Iowa DNC discusses early primary status

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – The Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee met to review applications from 12 states seeking early voting positions in the presidential nominating process, with Iowa competing against Illinois and Michigan for the Midwest slot.

The DNC plans to select four or five states for early voting in the pre-window period. Iowa submitted an application and was asked to return with additional details about its proposal.

“Under Chair Hart’s leadership, we submitted a very good response to the request for proposal. And now they want to say, put a little meat on the bones,” said Scott Brennan, Iowa DNC member.

Brennan said Iowa will present specifics for its state party-run process at a date yet to be determined. He argued Iowa’s smaller size gives it an advantage over competing Midwest states.

“Illinois and Michigan are way too big,” Brennan said. “What the DNC is looking for is a sort of rigorous test for a candidate.”

Brennan said larger states like Illinois and Michigan require candidates to focus primarily on television advertising rather than direct voter contact.

“In this world, it’s social media, and it’s actually connecting with voters. And in Iowa, you can connect with voters,” he said. “You meet with people where they are. You can’t do that in Michigan. You can’t do that in Illinois.”

The committee is evaluating which states can provide the most rigorous testing process for presidential candidates seeking the Democratic nomination.

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