Democrats kick-off campaign season in North Iowa

by Jody Spear –

MASON CITY -The Cerro Gordo County Democratic Party Headquarters held a grand opening Monday at 5:30 PM at 219 North Federal Ave.

There was a potluck with pulled pork, ham and turkey, salads, side dishes and finger food.

Among those who spoke were Senator Amanda Ragan, Representative Sharon Steckman, Cerro Gordo County Supervisor Phil Dougherty, Dean Genth (pictured, top; on behalf of Cristie Vilsack) and Brad Anderson (a President Obmama staffer) along with volunteers to help campaign for Obama in the upcoming election this fall.

After the speakers were done, people split into groups and practiced how to campaign. One lady was heard saying, “It shouldn’t take much to persuade people to vote for Obama.”

It was a very good turn out. The room was full (and hot). Steckman said, “They have it at 60 degrees in here, but with all these people it makes it hot.” All the chairs were full and there were also people standing.

Brad Anderson joked a little about the building being beside a business that says “Cocktails.”

The room had many pictures of Obama, Vilsack, Steckman and Ragan and others along with a huge American flag. They were giving out stickers with Obama’s issues printed on them.

Obama campaign staffer Brad Anderson