Iowa Democrats’ walk-out will have little value if public doesn't pay attention, UNI professor says

A University of Northern Iowa political scientist who keeps an eye on the Iowa Legislature questions the value of a low-key walk-out by Iowa House Democrats rather than debate proposals to expand gun rights.

“I get a sense probably both sides overplayed their hands on this,” says Assistant Professor of Political Science Chris Larimer. “I don't see gun regulations as being the top priority for most Iowans.”

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Introducing a resolution calling for a constitutional amendment to give Iowans the right to bear arms and a bill on the justifiable use of reasonable force was probably an overreach by Republicans who hold a 60-40 House majority, said Larimer, whose research interests include state politics and political psychology. “And the reaction to it, walking out, is probably overstepping a bit too.”

There would be more to be gained if Democrats were protesting bills related to job creation and the economy – “something people feel is a priority,” Larimer said.

If one party or the other was blocking action on education reform or commercial property tax reform -- issues both parties and the governor have made priorities -- “Then I think it would have more solid meaning,” Larimer speculated.

“But on an issue that people aren't thinking about too much right now, I don't see the benefit to it,” he added. “I don't see this as a top tier priority for either party.”

Other reaction has been predictable. Iowa Democratic Party Chairwoman Sue Dvorsky praised the House caucus have “absolutely done the right thing by refusing to allow House Republicans to misuse their power in this manner.”

Meanwhile, Alan Gottlieb of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms blasted the Democrats  for painting “themselves as the party of gun control by disappearing rather than debating” firearm civil rights of Iowa citizens.

The danger for Democrats, Larimer said, is if the public doesn't take notice. Walk-outs by lawmakers in Wisconsin and Indiana, for example, were highly publicized and the public was aware of their likelihood well before they occurred.

Iowa House Democrats' quiet walkout “seems to defeat the purpose of the walkout,” Larimer said.

“This seems under the radar,” he said.