ALBIA, IOWA (February 12, 2020) — Today, Focus on Rural America Co-Founders Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge and Jeff Link commented on the Iowa Caucuses and need for the grassroots process to remain first-in-the-nation: "As the first-in-the-nation caucus, Iowans take our role in the presidential nominating-process very seriously. For the past week, our personal backgrounds and legitimacy have been constantly criticized. Despite the criticism that we are too white, too old, and too slow, we continue to do our very best on behalf of the nation. Iowa has a proud history of caucus-winners that include the first African-American President, the first female nominee, and, in 2020, having caucused overwhelmingly for a Jewish man and the first same-sex marriage candidate. "The Iowa caucuses are about much more than 'winning' and serve an important role for Iowans and for the country that is much more than counting numbers. Our unique role in the nominating process means candidates must engage people directly, exposing themselves to voters who too often feel ignored by the Beltway, condescended by coastal elites, and who vote on kitchen-table issues, not party politics. "More than 20 candidates engaged with Iowa’s rural voters far beyond what we have seen in the past, visiting 14 biofuel facilities and crafting just as many detailed rural plans, all of which outshine campaign agendas from previous cycles. The candidates gained a greater appreciation for small towns, ag-based economies, and trade impacts. They have seen the importance of decent jobs in shrinking towns and are crafting climate-change solutions that partner with farmers rather than vilify them. "The national Democratic party should be standing with us to produce the best processes possible, and they should avoid impulsive decisions that would remove the only truly rural state from the start of nominating process. To give Iowa the boot due to reporting delays — without regard for successfully organizing 1,700 simultaneous neighborhood caucuses, for vetting 24 candidates, for the second most highly-attended caucus, or the seamlessness of events prior to a faulty phone application — would be a disservice to future candidates and to America. And, of course, we stand ready to support and assist the process to ensure accurate and timely reporting of caucus results. "The Iowa caucus works. Our grassroots process ensures candidates can’t hid behind VIP fundraisers and sweeping ad-buys. Iowa is the best stumping ground for candidates to meet voters one-one-one and inspire the nation on a shoestring budget. We are confident Iowa will continue to test candidates four years from now and beyond."
Focus on Rural America is a nonprofit organization aimed at boosting progressive causes and organizations by developing and promoting economic messages that resonate in rural America.
