Millennials set forum for Iowa Democratic chair candidates

CEDAR RAPIDS - At least six Democrats seeking to lead their state party will participate in a forum Dec. 16, a day before the Iowa Democratic Party's governing body will begin its selection of a new chair.

Political Party, a self-described progressive issues-based group 'designed by millennials for millennials,” will host the forum at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at Speed Lyceum Student Center at Grand View University in Des Moines.

The event is free and open to the public. RSVP at http://bit.ly/2h3ouco.

The discussion will focus in on each candidate's vision, ideas and commitment to rebuild the party and how they plan to include new voices and ideas.

Moderators will be Linn County Supervisor Stacey Walker, Johnston businessman Zachary Mannheimer and AFSCME communications specialist Mazie Stilwell.

Seven people have indicated an interest in succeeding Iowa Democratic Party Chairwoman Andy McGuire in January.

They are former Sen. Mike Gronstal of Council Bluffs, 4th District U.S. House candidate Kim Weaver of Sheldon, 2012 President Barack Obama state director and political strategist Derek Eadon, Bernie Sanders' Iowa political director Blair Lawton, Tri-County Democrats leader Kurt Meyer of Cresco, and longtime party activists Sandy Dockendorf and Julie Stauch.

All but Gronstal have confirmed they will participate in the Dec. 16 forum.

The party's State Central Committee will have its own forum starting at 10 a.m. Dec. 17 to vet the candidates for state party leader. Its meeting will be at the United Steelworkers 310 Hall, 125 NW Broadway, Des Moines.

The party said the forum will be open to the public, but only committee members may ask questions.

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