On November 21, I began my morning with a trip to Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines, the site of the Iowa Democratic Party’s Jefferson-Jackson Dinner. The purpose of the trip included setting up an information table in the lobby area leading to the dining hall as well as placing a two-sided flyer on each chair inside the huge dining hall. As the morning progressed toward noon, a number of candidates and workers added flyers so that each chair contained information representing a talented slate of Democratic candidates.
That morning, Hy-Vee Hall buzzed with preparation as the final details received consideration and deliberation. The centrally-located stage required attention to every detail as the guest speakers - including the Vice President of the United States - would be addressing hundreds of Iowa Democrats. The banners of many candidates were being displayed along a full wall of the dining hall. The testing of a large screen projection system displayed slides from the Iowa Democratic Party and its candidates.
Out in the entrance area, we hung one of my campaign banners on the wall behind our table. On the table we arranged literature representative of me as a candidate. All around us, other candidates were busy attending to the same task. As we departed just before noon, all the arrangements for a successful event seemed to be in place.
My advance group of Jeremy, Tiffany, and Steve arrived at 4:00 p.m. to make sure everything was in place and ready to go. Carole and I arrived at approximately 4:45 p.m. From the time of our arrival, I enjoyed the pleasure of meeting and greeting many wonderful Democrats from across the state of Iowa. Tiffany volunteered to get “Maske for Congress” stickers on everyone as they arrived. Jeremy and Steve stayed near the table to distribute literature, answer questions, and recruit volunteers for the campaign ahead.
One of my great pleasures was meeting former Congressman Berkley Bedell. I always admired Congressman Bedell for his honorable service in the United States Congress. I had met him once before many years ago. It was truly good to see him again.
At 5:30 p.m., Carole and I joined others in the Jackson Reception. I moved from group to group enjoying the conversation and appreciating the passion of Democrats for good government. Democrats want to see government work to improve the quality of life for all people, not just those of privilege. If Democrats will convert their passion into action, we will win the 4 th District in November 2010.
At 7:00 p.m., Jeremy, Tiffany, Steve, Carole, and I entered the dining hall for the main event. After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, the Bridges 2 Harmony Choir from Roosevelt High School offered a stirring performance of the National Anthem. Rev. Cheryl R. Thomas’ invocation declared the strength of our faith and called upon God to bless America.
We heard great speeches by Congressman Braley, who called on us to stand strong against those who peddle fear in our country today; Congressman Boswell, who reminded us of the progress we have made in ten short months; Lt. Governor Judge, who is proud to serve Iowans alongside Governor Culver; Governor Culver, as he shared the progress we have made in Iowa and assured us that our best days still lie ahead; and Senator Harkin, appearing via satellite to proclaim a great senate vote on health care.
The highlight of the evening came with a rousing speech by Vice President Joe Biden. In his speech, the Vice President recited a litany of accomplishments that have occurred in the first ten months of the Obama Presidency. He advised all Democrats to stand tall and strong as we prepare for the 2010 election. He called on Democrats to be more active than ever to ensure and secure democratic leadership in the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate. The Vice President declared that this administration is not about incremental change, but about real and significant change. He warned that Republicans will do everything possible to obstruct the march of progress. We must not let this happen. The 21 st Century requires our vision of progress if we are truly going to secure the future for all people.
At the conclusion of the dinner, many moved into the adjoining room for the Victory 2010 After-Party, which featured the U.S. Senate candidates. I look forward to campaigning with all our fine Senate candidates over the course of the next year.
As the evening came to a close, I reflected on what it means to be a candidate. It means that I am asking you for an opportunity to serve. It means that I want the opportunity to be devoted to making this government of, for, and by the people - a true reflection of the sacred principles found in the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. This democracy is a grand endeavor in securing liberty and justice for all. We can and must do better!
~ Bill
