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
-
Democratic Veterans Group Booted From State Fair Veterans Parade
The Iowa Democratic Veterans Caucus says they’ve been marching in the State Fair Veterans Parade for the past ten years, yet were denied participation at the last minute this year from an official in Kim Reynolds’ administration. The group says they were already approved this year to join the parade, but were called on Friday…
-
Abby Finkenauer’s First TV Ad Recalls Days When Politics Didn’t Divide
Abby Finkenauer will launch the first TV ads of the general election in Iowa’s nationally-watched 1st Congressional District race this Tuesday. Her first spot on the airwaves is called “Dinner Table” and focuses on a spirit of bipartisanship and cooperation. The ad begins with Finkenauer describing a typical Saturday night with her family while growing…
-
Ep49: Reynolds Avoids Press, Election Results & Yard Signs
Iowa Starting Line Podcast host Pat Rynard talks with producer Chance Dorland about Kim Reynolds’ decision to avoid press conferences, what the election results in Tuesday’s Ohio special election and Democratic primaries in Michigan and Kansas mean for Iowa, and we dig into everyone’s favorite subject: yard signs.
-
Zach Nunn Enters SD 15 Race, Shakes Up Both House And Senate Map
State Representative Zach Nunn announced this morning he would leave his seat in the Iowa House to run for Senate District 15, recently vacated by Senator Chaz Allen. It turns a seat that was a safe Democratic hold just a few weeks ago into one where Republicans will likely have the upper hand. But it…
-
Former GOP Senator David Johnson Endorses Fred Hubbell
Republican-turned-independent Senator David Johnson is endorsing Fred Hubbell for governor over Kim Reynolds today, the Hubbell campaign informed Starting Line this afternoon. Johnson left the Republican Party in June of 2016 over his disgust of Donald Trump’s nomination. His backing of Hubbell over Governor Reynolds adds a new talking point for Hubbell in his attempt…
-
Where Are The 2020 Women At? Governing, Mostly.
Here they come. A deluge of potential 2020 presidential candidates is set to make appearances throughout Iowa over the next few weeks. The lead-off caucus state has seen its fair share of White House hopefuls make the rounds here since the 2016 election, but the upcoming gauntlet of the Wing Ding Dinner, the State Fair…
-
The State Of Iowa Races Three Months Out
Iowans will head to the voting booth three months from today on November 6 to vote in one of the most consequential elections in the state’s history. How are each of the major contests shaping up at this stage, two months after the primary and following a relatively quiet summer? Democrats have been optimistic about…
-
Taylor Van De Krol Wins Contested Convention For Senate District 15 Nod
Taylor Van De Krol, a 26-year-old Senate clerk, aide to Matt McCoy and former county party chair will be Democrats’ nominee for their must-hold Senate District 15 seat. Democratic central committee members from Jasper and Polk counties met this evening in Colfax, picking Van De Krol on the first ballot with 55% of the vote…
-
Ep48: Early 2020 Moves & Eric Gjerde Interview
Iowa Starting Line Podcast host Pat Rynard talks with producer Chance Dorland about the early moves from 2020 contenders and the odd field Democrats could find themselves caucusing for soon. And we talk with special education teacher Eric Gjerde about his campaign for House District 67. He was just endorsed yesterday by Barack Obama.
-
Barack Obama Announces Endorsements In Iowa Races
Former President Barack Obama is getting involved in the midterm races for Democrats in key races around the country. This morning he released a round of endorsements for candidates in 14 states, including Iowa. On his Iowa list was secretary of state candidate Deidre DeJear, secretary of agriculture candidate Tim Gannon and four candidates for…
