An early peek at 8 Iowa Democrats lining up to run for governor

BOONE, Ia. —Boone County Democrats held a Picnic for the People at McHose Park here Saturday as an alternative to a big Republican Party event just a few miles away for U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst and other GOP dignitaries.

About 200 Democrats chowed down on pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans, coleslaw and cupcakes. But their main course was speeches with stinging criticism of newly inaugurated Gov. Kim Reynolds and her predecessor, former Gov. Terry Branstad. They heard from eight hopefuls for Iowa's 2018 governor's race who are either official candidates or still exploring a campaign.

All the Democrats warned that the Reynolds/Branstad administration has offered Iowans failed leadership that hasn't delivered either on promises of economic and job growth or an increase in family incomes.

They contended Republicans have turned the state over to corporate interests that are not focused on helping Iowa workers or their families. They also said rural Iowa is being hurt by GOP policies that are offering few job opportunities for young Iowans in small towns while continuing to promote the growth of larger farms that diminish the ability for Iowans to have a future in farming.

Read more: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2017/06/03/iowa-democrats-rap-reynolds-branstad-peoples-picnic-boone/364304001/