Pat Rynard founded Iowa Starting Line in 2015. He still keeps a close eye on Iowa politics, his dog’s name is Frank, and football season is his favorite time of year.
Pat Rynard
Latest from Pat Rynard
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Democrats’ Digital Ad Strategy Lagging Behind Republicans’ In Iowa
Earlier this year, Facebook began making public every political ad that is run on their platform as part of their effort to create a more transparent process following criticism of Russian influence in the 2016 election. You can now easily find every ad deemed “political” in their Ad Archive, including those currently running, by searching…
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Republicans Attack Cindy Axne For Defending… Puppies (Yes, Really)
We have an early frontrunner for this year’s dumbest and most dishonest Iowa political ad. It comes to us courtesy of the Republican Party of Iowa, who have a 30-second ad up attacking Democratic 3rd Congressional District candidate Cindy Axne for being a “lobbyist.” Now, this is one of those political hit jobs that can…
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Ep60: IA-Gov Race 6 Weeks Out, Pramila Jayapal Interview
Iowa Starting Line Podcast host Pat Rynard talks with Radio Iowa’s Kay Henderson about the latest poll in the Iowa governor’s race. And we interview Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal of Washington State; she will be a headline speaker at the Polk County Democrats Steak Fry this weekend.
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Will The 2018 Election Be Decided By… The Issues?
In a year of non-stop political twists and turn, the most bizarre development of all may yet come in the Iowa governor’s race: actual policy issues are determining who wins the race. That’s what appears to be the case, anyway, with just six weeks remaining before the November election. The latest Des Moines Register poll…
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Senate Republicans Launch TV Ads; Here’s What They’re Saying
Iowa Senate Republicans launched their first wave of TV ads this Tuesday in six districts, five of which are pick-up targets for them. The move seems aimed at keeping Democrats on defense this year, despite Republicans already holding a 29 – 20 advantage in the Senate. Broadening that majority any further could keep the chamber…
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Ep59: Congressional TV Ads & Digital Messaging
Iowa Starting Line Podcast host Pat Rynard talks with Nate Willems about congressional TV ads in the 1st and 3rd Districts, and we discuss what makes a good online digital ad with Greg Hauenstein.
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Iowa House Democrats Strike First With TV Ads In Key Races
Several Iowa House Democratic candidates are up on TV this week, beating their Republican opponents to the punch in a reversal from the 2016 election. Four challenger candidates and one incumbent began airing ads on Tuesday on both broadcast and cable. More are expected to go up on TV soon. Senate Republicans also unveiled their…
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Poll Shows Trump’s Trade War May Sink His Closest Iowa Ally
When Donald Trump visited Iowa in July this year, he tossed “Make Farmers Great Again” hats into a crowd outside Dubuque and thanked Congressman Rod Blum for support of his agenda. Blum responded by praising Trump’s handling of the trade wars and tariffs. “Thank you for having political courage to renegotiate these trade deals,” Blum told…
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Ep58: Reynolds Scandals, Campaign Union & Tim Ryan Interview
Iowa Starting Line Podcast host Pat Rynard discusses with labor rights attorney Nate Willems the latest Kim Reynolds private jet scandal and the recent unionization of some Iowa Democratic Party campaign staffers. And we interview Congressman Tim Ryan about his visit to Iowa, what his national plans are and whether he thinks the Democratic Party has learned anything…
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Will Joni Ernst Side With Another Alleged Sexual Abuser?
While in Washington, D.C. on Monday, Senator Joni Ernst was questioned whether she believed that someone who committed sexual assault should be disqualified from serving on the Supreme Court. “Sexual assault is if they can prove it, absolutely,” Ernst responded. We asked @SenJoniErnst if sexual assault allegations are disqualifying for a Supreme Court nominee. She…
