Democrats gather to hear presidential candidates

[caption id="attachment_12309" align="alignleft" width="270"] Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton opened her remarks at Friday’s Wing Ding with a strong endorsement of the Iran Nuclear Deal. -Reporter photo by Chris Barragy.[/caption]

For a few hours on Friday night, the legendary Surf Ballroom became the center of the political universe as the 2015 Iowa Democratic Wing Ding brought together four of the Democratic presidential candidates for stump speeches and munching on chicken wings.

Before a packed house of 2,100, candidates Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Martin O’Malley, and Lincoln Chafee were provided the opportunity to stand on the stage most often recognized for its rock and roll history and motivate the North Iowa party faithful in front of nearly 250 credentialed media, national broadcast media, and people eager to hear their platforms.

As early as 2 p.m., there were several dozen Clinton and O’Malley supporters waving placards and engaging in a friendly cheering competition outside the Surf front doors.  And despite the warm temperatures and long waiting line, virtually every person who had a ticket was finally able to get inside as the event officially began with the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of the National Anthem by Trevor Rayhons at 6 p.m.  Many attendees were sporting campaign stickers from all of the candidates.

The emcee was Randy Black, chair of the 2015 Wing Ding, and early on an excited buzz was coursing through the crowd.  His acknowledgement of local contractor Dean Snyder and wife, Joanne, for their role in preserving the Surf Ballroom was met with rousing applause. While enjoying their picnic on the Surf floor, Stephanie and Aaron Johnson remarked that they were “anxious to hear from all the candidates.”  Aaron added that he was glad to have come, but had hoped to find somewhere to sit.

The grassroots fundraising event was begun in 2003 with three counties in North Iowa, but has since grown to include 23 counties, and funds raised are dispersed to all participating counties.  Black commented, “This annual event has generated interest from national political writers and party activists.  It represents the best of what can be accomplished by a consortium of Democratic supporters.”  Dr. Andy McGuire, the Iowa Democratic Party Chair spoke to the continued efforts of the Democratic platform of preserving Social Security for all Iowans.

Several other noted persons were in attendance, including First Congressional District candidates Monica Vernon and Gary Kroeger, and Third District candidate Des

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mund Adams.  John Stone introduced candidates for U.S. Senate, including Tom Fiegan, Bob Krause, and Rob Hogg.  Each candidate was given several minutes to highlight their campaigns.  In an announcement that brought an extended wave of cheers from the crowd, Kim Weaver from Sheldon announced her candidacy for U. S. congress from District 4, a seat currently held by Rep. Steve King.

Cathy and Paul Buren, from Mason City, remarked that they were in attendance in support of all state Democrats, and firmly in Clinton’s camp.  “It’s time for Hillary to get tough,” said Buren.

Local Democratic leader Dean Genth introduced Iowa Senator Amanda Ragan as the recipient of the 2015 Beacon Award, given for outstanding leadership in the party.  Senator Ragan, with  two grandchildren alongside, graciously accepted the award and pledged to continue her work on behalf of families and children in Iowa.

With the introduction of the first presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, the crowd erupted.  With chants of “Hillary, Hillary,” Clinton opened her remarks with a strong endorsement of the Iran Nuclear Deal, currently under debate throughout the nation.  Showing a tough stance, Clinton’s loud proclamation that “Black Lives Matter” generated some of the loudest and most prolonged cheers of the evening.

Bernie Sanders took to the stage among loud applause, and spent a good deal of his time addressing his core issues of corporate greed, and support for America’s families.  His home-spun delivery calling for reversal of the Citizens United decision was popular with the attendees.

In a somewhat surprising show of force, Martin O’Malley fired up the crowd with his repeated reflection of his record with the phrase “Actions, Not Words!”  Pounding the podium, he hit upon many of the same issues as the other candidates, including collective bargaining, overtime pay for overtime work, and increasing the minimum wage.

Following  O’Malley’s speech, Lincoln Chafee took to the stage while several persons began to exit the ballroom.  But his review of his own scandal-free career that included his refusal to vote for the war in Iraq drew polite applause.

Sitting near the back for most of the evening, Clear Lakers Bob Frank and Bob Johnson cheered for each and every candidate.  Johnson was enthused about the event, calling it “splendid, surprising, and simply amazing!”

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