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Dem’s bask in limelight at final Harkin Steak Fry

INDIANOLA – One of Iowa’s signature political events will hold its last hurrah today when Democrats gather in Central Iowa for the Harkin Steak Fry.

Retiring Senator Tom Harkin’s 37th and last Steak Fry will feature both Bill and Hillary Clinton as speakers. The 42nd President of the United States will be attending his fourth Steak Fry, the Former Secretary of State her second.

According to organizers for the event, “looking ahead to closely contested Iowa elections in November, including the one to determine his own Senate successor, Tom has promised to cap 37 years of high spirited topical discourse at the Midwestern classic with a bang.”

Leading up to the event, Harkin said “it’s a crucial election year and we need to rally our troops for progressive Iowa champions on the 2014 ballot.”

First held on a farm in Madison County, the Harkin Steak Fry has become a signature political event in Iowa. Past special guests have included Bill and Hillary Clinton, President Barack Obama, Vice Presidents Joe Biden and Al Gore, Senators Paul Wellstone, Al Franken and Bernie Sanders, Governor Martin O’Malley, now-HUD Secretary Julian Castro and all of the major Democratic presidential candidates in 2003 and 2007, among many other luminaries.

Senator Tom Harkin
Senator Tom Harkin

“Not only will this be my last Steak Fry, we’ll also need to rally our troops for outstanding, progressive Iowa champions on the ballot this Fall – all of whom have tough races, all of which we need to win!”

“That’s why I couldn’t be happier than to share this special day with two such close friends. They have contributed so much good, inspiring leadership to this country for many years, and I am sure they will continue to do so in the years ahead.”

“What started out nearly 40 years ago as a handful of interested Iowans sitting around on hay bales, discussing politics, has grown to be an iconic gathering. This year’s Steak Fry just might be the best ever.”

Hillary Clinton is making her first appearance at the event since 2008 when she last ran for president against Barack Obama.  Many feel it is inevitable that she will announce a candidacy for the 2016 ballot at some point, and Iowa is always a launching pad for a successful bid.

As the event began, Democratic hopeful Bruce Braley – looking to replace Harkin – told those in attendance that “We can give 300k Iowans a pay raise by increasing the minimum wage,” saying his Republican opponent, Iowa Senator Jone Ernst “says we can’t!”

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