The Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO (IFL) held its Committee on Political Education (C.O.P.E) Convention, April 23, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa last weekend. This is the formal step in the process to evaluate candidates for the first round of endorsements for the 2016 election cycle.
“The Iowa Federation of Labor endorsement process is very democratic. Local labor councils evaluate and recommend endorsements to the state organization, where they must get two-thirds support to get an endorsement,” said Ken Sagar, President of the IFL. “We consider all candidates who return our questionnaire and answer the questions appropriately. The Iowa Federation of Labor is looking for candidates, regardless of party, who are committed to advancing policies that are in the best interests of all working people.”
Additional endorsements may be made as candidate questionnaires are completed and returned. IFL Secretary-Treasurer Charlie Wishman noted, “Some candidates do not return questionnaires, which effectively eliminates them from endorsement opportunities with our organization. Our program requires candidates to tell us where they stand on issues important to working Iowans before we will support them.”
The IFL has endorsed Rob Hogg, for U.S. Senate. In U.S. House races, the IFL has endorsed Dave Loesack in the second congressional district, Jim Mower for third district, and Kim Weaver for fourth. The convention delegates voted to not endorse at this time in the first district.
The following candidates have been endorsed for Iowa House and Senate:
Senate Districts (SD)
SD 8: Mike Gronstal
SD 20: Miyoko Hikiji
SD 26: Mary Jo Wilhelm
SD 30: Jeff Danielson
SD 34: Liz Mathis
SD 42: Rich Taylor
SD 46: Chris Brase
SD 50: Pam Jochum
House Districts (HD)
HD 7: Dave Grussing
HD 12: Ken Myers
HD 15: Charlie McConkey
HD 17: Jan Creasman
HD 25: Justin Knight
HD 27: Rich Higdon
HD 30: Joe Riding
HD 34: Bruce Hunter
HD 37: Andrea Phillips
HD 39: Maridith Morris
HD 41: Jo Oldson
HD 43: Jennifer Konfrst
HD 47: Deb Duncan
HD 50: Doris Fritz
HD 52: Todd Prichard
HD 55: Steve McCargar
HD 57: Tom Stecher
HD 59: Bob Kressig
HD 61: Timi Brown-Powers
HD 64: Bruce Bearinger
HD 66: Art Stead
HD 69: Kirsten Running-Marquardt
HD 71: Mark Smith
HD 75: Paula Denison
HD 80: Levi Grenko
HD 83: Jerry Kearns
HD 85: Vicki Lensing
HD 90: Cindy Winckler
HD 93: Phyllis Thede
HD 96: Matt Hanlon
HD 99: Abby Finkenauer
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