Harkin served as chair of original caucus

Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) welcomed Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) to the Populist Caucus' meeting this morning. Harkin, a co-founder of the original Populist Caucus, discussed the history of the group, and the role of Populist values in today's economy.

"Senator Harkin did an outstanding job of addressing and motivating the caucus this morning," Braley said. "His words were a great reminder that the principles we fight for today are the same middle-class values the original Populist Caucus platform was founded upon. I'm very thankful to the Senator for taking time to visit us this morning, and for continuing to promote Populist ideals in his work."

"Populists throughout history have stood up for the struggling middle class and against deeply entrenched economic interests who use their power to impede progress.  That's why, on the cusp of meaningful health care reform, it is so important to have a strong populist voice in Congress," Harkin said. "I am proud that Congressman Braley has revitalized this movement, because Americans deserve someone in Washington who will fight for working people and their right to earn a fair wage, for health care as a right and not a privilege and for quality public schools for all of our children."

Senator Harkin served as co-chair of the first Populist Caucus in 1983. It consisted of 14 Midwest Democrats fighting specifically for fairer taxes, lower interest rates and cheaper energy.

Braley founded a new Populist Caucus in 2009 with the same underlying motivations. The caucus now has 29 members, united from varying backgrounds to fight for the same agenda of strengthening the middle class.

More information on the Populist Caucus, including their Health Care Principles can be found on Braley's website: http://www.braley.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=294&Itemid

Photos from this morning's meeting can be downloaded here: http://drop.io/uzxj5du

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