Remarks by IDP Chairman Michael Kiernan

Saturday, November 21st, 2009

“Good evening and welcome again fellow Democrats from across the State.  We have an exciting evening planned for you.

“Tonight I am honored to represent the Iowa Democratic Party and a new generation of Democrats.

“All across this state and nation people have put their faith in Democrats, in ways we have not seen in at least 45 years.

“We are lead by our outstanding President Barack Obama who launched his successful bid for the White House right here in Iowa.  The majority of Iowa’s delegation in Congress is made up of Democrats, led by our Senator Tom Harkin, and our great Representatives Boswell, Braley and Loebsack.

“At the statehouse Governor Culver and Lt. Governor Judge lead the State shoulder to shoulder with Senator Gronstal, Speaker Murphy and our Democratic majorities in both houses. And let’s not forget we have a friend who now serves in the Cabinet – Iowa’s own Secretary of Agriculture…Tom Vilsack.  Thank you Christie for being here tonight!

“But it doesn’t stop there for us.  In courthouses and city hall chambers throughout Iowa, Democrats such as Mayor Ed Malloy of Fairfield, and Supervisors like Linda Langston in Linn County are also leading the way and getting the job done on behalf of their communities, every single day.

“As we enjoy our success tonight, many in this room are able to remember the last time our party was the dominant political force in the state.

“You have taught me and my generation the tremendous excitement that comes with the knowledge that we as a party can renew our strength, and carry the trust and faith of our people into the work of governing, and governing well.

“Perhaps even more exciting, though, is the reality that for many in this room, including me, these last two election years have had such an explosion of support for Democrats up and down the ballot.

“As all of you know these things don’t happen by accident.   And you can look at all the blue and red maps you want, and still not see the whole story.  Behind every election victory is a long march . . . of phone calls made, doors knocked, lit mailed and the hope of a better future acted out in living rooms all over Iowa.

“What they may not see is the grassroots and the backbone of our party.  Those that dedicate their time as state central committee members and county party chairs giving countless hours of work.  One of those is my mother, Joan, whose dedication is still an example to me. To them I say thank you.

“What they may not see looking at that blue and red map is that person in a green AFSCME t-shirt, a blue Teamsters jacket, or wearing SEIU purple! Those in organized labor who have fought with us side by side and share our Democratic beliefs.  And to that end, each and every one of us here tonight owes you a great debt of gratitude.  Thank you!

“Tonight is an opportunity to celebrate our past victories, and also to begin the work of preparing to win in 2010.

“Remember, everything you need to know about elections you learned in Driver’s Ed:  ‘When you want to go backwards, put it in ‘R,’” and when you want to go forward, put it in ‘D’!!’

“Thanks again for your coming tonight.  We have an exciting evening planned for you. So let’s get right into it.”

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Tags: Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, Michael Kiernan
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