CLEAR LAKE – The North Iowa Democrats are announcing that the Keynote Speaker for the 11th Annual Wing Ding Fundraiser will be retiring U.S. Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa. This year’s event will be held at the historic Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa on Friday evening August 15th. Doors will open at 5:00 PM.
Senator Harkin’s tenure as a U.S. Senator is noted for his signature piece of legislation that he crafted to protect the civil rights of millions of Americans with physical and mental disabilities. This historic legislation is known as the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Sen. Harkin as also instrumental in the drafting and passage of the Lily Ledbetter Act (fair pay for women in the workplace).
A highlight of the evening’s festivities will be the presentation of the Annual Beacon Award to former U.S. Representative, Leonard Boswell. The Annual Beacon Award is presented to a current for former elected Democrat who has embodied the principles of the Democratic Party and has accomplished significant Democratic ideals.
The event will be attended by most all of the major Democratic Candidates running for office this year. This year’s Wing Ding will feature speeches by the following: Jim Mower, running for U.S. Representative from the 4th District, Sherry Taha running for Secretary of Agriculture, John Nederbach for State Auditor, Brad Anderson for Secretary of State, Pat Murphy candidate for U.S. Representative 1st Congressional District and Bruce Braley candidate for U. S. Senate (the seat being vacated by Sen. Tom Harkin).
Senator Amanda Ragan will introduce Iowa Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal and Rep. Sharon Steckman will introduce Iowa Representative Mark Smith, Iowa House Minority Leader.
Area elected officials will be present to meet the public. The North Iowa Wing Ding has grown significantly during this past year and now represents a broad consortium of seventeen counties in Iowa including: Butler, Calhoun, Cerro Gordo, Dickinson, Emmet, Floyd, Franklin, Hancock, Hardin, Howard, Kossuth, Mitchell, Paso Alto, Winnebago, Woodbury, Worth and Wright. Tickets are $25.00 in advance or $30.00 at the door. Tickets can be obtained from each participating county’s Democratic Chair or Central Committee members.
