Loebsack event hosts overflow crowd in Iowa City
Some may think 'Iowa City, of course there will be a big crowd.' But this was the fourth event like this that Dave has held and the previous 3 crowds were far from overwhelming. We have been to all four.
The room he holds it in (Celebration Barn north of Iowa City) holds @ 500 I would guess. Previous crowds have been about 60% full. Since the event always seems to fall on one of the nicest days of the year that is not too surprising.
Yesterday, however, all the tables were full and there was approximately 60 to 75 standing around the edges. For the first time ever they ran out of food - we didn't get to eat.
The talent for the event was top drawer. Local candidates including Jodi Clements who is taking on Jeff Kaufmann's little boy Bobby for the state house. State candidates including Tim Gannon for Ag Secretary, Diedre DeJear who I so hope is our new Secretary of State and Rita Hart, the Dems candidate for Lt. Governor.
There was some national talent also: Eric Swalwell Rep from California, Pete Buttigieg the wunderkind mayor of South Bend, Indiana - this young man is something! - and old friend to Iowa, Tom Harkin.
The energy was tremendous. As an old hand in the area I am used to seeing a lot of the same old faces. Not yesterday. Lots of new and very young faces that looked committed. Sure gave me a feeling that good things are going to happen in November!