornadoes; all point to climate change. Iowa farmers are still upset about an oil pipeline going under their farm fields. You might notice there are as many wind turbines as corn stalks in those fields. Farm run-off is helping create a “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico, forcing a discussion on water quality and farming practices. Climate change and the environment are top issues with the candidates this year. Some want to ignore it; others want a bold “green new deal” that changes the way businesses operate and people behave. Which candidate’s solutions best fit your views on climate change and the environment?
GOVERNMENT SPENDING & TAXES Since 1992, Iowa’s budget can only use 99% of the taxes collected. Not so with the US Congress, which routinely spends more than it has (and borrows money to cover the difference). The United States now owes more than $22.6 trillion, which is the largest debt owed by any country in the world. This debt is the largest it has ever been, and both parties are to blame. In terms of largest percentage increases in debt, the top
14 | 2020 IOWA CAUCUS GUIDE honors go to Presidents Franklin Roosevelt, need to be reminded that these services Woodrow Wilson, Ronald Reagan, and need to be flexible to meet each person’s George W. Bush (two Democrats and two individual needs and allow them to live in Republicans). Candidates have lots of plans their community of choice and support to fix the issues noted here. But if you want them as they work, live, and recreate int the to create a program, you have to pay for it. community. Which candidate’s views best But if you want to create a program, you have address this important area? to pay for it. How will the candidates pay for their ideas? Will it mean taxes going up? IMMIGRATION Who will pay more? Which candidate answers What comes to mind when you hear these questions best? “immigration?” You can’t turn on the news without hearing about the border, the wall, GUN VIOLENCE & CRIME and children separated from parents. You US teens and young adults are 50 times also hear other stories about closed borders: more likely to be killed by a gun than in companies cannot find enough people to fill any other economically advanced country. job openings, crops left in the fields because Mass shootings in schools, churches, clubs, there is no one to pick them, and refugees theaters, concerts and shopping centers unable to permanently move to the US after seem like a daily news story. In 2017, for the fleeing countries where their lives are in first time ever, more people in the US were danger. There are the “dreamers” who were killed by guns than in car accidents. Some born in the US to parents who entered the believe it’s an issue of mental health, while country illegally (including military veterans others want stronger gun laws. Where do who are still not recognized as citizens). you stand? Which candidates are best prepared to address these issues? HEALTH CARE & LONG-TERM CARE Health care is one of the top issues discussed POVERTY/INCOME INEQUALITY by candidates of both parties. Some want to One out of every ten people in the US lives get rid of “Obamacare” and let the private in poverty (defined as $25,700 for a family of sector fix things. Others want universal four). That number doubles for people with a “Medicare for All” coverage, so that all disability; one out of every four people with Americans have free health insurance. Some disabilities lives below the poverty line. That’s want to give people choices by either fixing four million people with disabilities living in the Affordable Care Act (aka “Obamacare”) poverty. Research shows that families need or giving people the choice to have a to earn twice the poverty level to cover basic government health care plan (aka “public expenses, which means nearly half (45%) of option”). People with disabilities, the elderly, American children live in families unable to and others with serious health conditions provide for their basic needs. What will the that limit their ability to live independently candidates do to help make sure everyone know the pros and cons of government- has the ability to earn a “living wage”? How financed healthcare and the private insurance will they make sure people with disabilities system. In addition, people rely on long-term have an equal opportunity to make a living? services and supports funded by government programs to remain independent. Candidates
THE NATION IS LISTENING. WHAT WILL YOU SAY? | 15 RESOLUTIONS: REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS IN THEIR OWN WORDS
16 | 2020 IOWA CAUCUS GUIDE Many people think the caucuses are all about in Iowa, all chaired by a volunteer from your picking a candidate for president. That is community. They may be your neighbor certainly a part of it but not the only part. or your cousin’s best friend. They will all Caucuses are a time when you get together run their caucus in slightly different ways. with others in your party to pick a candidate Typically the direction from the state parties for president AND talk about the issues that is for the caucus to “discuss resolutions will become a part of the party’s platform. to be submitted to the county platform committee.” A party platform is a document produced by a political party every two years that outlines Some may require resolutions to be that party’s beliefs and values as well as its submitted in writing. Some may allow them policy positions on important issues of the to be offered verbally (someone just standing day. What you may not know is that party up and stating a position for consideration). platforms start in precinct caucuses. Some may ask for the person offering the resolution to make comments and explain Anyone attending a caucus can propose the position. Others will simply ask for a a resolution that asks the party to take a vote. Sometimes to save time, the volunteer position on a specific issue. For instance, running the caucus will ask for all resolutions if you believe that more money should be to be sent to the district conventions (without spent in developing high-speed rail, you may discussion). offer a resolution that says that the Iowa (Democratic or Republican) Party supports It is best to be prepared and have your the investment of public funds to pay for the resolution written before you go. It can be development of high-speed rail and other handwritten or typed. You just need one copy public transportation options. for the chair (but you might want to keep a copy for yourself, in case you are asked to Whatever your issue, you can influence your speak). Just ask the chair when you arrive at party’s stand on that issue by writing and your caucus how resolutions will be handled, submitting a resolution for consideration so you know what to expect! at your caucus. It’s not as difficult as it may seem, and each caucus will handle the resolution process differently.
1. Use the template on the next page to draft your resolution. You don’t need to use this template—you can write your resolution on a napkin (but we don’t advise it).
2. If you are having trouble getting started, we have included a few sample resolutions that were actually offered at caucuses.
3. Go to your caucus and submit your resolution!
There are more than 1,600 precinct caucuses
THE NATION IS LISTENING. WHAT WILL YOU SAY? | 17 Offering resolutions at your caucus is the best way to make sure the voice of your party is YOUR VOICE.
Democratic Party Platform (2018): https://iowademocrats.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/09/2018-IDP-Platform.pdf
Republican Party Platform (2018): https://www.iowagop.org/about/platform/
RESOLUTION TEMPLATE Copy and use this template to help you draft your resolution, using the following pages (Guide & Samples) to help you get started.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION ON
Submitted by
Whereas
Whereas
Therefore, be it resolved that
18 | 2020 IOWA CAUCUS GUIDE RESOLUTION TEMPLATE GUIDE
PROPOSED RESOLUTION ON (SUBJECT/ISSUE)
Submitted by (YOUR NAME)
Whereas
Present fact #1, which gives a reason why it is important to do what you ask in your resolution. These statements should contain facts that have been verified, not just opinions.
Whereas
Present fact #2.
Whereas
Fact #3. Present as many facts as needed to support the resolution. You can present one fact or three, but we do not recommend going beyond 5–6 facts.
Therefore, be it resolved that
The (Democratic/Republican) Party shall …
A good resolution identifies WHO should take action (in this case, the party and its elected officials), defines WHAT actions should be taken in as much detail as needed to insure the desired action(s) are well-defined, states WHEN the action should be taken (if relevant) and identifies HOW the action should be taken.
THE NATION IS LISTENING. WHAT WILL YOU SAY? | 19 SAMPLE RESOLUTIONS
Not all resolutions need to be long. Here are two that were offered during recent caucuses. These resolutions were given to advocates as templates by an organization promoting these issues. These organizations told advocates they could submit all of the items or chose the ones they cared most about. Advocates were encouraged to customize the list.
Many organizations provide sample resolutions to their members. If you are a member of an organization, you might ask if they have a caucus resolution they would like you to offer at your caucus. The following are examples to help you get started; ID Action does not take positions on issues, so does not advocate for any specific resolution.
EXAMPLE #1: PROPOSED RESOLUTION ON INCLUSION
1. We oppose the privatization of Medicaid-funded home and community-based services to Iowans with disabilities.
2. We support increased state and federal funding to give individuals with disabilities of all types better access to supportive services, including improved flexibility to best meet the needs of each individual.
3. We support full funding for the children and adult regional disability services system.
4. We believe every Iowan with a disability has the right to meaningful choice in where they live and where they receive services and supports; state and federal policies should reflect this belief and support options and choice.
5. We support full inclusion of Iowans with disabilities in the workforce, and support policies that encourage employers to hire employees with disabilities.
6. We support strong state and federal policies that provide opportunities for all of Iowa’s 300,000 citizens with disabilities.
20 | 2020 IOWA CAUCUS GUIDE SAMPLE RESOLUTIONS (Continued...)
EXAMPLE #2: PROPOSED RESOLUTION ON MENTAL HEALTH
BECAUSE IN IOWA TODAY,
• 1 in 5 persons experience a mental illness shortage area. in a given year • Iowa’s workforce shortage is dire (we’re • 1 in 25 adults (or 127,000 Iowans) experience 47th in the number of psychiatrists, 46th a serious mental illness in a given year. in the number of psychologists, and 44th • There are only 711 acute care psychiatric in available mental health workforce beds in Iowa (615 in hospitals and 96 in availability). MHIs). • The number of mental health prescribers • Access to adequate treatment is difficult in the state is 316 (for a population of 3.1 (only half of Iowa’s adults with mental million). illness were treated). • The number of deaths by suicide (451) • 50% of all lifetime cases of mental illness reached an all-time high in 2018. begin by age 14, and 75% by age 25. • Without a workforce, there is no mental • 13% of youth live with a mental illness severe health system. enough to cause significant impairment in • Based on 2018 statistics, one person dies daily living. by suicide every 19 hours in Iowa. • The rate of mental illness jumps to 21% in • Death by suicide is the 2nd leading cause of youth age 13-18. death among ages 15-34 in Iowa. • Except for metropolitan counties, the entire • Jails and prisons have become the new state is in a mental health professional psychiatric hospitals.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT AS A PARTY, WE SUPPORT:
• A long-term funding formula to assure • Stopping the criminalization of mental adequate access to adult and children’s illness and addiction – a systemic change mental health services. to move persons with mental illness and • Immediate steps to improve the capacity addictive disorders into treatment, not of the mental health workforce. punishment.
THE NATION IS LISTENING. WHAT WILL YOU SAY? | 21 EDUCATE YOURSELF:
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
There are many people running for President. While this means there are more candidates to learn about, it also means voters have more choices. Following is a list of Democratic and Republican candidates. The list includes some brief background information on each candidate. You can visit the candidates’ websites to learn more about them and their positions on the issues that concern you.
Taking the time to research and understand the candidates and their ideas helps you become a knowledgeable and informed voter. Find out which candidate fits you best. We have also prepared an issue checklist where you can score candidates as an insert to accompany this Guide.
Candidates are current as of October 30, 2019.
22 | 2020 IOWA CAUCUS GUIDE Democratic Presidential Candidates
MICHAEL BENNET JULIÁN CASTRO www.michaelbennet.com www.julianforthefuture.com • US Senator from Colorado • Former mayor of San Antonio (Texas) & • Former superintendent for the Denver former Secretary for Housing & Urban Public School District Development (Obama Administration) • Was an attorney in an international law • Graduated from Stanford University & firm, worked in the US Department of Harvard Law School Justice, and was managing director at an • Identical twin brother (Joaquin) is a US investment company Representative from Texas
JOE BIDEN JOHN DELANEY www.joebiden.com www.johndelaney.com • Former Vice President • Former US Representative from Maryland • Former US Senator from Delaware • Former business CEO, named Ernst & • Practiced law and served on a local county Young Entrepreneur of the Year council • Graduated from Columbia University & Georgetown University Law School
CORY BOOKER www.corybooker.com TULSI GABBARD • US Senator from New Jersey and former www.tulsi2020.com Mayor of Newark • US Representative from Hawaii • Rhodes Scholar (University of Oxford, • Previously served in Hawaii Legislature England) • Combat veteran (Major in National Guard; • Attended Stanford on a football served two tours in Middle East) scholarship, graduated from Yale Law School KAMALA HARRIS www.kamalaharris.org STEVE BULLOCK • US Senator (California) www.stevebullock.com • Former San Francisco District Attorney & • Governor of Montana California Attorney General • Former State Attorney General (Montana) • Graduated from Howard University & • Practiced labor law got her law degree at the University of California
PETE BUTTIGIEG www.peteforamerica.com AMY KLOBUCHAR • Mayor of South Bend (Indiana) www.amyklobuchar.com • Military veteran (Lt. in US Navy Reserve; • US Senator (Minnesota) deployed to Afghanistan) • Former Hennepin County Attorney • Rhodes Scholar (University of Oxford, • Graduate of Yale University & University of England) & Harvard University graduate Chicago Law School
THE NATION IS LISTENING. WHAT WILL YOU SAY? | 23 Democratic Presidential Candidates (Continued...)
WAYNE MESSAM JOE SESTAK www.wayneforusa.com www.joesestak.com • Mayor of Miramar (Florida) • Former US Representative (Connecticut) & • Former college football champion (Florida former Navy Admiral (three star) State University) • Graduated from Harvard & the US Naval • Owns a construction firm and is a general Academy contractor • Highest ranking military officer ever elected to Congress, on faculty of US War College
BETO O’ROURKE www.betoorourke.com TOM STEYER • Former US Representative from Texas & www.tomsteyer.com former El Paso City Council member • Billionaire hedgefund executive & founded • Graduated from Columbia College NextGen America (climate change • Tech entrepreneur (Stanton Street advocacy) Technology Group) • Graduated from Yale & received MBA from Stanford; founded community bank • Signed a Giving Pledge to donate half of his TIM RYAN fortune to charity during his lifetime. www.timryanforamerica.com • US Representative (Ohio) & former Ohio State Senator ELIZABETH WARREN • Was a congressional aide before running www.elizabethwarren.com for Congress • US Senator from Massachusetts (but grew • Graduated from Bowling Green State up in Oklahoma) University & University of New Hampshire • Former public school special education Law School teacher & former Harvard University Law professor • Graduated from University of Houston & BERNIE SANDERS Rutgers Law School www.berniesanders.com • US Senator (Vermont) & former US Representative MARIANNE WILLIAMSON • Graduated from Brooklyn College & the www.marianne.com University of Chicago • Self-help author (13 books) & spiritual • Worked as a carpenter and documentary leader filmmaker before being elected as Mayor of • Founded Project Angel Food (meals on Burlington (Vermont) wheels program for people with AIDS in LA area) • Ran for Congress in 2014 (but lost)
24 | 2020 IOWA CAUCUS GUIDE Democratic Presidential Candidates (Continued...)
ANDREW YANG MARK SANFORD www.julianforthefuture.com www.marksanford.com • Former tech executive; founded economic • Former congressman from South Carolina development nonprofit (Venture for • Former Governor of South Carolina America) • Operated his family farm, worked in real • Named 2015 “Ambassador for Global estate prior to public service Entrepreneurship” • Graduated from Brown University & Columbia University Law School
Republican Presidential Candidates
DONALD TRUMP www.donaldjtrump.com • Elected President in 2016, beating Hillary Rodham Clinton • New York real estate developer and reality television star • Graduate of Wharton School of Finance
JOE WALSH www.joewalsh.org • Conservative radio show host • Former congressman from Illinois (tea party candidate) • Former history teacher
WILLIAM WELD www.weld2020.org • Former Governor of Massachusetts • Spent seven years as a federal prosecutor in US Department of Justice • Ran as Vice President on the Libertarian Party ticket in 2016
THE NATION IS LISTENING. WHAT WILL YOU SAY? | 25 OTHER PLACES TO FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE CANDIDATES
There are a number of websites that may be helpful as you search for information about the candidates and voting; below are a few. Please be careful when searching for websites, because many sites are partisan and may be owned by a candidate. While they may look official, they will not always have good factual and unbiased information.
MEDIA/NEWS CAUCUS SITES OTHER HELPFUL CAUCUS SITES
THE DES MOINES REGISTER: IOWA CAUCUS PROJECT (DRAKE UNIVERSITY): www.desmoinesregister.com/iowa-caucuses/ http://iowacaucusproject.org Includes calendar of candidate visits, links to candidate stands and information about GREATER DES MOINES PARTNERSHIP CAUCUS the candidates, caucus history and news INITIATIVE: coverage. www.catchdesmoines.com/iowacaucus/
Download the Iowa Caucus mobile app “FIRST IN THE NATION” EXHIBIT AT THE IOWA on your cell phone to get on-demand HISTORICAL MUSEUM information and breaking news www.iowaculture.gov/history/museum/ exhibits/first-nation IOWA PUBLIC RADIO: Iowapublicradio.org/term/2020-iowa-caucuses/ OTHER VOTING INFORMATION Podcast “Caucus Land” includes history
and interviews with voters and candidates LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS: (subscribe at www.iowapublicradio.org/rss) www.lwv.org and www.lwvia.org
IOWA PUBLIC TELEVISION: VOTE 411 (INFORMATION ON VOTING): http://www.iptv.org/iowapress/default.cfm www.vote411.org Hosts “Conversations with Candidates” that
can be viewed online REV UP! (REGISTER, EDUCATE, VOTE, USE YOUR POWER) PARTY CAUCUS INFORMATION Disability Vote Project of the American Association of People with Disabilities IOWA DEMOCRATIC PARTY: www.aapd.com/advocacy/voting/ www.iowademocrats.org
REPUBLICAN PARTY OF IOWA: www.iowagop.org
26 | 2020 IOWA CAUCUS GUIDE Iowans with Disabilities in Action 2020 Caucus Initiatives
HOW IOWANS WITH DISABILITIES IN ACTION CAN CONNECT YOU TO THE CAUCUSES Iowans with Disabilities in Action has created several caucus initiatives with the goal of getting more people affected by disabilities to be active and involved in the Iowa caucuses. The success of these efforts depends on you!
Take a few minutes to review the descriptions below. If there is something you are interested in and you need more information, check the Iowans with Disabilities in Action website at www.idaction.org, email us at [email protected] or call us toll-free at 1-866-432-2846.
1. DEBATE-WATCHING PARTY GRANTS Get 10 of your friends together and have a Debate-Watching Party. Grants of $50 are available to buy food, rent a room or to cover other expenses.
2. CAUCUS GRANT Grants of $150 are available for grassroots get-out-the-vote activities, candidate forums, or other creative activities that increase interest and involvement in the Iowa caucuses. Have an idea? Contact us now.
3. FREE WORKSHOPS Iowans with Disabilities in Action offers free interactive workshops on the caucuses and voter education. Do you have a group that wants to learn more about the caucuses or voting? Contact us for more information.
4. ONLINE LINK Go to the Iowans with Disabilities in Action website for links to the resources and information you need to help you become a more informed voter and effective advocate. Visit us at www.idaction.org.
THE NATION IS LISTENING. WHAT WILL YOU SAY? | 27 REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC COUNTY CHAIRS
Call the Iowa Democratic Party at (515) 244-7292 for your Democratic county chair’s phone number. You can find caucus locations online at https://iowademocrats.org/2020-caucuses/.
28 | 2020 IOWA CAUCUS GUIDE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CHAIR REPUBLICAN CHAIR
Adair Thaddeus Hawley Dan Emerson [email protected] [email protected] 641-745-7769
Adams Jackie Cordon Elaine Gaesser [email protected] [email protected] 641-344-2367
Allamakee Karen Pratte and Lori Egan Dan Emerson [email protected] [email protected] 562-568-7361
Appanoose Davana Jackson and Susan McDanel Dan Emerson [email protected] [email protected] 563-568-7361
Audubon Pat Crosley [email protected]
Benton Rosemary Schwartz Tim Busch [email protected] [email protected] 319-373-3971
Black Hawk Vikki Brown Lea Ann Saul [email protected] [email protected] 319-230-8472
Boone Tim Winter Gary Nystrom [email protected] [email protected] 515-212-0085
Bremer Al Charlson Mary Beck [email protected] [email protected] 319-404-3739
Buchanan Dan Callahan Richard Wearmouth [email protected] [email protected] 319-361-2948
THE NATION IS LISTENING. WHAT WILL YOU SAY? | 29 COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CHAIR REPUBLICAN CHAIR
Buena Vista Jim Eliason Matt Meiners [email protected] [email protected]
Butler Jane Close Dale Huberg [email protected] 319-269-2535
Calhoun Faith Blaskovich Kevin Schreier [email protected] [email protected] 515-463-2258
Carroll Peter Leo Craig Williams [email protected] [email protected] 712-790-8927
Cass Sherry Toelle David Weiderstein [email protected] [email protected] 712-243-5406
Cedar Larry Hodgden Velma Huebner [email protected] 563-452-1040
Cerro Gordo JoAnn Hardy Barbara Hovland [email protected] [email protected] 641-425-6821
Cherokee Stephanie Zarr Todd Bevard [email protected] [email protected] 712-490-7767
Chickasaw Amanda Glaser Timothy Deeny [email protected] [email protected] 563-569-8419
Clarke Sarah Truitt and Steve Waterman Jack Vanderflught [email protected] [email protected] 641-202-1004
30 | 2020 IOWA CAUCUS GUIDE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CHAIR REPUBLICAN CHAIR
Clay Ryan Odor Will Jones [email protected] [email protected] 515-230-6040
Clayton Brian Bruening Joe Zuercher [email protected] [email protected] 563-380-3394
Clinton Bill Jacobs Dan Smicker [email protected] [email protected] 563-343-3255
Crawford Beth Vogt and Marcia Bachmann Maura Sailer [email protected] [email protected] 402-990-5552
Dallas Bryce Smith Ron Forsell [email protected] [email protected] 319-213-4490
Davis Cheryll Jones Josh Davenport [email protected] [email protected] 641-208-0061
Decatur Marjie Foster Charles Coffey [email protected] [email protected] 641-342-0575
Delaware Robin Stone Roger Helmichs [email protected] [email protected] 563-920-1062
Des Moines DiAnne Lerud-Chubb and Tom Courtney Terry Davis [email protected] [email protected] 319-850-2061
Dickinson Brett Copeland David Rowley [email protected] [email protected] 712-330-5596
THE NATION IS LISTENING. WHAT WILL YOU SAY? | 31 COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CHAIR REPUBLICAN CHAIR
Dubuque Steve Drahozal Alexis Lundgren [email protected] [email protected] 563-451-9951
Emmet Laura Hoffman Kim Hageman [email protected] kimberlyhageman36@gmail. com 712-209-4428
Fayette Tim O’Brien David Hanson [email protected] [email protected] 563-425-3397
Floyd William Baresel Charley Thomson [email protected] [email protected] 847-456-1911
Franklin Catherine Crooks Larry Sailer [email protected] [email protected] 641-648-2046
Fremont Alice Hodde Freddie Krewson [email protected] [email protected] 712-374-6069
Greene Chris Henning Roger Olhausen [email protected] [email protected] 515-370-3188
Grundy Tracy Freese Brian Andersen [email protected] [email protected] 515-570-8583
Guthrie Kathy Miller Paul Hawkins [email protected] [email protected] 515-979-0686
Hamilton Kathy Getting Becky Kepler [email protected] [email protected] 515-835-0303
32 | 2020 IOWA CAUCUS GUIDE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CHAIR REPUBLICAN CHAIR
Hancock Gary Gelner John Wacker [email protected] [email protected] 641-430-7724
Hardin Drew Kloetzer Gene Newgaard [email protected] [email protected] 641-373-0561
Harrison Jan Creasman Wayne Bahr [email protected] [email protected] 712-216-0842
Henry Jeff Fager Trent Hobbs [email protected] [email protected] 319-931-7405
Howard Laura Hubka Neil Shaffer [email protected] [email protected] 563-379-5233
Humboldt [email protected]
Ida Thad Cosgrove Mark Leonard [email protected] [email protected] 712-830-9032
Iowa Ann Egley Brad Sherman [email protected] [email protected] 319-331-6019
Jackson Dave Kunzweiler and Donna Duvall Janelle Lutgen [email protected] [email protected] chairman@jacksoncountygop. net 563-543-1621
Jasper Michelle Smith Thad Nearmyer [email protected] [email protected] 641-891-8863
THE NATION IS LISTENING. WHAT WILL YOU SAY? | 33 COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CHAIR REPUBLICAN CHAIR
Jefferson Susie Drish Ben Gare [email protected] [email protected] 641-814-6220
Johnson Cynthia Michel [email protected] 319-321-0243
Jones Gary Hart Gerald Retzlaff [email protected] [email protected] 319-480-0014
Keokuk Tanner Halleran Tom Grove [email protected] [email protected] 641-224-9797
Kossuth Steve King Kathy Keller [email protected] [email protected] 515-320-3540
Lee Mary Jo Riesberg Martin Graber [email protected] [email protected] 319-470-5522
Linn Bret Nilles Laura Kamienski [email protected] [email protected] 319-431-6379
Louisa Sally Walker-Jondal Jason Delzell [email protected] 319-523-6314
Lucas Jim Zastawniak Paul Goldsmith [email protected] [email protected] 641-774-5989
Lyon Adam Kerkvliet John Fluit [email protected] [email protected] 712-470-1005
34 | 2020 IOWA CAUCUS GUIDE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CHAIR REPUBLICAN CHAIR
Madison Alan Feirer Joe Van Ginkel [email protected] [email protected] 515-491-5586
Mahaska Eric Palmer Jean Stanford [email protected] [email protected] 641-625-4345
Marion Ann Fields T. Waldmann-Williams [email protected] [email protected] 641-828-6407
Marshall Jeannine Grady Reid Riskedahl [email protected] [email protected] 641-691-2315
Mills Donna Crum Andrew Bergstrom [email protected] millscountycentralcommittee@ gmail.com 712-308-3510
Mitchell Kurt Meyer Lowell Tesch [email protected] [email protected] 641-257-7025
Monona Kenneth Mertes Tammy Bramley [email protected] [email protected] 712-265-1199
Monroe Calahan Whisler Matt Waldren [email protected] [email protected] 641-455-1135
Montgomery Joey Norris Margaret Stoldorf [email protected] [email protected] 402-917-6668
Muscatine Kelcey Brackett Fred Grunder [email protected] [email protected] 563-343-0040
THE NATION IS LISTENING. WHAT WILL YOU SAY? | 35 COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CHAIR REPUBLICAN CHAIR
O'Brien Karen Sterk Kelly O’Brien [email protected] [email protected] 712-930-8000
Osceola Kathy Winter Tom Zylstra [email protected] [email protected] 612-810-1082
Page Chris Adcock Ernie Aust [email protected] [email protected] 712-215-0553
Palo Alto Allie Wirtz Jesse Wolfe [email protected] [email protected] 712-298-0926
Plymouth Mark Sturgeon Karl Stodden [email protected] [email protected] 712-539-1210
Pocahontas Jerry Depew Michael Ryan [email protected] [email protected] 515-974-9257
Polk Sean Bagniewski Nick Van Patten [email protected] [email protected] 515-249-9698
Pottawattamie Scott Punteney Charlie Johnson [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 712-309-6208
Poweshiek Rachel Bly and John Grennan Chris Varney [email protected] [email protected] 712-212-1845
Ringgold Gary Keplinger Paul Dykstra [email protected] [email protected] 641-521-4773
36 | 2020 IOWA CAUCUS GUIDE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CHAIR REPUBLICAN CHAIR
Sac Tonya Ramsey John Meister [email protected] [email protected] 712-797-0107
Scott Elesha Gayman David Millage [email protected] [email protected] 563-370-2390
Shelby Ellen Walsh-Rossman and Amber Mohr Larry Madson [email protected] [email protected] 712-744-3355
Sioux Travis Andersen Tim Allen [email protected] [email protected] 712-441-7160
Story Madalyn Anderson Brett Barker [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 309-945-2110
Tama Dave Degner Frank Moran [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 641-844-8717
Taylor Betty Brummett and Lisa Jensen Stan Mattes [email protected] [email protected] 712-523-3190
Union Tiffany Gale Mike Lang [email protected] [email protected] 641-247-9295
Van Buren Twyla Peacock Kevin Karr [email protected] [email protected] 319-878-3023
THE NATION IS LISTENING. WHAT WILL YOU SAY? | 37 COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CHAIR REPUBLICAN CHAIR
Wapello Zach Simonson Trudy Caviness [email protected] [email protected] 641-680-6060
Warren Crystal Schrader Marylee Vanderpool [email protected] [email protected] 515-249-0304
Washington Kim Davis Merle D Miller [email protected] merlem@hawkeyebrokerage. com 319-330-2990
Wayne Nancy Camardo David Wampler [email protected] [email protected] 641-870-6500
Webster Julie Geopfert Jim Oberhelman [email protected] [email protected] 515-570-4812
Winnebago Lisa Ralls Julie Kvale [email protected] [email protected] 641-590-0652
Winneshiek Nathan Thompson Thomas Hansen [email protected] [email protected] 563-419-1496
Woodbury Jeremy Dumkrieger Suzan Stewart [email protected] [email protected] 712-574-1553
Worth Jane Podgorniak Jeff Gorball [email protected] 641-529-0975
Wright Larry McBain [email protected] 515-571-0056
38 | 2020 IOWA CAUCUS GUIDE THE NATION IS LISTENING. WHAT WILL YOU SAY? | 39 WWW.IDACTION.ORG • 866-432-2846 • [email protected]
This guide was prepared by the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council and Iowans with Disabilities in Action who encourage all Democratic and Republican precinct caucus sites to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. 40 | 2020 IOWA CAUCUS GUIDE