Campaign Almanac: Miller-Meeks endorsed in GOP primary by Iowa Gov. Reynolds, AG Bird

Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks has been endorsed in the Republican primary election by two of Iowa’s top statewide elected Republicans, Gov. Kim Reynolds and Attorney General Brenna Bird, according to Miller-Meeks’ campaign.

Miller-Meeks is running for a third, two-year term in the U.S. House in Eastern Iowa’s 1st Congressional District.

She is being challenged by Republican David Pautsch, a prayer breakfast organizer from Davenport.

Democrat Christina Bohannan, who unsuccessfully challenged Miller-Meeks in 2022, is running again this year.

Reynolds and Bird gave statements in support of Miller-Meeks in a news release from her campaign.

“(Miller-Meeks) is feared by Democrats — calling out their hypocrisy as a doctor and veteran,” Reynolds said in the news release.

Added Bird, “(Miller-Meeks) is a dedicated public servant with a track record of success in standing up for Iowa families and farmers. Whether she is fighting on the front lines as a doctor, soldier, or lawmaker, Mariannette has been the leader Iowans can count on.”

Iowa’s primary election is June 4.

Ernst fundraiser picks veterans beneficiary

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The nonprofit Iowa Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation will be this year’s beneficiary of Republican U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst’s annual “Roast and Ride” fundraiser, Ernst’s campaign announced.

A different veterans-related group is selected to benefit from Ernst’s annual fundraiser.

“The IVFWF is honored to be a part of an event championing those who have sacrificed so much for our state and country,” Russell “Doc” Saffell, president of the Iowa VFW Foundation, said in a news release from the Ernst campaign. “We’re looking forward to riding alongside Senator Joni Ernst and fellow Iowans who come out to support veterans.”

Ernst’s 2024 “Roast and Ride” fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, June 1. The event begins with a motorcycle ride that will start at 10:15 a.m. at Big Barn Harley-Davidson in Des Moines and finish at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The event then heads indoors for a program inside the Fairgrounds’ Animal Learning Center. That program is scheduled to run from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Ernst’s campaign said riders and supporters are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at iowasroastandride.com.

Iowa Democrats set date for annual fundraiser

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The Iowa Democratic Party’s annual Liberty and Justice Celebration fundraiser has been scheduled for July 27, the state party announced.

Additional details regarding the time, location and speakers will be provided later, the party said. However, tickets can be purchased online now.

“This year, the LJ will get us ready to have a terrific national Convention, help us organize our army of volunteers, and fund our get out the vote efforts in November,” Iowa Democratic Party state chairwoman Rita Hart said in a news release.

Gazette-Lee Des Moines Bureau