Loebsack says he's learning to be leader

JOHNSTON — Dave Loebsack says he is finding his way in his new role of carrying the flag for Democrats in Iowa.

When he was re-elected to his fifth term in Congress in November, Loebsack also became Iowa's highest-ranking elected official, thanks to a conservative wave that poured two new Republicans into the state's Congressional delegation and kept Terry Branstad in the governor's office.

Before the 2014 elections, Iowa's delegation of U.S. Senators and congressmen was an even split of three Democrats and three Republicans. After 2014, Loebsack is the only Democrat left standing.

Loebsack said he has embraced his new role as a party leader, but he's still learning.

'There's no template for it that I'm aware of. If there were I'd be checking that out and figuring out how to do this,' Loebsack said after filming this week's episode of Iowa Public Television's 'Iowa Press.' The episode airs this weekend.

Air times for this week's episode of 'Iowa Press':

Friday: 7:30 p.m. on Iowa Public Television

Saturday: 8:30 a.m. on IPTV World (.3)

Sunday: Noon on Iowa Public Television

Loebsack said the vast majority of his time is spent representing Iowa's 2nd District in the U.S. House, and when the time comes, his focus will shift to his 2016 re-election campaign.

Loebsack said he wants to balance those responsibilities with the new ones that come with being someone to whom the party looks for leadership.

'I'm in a situation now where, by happenstance and de facto, I'm the highest ranking official here in the Democratic Party. So I'm more than happy to take on that role,' Loebsack said. 'But I do have to balance my time. I just have to be very careful.'

Loebsack said one way he is trying to lead is by advocating for Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucuses. He said he is encouraging all Democratic candidates for president to campaign often in Iowa.

'I really believe that the best way to rebuild the Democratic Party for now is to have a good, competitive caucus and to get folks excited about our candidates, whoever our nominee may be,' Loebsack said during filming for 'Iowa Press.'

Loebsack said he does not plan to endorse a Democratic candidate for president before the caucuses, but he has endorsed Monica Vernon in the northeast Iowa Congressional district next to his.

Vernon ran for the seat in 2014 and finished second in a five-way primary. She then joined the unsuccessful gubernatorial ticket with state Sen. Jack Hatch.

Vernon and Gary Kroeger have declared their intention to seek the Democratic nomination in the 1st District. The primary winner will face freshman incumbent Republican Rep. Rod Blum.

'I think Monica is the best person for that race. I'm really happy to endorse her. I think that she is a great problem solver,' Loebsack said.