Like it or not, Iowa progressives have few places to turn except to the Democratic Party if one is serious about effecting change in our government. This is not a philosophical choice, or even a personal choice, it is one of the immutable facts of political life, so get over it please take a look and get involved.

That said, the Iowa Democratic Party (IDP) has scheduled it’s 2014 convention on Saturday, June 21, and made their convention booklet available online. The convention will showcase the IDP and inside the booklet is the party platform, along with logistics information for the day. Here’s party chair Scott Brennan’s welcome letter for delegates.

Dear Fellow Iowa Democrat,

Welcome to the 2014 Iowa Democratic Party State Convention!

This year’s State Convention gives Democrats the opportunity to come together and officially kick off the general election season as one unified party. With fantastic candidates like Bruce Braley and Jack Hatch at the top of the ticket and great statewide, legislative and county candidates, we are working together to ensure Democratic victories across the board in November. Your enthusiasm and support is crucial to our momentum, and I thank you for attending.

Over the next five months, we will need to work together to build one of the strongest grassroots campaigns this state has ever seen in a midterm election year. Our organizers and volunteers will be knocking on doors in every corner of the state to elect Democrats up and down the ticket– and we are counting on you to be a part of it. As a delegate to the State Convention you are already a leader helping to shape the future of our great Iowa Democratic Party; use today to network with other leaders, get ideas and inspiration and take them back to your local party.

At the end of the day, this party is about coming together with friends and neighbors from all different backgrounds to fight for the values that are important to our communities and moving Iowa forward.

Thank you for your commitment to the Iowa Democratic Party. Let’s make this another great year for Iowa Democrats!

Sincerely,
Scott M. Brennan
Chair, Iowa Democratic Party

“Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley will be joining us at the state convention on Saturday morning as our keynote speaker,” said IDP Executive Director Troy Price. “He is one of our party’s up and coming leaders, and has proven through his work in Maryland that progressive values can help change a state and a country.”

Whatever issues exist with Iowa Democratic party politics, this is a time to come together under the big tent, and organize for the 2014 midterms.

To learn more, click on the link to the IDP here.