Democratic Hopefuls Address the Iowa Democratic Party's Hall of Fame Dinner

On Saturday evening, June 2nd, I represented Team ISEA at the Iowa Democratic Party's Hall of Fame Dinner in Cedar Rapids. It was a great opportunity to thank Iowa House and Senate members for their work on behalf of public education this legislative session as well as hear from candidates running for president.

The first to address the 1,000 gathered was U.S.Senator Tom Harkin. Senator Harkin is a real champion for workers and their families. As a member of the majority party in the U.S.Senate, Senator Harkin chairs both the Agriculture Committee and the Appropriations committee on Labor, Health, Human Services and Education.

Candidates running for President of the United States (in attendance) were (from left to right) top row: Senator Chris Dodd (CT); and U.S.Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (NY). Second row: former U.S.Senator John Edwards (NC) and Governor Bill Richardson (NM). Third row: U.S.Senator Joe Biden (DE).

It was once again a great chance to see the presidential candidates up close. Almost as important, it was an opportunity to visit more at length with key staffers of these campaigns.

I was also able to thank Iowa's freshman members of Congress, Congressman Braley and Congressman Loebsack for the difference they are making. The new majority party has really gotten down to work and made a difference for families all across the nation since taking charge in mid-January 2007!