FAIRFIELD, IOWA -- The political season was in full swing as the two major political parties held District Conventions Saturday across Iowa.
All five of Iowa’s Democrat Districts gathered as did three of the five Republican Districts.
Both the 2nd District Democrats and 2nd District Republicans held their conventions in Fairfield. They discussed party platforms and elected state delegates.
Senator Chuck Grassley, (R) Iowa, understands the importance of working together as a party.
“As a leader of the Republican Party in the state of Iowa, I have a responsibility to encourage Republicans, go around and say how we can help, give them updates on issues before Congress, and things of that nature,” Grassley said.
Elected officials also made appearances at the conventions. Congressman Dave Loebsack, (D) Iowa, was impressed with vast participation across Iowa today.
“That’s pretty darn good for mid-term elections. Before I ran for Congress I was pretty involved in this process and I don’t recall quite this much excitement for a mid-term election at a District Convention, so this is pretty wonderful,” Loebsack said.
Another key part of the conventions is hearing candidate speeches.
Candidates running for federal, state, and local offices all want to be on November’s ticket, but they first win their party’s support in the June Primary.
Senator Grassley said no seat is safe. He said candidates cannot expect to win just because their opponent might be imploding, but rather each candidate needs a strong platform of their own.
KTVO caught up with Iowa’s gubernatorial candidates as they made their rounds through Iowa.
“I believe that the best thing we could do in Iowa is to cut taxes, cut taxes for businesses because ultimately businesses who succeed and prosper will be able to invest capital, buy equipment and eventually lead to hiring new workers,” said Rep. Rod Roberts, (R) Carroll.
“We need to restore fiscal responsibility. Under Gov. Culver and the Democratic Legislature the state is not facing a likely $1 Billion debt. We need to restore fiscal responsibility and put the focus back on bringing good jobs to Iowa,” said former Gov. Terry Branstad, (R) Des Moines.
“I believe in Iowa’s vast potential. We have a great state, we’re loaded with great people, we have great natural resources, we have the infrastructure and I believe we’re geographically placed smack-dab in the middle to be the next economic engine of this country,” said Bob Vander Plaats, (R) Sioux City.
Governor Chet Culver could not talk with KTVO Saturday after a changing his schedule to accomodate a funeral.
The Primary in Iowa is June, 8.
Click here to see a list of all the State Candidates in June’s Primary.