December 1, 2024 Vol. 2, No. 7

We want to give special thanks to all the volunteers that worked so hard during this last election cycle. You are all invited to this month's Central Committee meeting so we can show our appreciation. There will be lots of food and lively discussion. So please join us for a night of fellowship!

When: Tuesday, December 10th, 6:30 p.m.

Where: UFCW Hall, 2411 W Central Park Ave, Davenport

ELECTION 2024

Clearly things didn't work out as well as hoped but there were significant achievements:

Dan Gosa, House District 81 was the only house seat to flip from red to blue
Ken Croken, District 94 and Monica Kurth District 98 held serve
Maria Bribriesco was elected to the County Board of Supervisors
Christina Bohannan defeated Miller-Meeks by over 2000 votes in Scott County despite the fact that Trump beat Harris by 4 percentage points
All our other house candidates fought their tails off despite significant gerrymandered odds

We will be designating a committee to thoroughly review our GOTV effort. Unfortunately, the voter database will not be updated until sometime in January, so we won't have anything concrete until then. That data is critical to understand the auditor and sheriff results. Suffice it to say, we were happy with some things, disappointed with others and have already started formulating adjustments for 2026. We are stronger today than we were in November 2022, and we guarantee with your help we will be stronger in 2026.

But first we'll be shifting our attention to the 2025 city and school board elections. Our calendar is in the process of being updated to include all relevant city/school board meetings and next month's newsletter will feature a list of all 2025 openings.

This is the beginning not the end folks. GO BLUE 💙

WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED?

This first one is a must read:

Why Does No One Understand the Real Reason Trump Won?

It wasn’t the economy. It wasn’t inflation, or anything else. It was how people perceive those things, which points to one overpowering answer.

Michael Tomasky, November 8, 2024, READ DETAILS

The polls underestimated Trump's support — again. Here's why

Updated November 13, 2024, Domenico Montanaro, READ DETAILS

Why Donald Trump won and Kamala Harris lost: An early analysis of the results

William A. Galston, November 6, 2024, READ DETAILS

Why Kamala Harris lost: A flawed candidate or doomed campaign?

6 November 2024, Courtney Subramanian BBC News, Washington, READ DETAILS

Why Kamala Harris’s Campaign Was Doomed From the Start

By Benjamin Hart, November 9, 2024, READ DETAILS

Why Trump won — 9 takeaways from the 2024 election

Updated November 8, 2024, Domenico Montanaro, READ DETAILS

NEWS

The Answer for Democrats Isn’t Left or Right—It’s Closer to the People

Memo to the future DNC Chair November 22, 2024, READ DETAILS

New report finds state pilot program increased childcare availability, staffing By: Robin Opsahl - November 19, 2024, READ DETAILS

Democracy's Watchdog

SHAMEFUL IOWA MAGA UPDATE!!!

Joni Ernst places risky bet on DOGE, Nov 25, 2024, Laura Belin, READ DETAILS

Drop in Cedar Rapids schools enrollment driving budget decisions

More students using education savings accounts, choosing charter school

Grace King November 20, 2024, READ DETAILS

EPA: Iowa needs to add more rivers to impaired waters list, including in Des Moines, Donnelle Eller, Des Moines Register November 14, 2024, READ DETAILS

Iowa AG leads multi-state opposition to court decision on Clean Water Act

By: Cami Koons - October 30, 2024, READ DETAILS

Iowa competes with Florida for most book bans, By Zachary Oren Smith, November 13, 2024, READ DETAILS

Iowa Department of Education releases school performance data, By: Robin Opsahl - November 12, 2024, READ DETAILS

Upcoming events--mark your calendars

Did you see President Obama’s note? Don’t forget to secure your virtual seat to tune into the 2024 Democracy Forum on December 5. We’ll be convening leaders, experts, and young people to discuss pluralism and our democracy.

We’re excited for all of the panels, armchair conversations, and President Obama’s keynote address on the importance of pluralism in our changing world—and hope to see you there.

RSVP NOW

Make sure you don’t miss out: save your virtual seat and RSVP today!

— The Obama Foundation

Red Ribbon Candyland Ball

When: Friday, December 6th, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Where: Gold Room at Hotel Blackhawk, 200 East 3rd St, Davenport

About the ball: The Red Ribbon Candyland Ball serves as our annual fundraiser for people living with HIV. Featuring a dessert contest, entertainment, and enticing appetizers, we invite you to join us for a deliciously sweet evening in the beautiful Gold Room.

Featuring performances by Lady Camden of RuPaul’s Drag Race!

BUY TICKETS HERE