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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Conservative Students Resign From Group After Tibbetts Family Harassment
Some Republican candidates and conservative organizations may continue their efforts to politicize Mollie Tibbetts’ death to advance their immigration views, but not without significant pushback. Some of it is even coming from fellow conservatives. The local University of Iowa chapter of Turning Point USA announced this morning that they had rejected an idea from the…
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Avenatti: Trump “Inflaming Racial Tensions,” Should Let Tibbetts Family Grieve
Michael Avenatti in Des Moines tonight warned against anyone in politics using the recent death of Mollie Tibbetts as a campaign issue, and he criticized President Donald Trump for a long history of inflaming racial tensions for political gain. “The family has asked that that not be politicized,” Avenatti said when asked by reporters about…
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Ep52: Rita Hart & Governor Steve Bullock
Iowa Starting Line Podcast host Pat Rynard interviews Senator Rita Hart about campaigning across Iowa as Fred Hubbell’s running mate. And we sit down with Montana Governor Steve Bullock to talk about how he won as a Democrat in a deep-red state.
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Get Ready For The Ugliest Iowa Election Ever
You may as well get used to the above image. You’ll be seeing it hundreds of thousands of times between now and November in countless Republican ads, both in Iowa and around the country. The disappearance of Mollie Tibbetts in Brooklyn, Iowa came to a sad and tragic end today when it was announced that…
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Why The 99 County Tour Still Matters
The steady march of White House hopefuls visiting Iowa for the State Fair this past week and a half has finally ended. They got their corn dogs, made their speeches, did a few press hits and chatted with activists. But how many made a lasting impact on their chances for Democrats’ presidential nomination in 2020?…
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Remembering A Good Man, Leonard Boswell
Several minutes into Leonard Boswell’s speech this May at the Polk County Democrats Spring fundraiser, I got a bad feeling in my gut. It was wonderful to see the former congressman up on stage, clearly enjoying himself as he went on a bit past his allotted time, but it very much felt like a final…
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Ep51: State Fair Controversy & Karin Derry Interview
Iowa Starting Line Podcast host Pat Rynard talks with Chance Dorland about controversies at the Iowa State Fair and what it’s like to cover politics at the Fairgrounds. And we interview Karin Derry about her run for the Iowa House against Jake Highfill.
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Van De Krol Drops Out Of Senate Race
Democrats are back to the drawing board in Senate District 15. Taylor Van De Krol, nominated at a special convention two weeks ago to replace Senator Chaz Allen, withdrew his candidacy with the Secretary of State’s office earlier today, that office confirmed. UPDATE: A special nominating convention will be held next Wednesday at 7:00. UPDATE:…
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EP50: Wing Ding Analysis & Andrew Yang Interview
Iowa Starting Line Podcast host Pat Rynard talks with Lee Newspapers’ Erin Murphy about Michael Avenatti’s intriguing trip to Iowa, as well as an overall analysis of the Wing Ding Dinner. Plus we interview 2020 presidential candidate Andrew Yang, a New York entrepreneur, about his unique plans for the country.
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Rick Bertrand Changes Mind, Runs For Reelection In Sioux City Seat
State Senator Rick Bertrand kicks off his third campaign for the Sioux City Iowa Senate seat by breaking a promise from his first: to not seek a third term. That old pledge went out the window today as Bertrand reversed course from earlier in the year and was confirmed as the party’s nominee at a…
