UPDATE: Over 320 attendees packed the Collegiate United Methodist Church in Ames, Iowa on Saturday for the Story County Democrats’ annual “Soup and More” fundraiser, marking the highest turnout since 2020. The event featured eight Democratic candidates vying for various state offices, highlighting urgent local issues and galvanizing community support.
With donations benefiting local food banks and the Story County Democratic Party, the atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm and urgency. Maddie Anderson, chair of the Story County Democrats, expressed pride in the turnout, stating, “I counted at least 320 people, which is more than we’ve had since Kamala Harris was here in 2020.”
Candidates like Nate Willems, who is running for attorney general, emphasized the pressing need for change in Iowa’s statewide offices. Willems remarked on the community’s eagerness for a shift, stating, “The biggest concern people articulate is that they’re just hungry to win.” He aims to restore the state’s Consumer Protection Division, ensuring accountability against corporate malfeasance.
“I want the attorney general’s office to take a role in prosecuting corporate crimes, particularly crimes against workers,” Willems declared.
Concerns about voting rights also dominated discussions at the event, especially following the passage of the SAVE America Act by the U.S. House of Representatives on February 11. Attendee Teri Veysey expressed alarm over the potential disenfranchisement of voters, particularly married women who may struggle to provide matching documentation. “We’re really concerned about losing our democracy,” Veysey emphasized.
While the event underscored national legislative concerns, attendees voiced significant frustrations about local issues, including the controversial Education Savings Account (ESA) program. Judy Lemish, another participant, criticized how funds are allocated, asserting, “This issue goes against the separation of church and state.”
Candidate Chris Jones tackled the crucial issue of water quality, demanding accountability from state officials. “We’re not in a water quality crisis; we’re in a state of failure,” he stated, blaming corporate interests for the deterioration of Iowa’s water resources.
“The insurance companies and the ungovernable multinational agribusiness corporations always get the outcomes they want,” Jones added.
As the event drew to a close, Rob Sand, the state auditor, raised alarms about legislation threatening the power of the governor. “They’re literally advancing bills to limit the power of the next governor,” he warned, referencing three proposed bills that would significantly reduce executive power.
With the Iowa election looming, the energy at the “Soup and More” event was palpable. Candidates and community members alike are gearing up for a crucial November election, with many feeling it could reshape the state’s political landscape.
The event not only raised funds but also invigorated Iowa’s Democratic base, fostering a sense of urgency and commitment to taking back control in the upcoming elections. As the political climate heats up, all eyes are now on how these developments will influence voter turnout and engagement in Iowa this fall.
