Pat Rynard

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.


Latest from Pat Rynard

  • News

    Like A Candidate? Donate To Them By May 14 – Here’s Why

    It seems every time you get a political fundraising email, the candidate insists that their most critical finance deadline ever is looming. When you get last-minute pitches for funds from now until Monday, though, they’re probably telling the truth. Monday, May 14 is the final day of the next fundraising period for Iowa campaigns (non-federal…


  • News

    The Most Interesting Iowa Political Event I’ve Been To This Year

    Over the past several years while running Iowa Starting Line, I’ve been to a lot of political rallies, forums, debates, fundraisers, protests and more county party potluck dinners than I care to mention. I don’t think I’ve ever been to an event like the one I attended earlier this week: Tom Steyer’s Need To Impeach…


  • Politics

    New Endorsements, Ads And Trips As Primary Draws Closer

    With just three and a half weeks remaining in the Democratic primary, the candidates are criss-crossing the state and blanketing the airwaves and mailboxes with ads. They’re also rolling out endorsements from late-deciding leaders to project momentum. Here’s a look at some of the key developments from this week and what’s ahead. The First Gubernatorial…


  • Politics

    How Music Fans Are Split In The Governor’s Race (And Other Fun Numbers)

    If you’ve been listening to Cardi B’s new album on repeat since it came out, there’s a decent chance you’re voting for Nate Boulton in the Democratic primary. But if you end your evening relaxing with a nice glass of wine and listening to some Chopin, it’s more likely you’re voting for Fred Hubbell. That,…


  • News

    Ep31: Early Voting & Cindy Axne Interview

     Iowa Starting Line Podcast host Pat Rynard speaks about new early voting rules with Polk County Auditor Jamie Fitzgerald, followed by an interview with 3rd district congressional candidate Cindy Axne & audio from Nancy Pelosi’s recent trip to Iowa.


  • Politics

    Fred Hubbell Pulling Away In Democratic Primary, Poll Finds

    Des Moines businessman Fred Hubbell holds a substantial lead over the rest of the Democratic gubernatorial field, according to a new poll released this morning. A Remington Research Group poll commissioned by KBUR Radio of Burlington showed Hubbell at 46%, well above the needed 35% threshold to avoid a primary. Senator Nate Boulton comes in second…


  • Politics

    Early Voting Begins Today For June Primary

    Iowans can start voting as of today for the June 5 primary. Many Democratic campaigns took the opportunity to bring out their supporters to a county auditor’s office early today and get their first votes in the bank. Secretary of State candidate Deidre DeJear is holding five early votes event this week and next, starting…


  • News

    The Republicans Most At Risk For Their Abortion Ban Vote

    The 6-week abortion ban law that Republicans passed this week should get bogged down in the courts for years, but the political fallout from it will come much sooner. While some in the far-right evangelical community will be happy, most Iowans aren’t eager to see the state be known as the most restrictive in the…


  • Politics

    A Dark Day In Iowa

    Shortly after 3:00 this afternoon, Governor Kim Reynolds signed into law a bill that would ban nearly all abortions in Iowa. It is the most restrictive measure in the entire country. “It’s a big day in Iowa,” Reynolds said at the bill signing in her office, surrounded by young children, activists and legislators. “I believe…


  • Politics

    Veto It, Reynolds, And Finally Become Your Own Governor

    Governor Kim Reynolds has until Saturday to decide whether to sign or veto Republicans’ 6-week abortion ban. There’s probably a 99% chance she signs it. But before it actually happens, let’s take a look at the potential political fallout – as well as her huge opportunity here – and consider how things could play out.…