Little-known Democratic 2020 hopefuls make early Iowa visits

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — John Delaney wasn't slowed by a crush of national political press that sometimes swarms presidential candidates at the Iowa State Fair. Quite the opposite.

"Who is that?" retired child psychologist Bernard Wiesemann of Des Moines said Friday as the three-term Maryland congressman — and declared candidate for the 2020 presidential nomination — strode down the fair's busy Grand Concourse.

"It's John Somebody, right?" said Linda Gundlach, who sold Delaney lemonade at the popular Steer 'N Stein watering hole near the grandstand. "I was wondering who he was."

Such is the burden of little-known Democrats who have begun making visits to early presidential nominating states. With more than a year and a half before Iowa holds the caucuses that signal the beginning of the presidential nomination process, the top Democratic stars and many other rising national figures are staying away for now, focusing instead on the upcoming midterm elections.

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