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Friday, August 7, 2020

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Iowa Dems Dispatch: Highlights from the Hawkeye State

Iowa Democrats had another exciting week full of high-profile endorsements and new ads showcasing their work to fight for Iowans 

DES MOINES — This week, momentum continued to grow for Iowa Democrats up and down the ballot with less than 90 days until the November election. Four Iowa Democrats were endorsed by President Barack Obama, several released new TV ads, and more.

 Take a look at some of the highlights from Iowa Democrats this week: 

Obama Endorsed Four “Thoughtful, Empathetic, and Highly Qualified” Iowa Democrats:

On Monday, President Barack Obama made his first endorsements of the 2020 general election cycle by endorsing Theresa Greenfield for Senate and Abby Finkneaneur, Rita Hart, and Cindy Axne for Congress.

“I’m proud to endorse this diverse and hopeful collection of thoughtful, empathetic, and highly qualified Democrats,” said Obama of his endorsement of these four women running for federal office in Iowa. “ If you’re in one of their districts or states, make sure you vote for them this fall.”

Theresa Greenfield Called on Ernst to Extend Unemployment Benefits and Released a New Plan to Help Iowa Farmers:

WQAD: Theresa calls to extend expanded unemployment benefits

Theresa knows what it’s like for Iowa workers to fall on tough times — especially during a global pandemic and an unprecedented recession. Earlier this week, she called on Senator Ernst to extend enhanced unemployment benefits so out-of-work Iowans can continue receiving their $600 a week to make ends meet. Theresa also participated in live radio interviews on KXEL in Cedar Rapids and KOIL in Southwestern Iowa to call out Ernst. Meanwhile, Senator Ernst left DC before the GOP agreed on another extension of this critical aid.

Iowa Feminist: Vilsack backs Greenfield’s new plan to support Iowa farmers

While Ernst has been busy making excuses to not extend worker relief for struggling Iowans, Theresa released a new plan to help Iowa farmers compete, protect and grow ethanol and biofuel jobs, level the playing field, lead in conservation efforts, and create rural opportunities. Former Iowa Governor and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack backs this plan, saying “The policies Theresa Greenfield is putting forward today show she’ll be a trusted fighter for Iowa’s agriculture industry who is ready to get the job done.”

Abby Finkenauer Focuses on Getting Things Done: 

The Gazette: Abby Finkenauer calls more coronavirus relief ‘imperative’; criticizes Reynolds pandemic response

Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer also called for more coronavirus relief this week by sharing stories of the ways COVID-19 has affected her constituents’ families, jobs, and opportunities. On Tuesday night, Finkenauer heard from three voters in her district at a virtual coronavirus townhall and shared how she’s fighting for the support they deserve in Congress.

New TV Ad: Abolish

Today, Finkenauer’s campaign launched its second TV ad of the election cycle. “Abolish” highlights Finkenauer’s record of working across the aisle to get things done and stand up for Iowans.

Cindy Axne Held a COVID Townhall and Went Up on the Airwaves: 

The Perry News: Cindy Axne shares plans, hopes with Perry business people

On Tuesday, Congresswoman Cindy Axne held a townhall with Perry constituents and businesses to hear how the pandemic is affecting them. She shared her recent legislative fights to give relief to the businesses hit the hardest by COVID-19 and her commitment to fighting for everyday Iowans.

New TV Ad: Baggage

Axne released a new TV ad this morning, “Baggage.” Her second TV ad of the election cycle highlights the difference in voting records between Axne and former Representative David Young on protecting health care for Iowans – including Young’s vote to end protections for pre-existing conditions, and her work to lower drug prices and health care costs for Iowa families.

Rita Hart Releases Her First TV Ad of the Cycle:

Iowa Press Citizen: Rita Hart, running to replace Dave Loebsack in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District seat, drops first TV ad, highlighting family, farm

In Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District, Rita Hart also showcased a new TV ad – “Family Supper” – her campaign’s first ad ever. The 30-second spot highlights her family, work as a farmer, and commitment to economic development support for her community.

JD Scholten Talks About Why He Ran for Congress: 

JD Scholten sat down with a podcast to discuss why he decided to run for Congress in Iowa’s 4th Congressional District to bring hard-working Iowans the representation they deserve.