Annual picnic was fun and successful!
The annual picnic on Aug. 18 was a success with current Democrats and lots of new faces attending. Candidates spoke to the crowd, adding to the enthusiasm of the day. Food was supplied by Smokin’ Goodness and music by the Crooked Cactus Band. Top photos show the crowd in the shelter at Veterans Memorial Park in Bettendorf, as well as the lines waiting to check in. Bottom photos show, left to right, Linda Telschow, Connie King, and Susan Stoefen as they checked in members and walk-ins; Linda helped to sell raffle tickets for a meat bundle from Fairway, which Brandon Jens won. Middle bottom photo shows Scott County Auditor candidate Matt Trimble talking with a couple of members. Right bottom photo shows 1st District Congressional candidate Christina Bohannan listening to a constituent.
Former Central Committee and Executive Board member named grand marshall of Labor Day parade in East Moline.
Sheri Carnahan and Dan Gosa, president of the Quad City Federation of Labor, enjoyed a recent event.
Jae Jepsen wins Kirschbaum-Fitzsimmons Scott County Democrats Scholarship
The editor of student newspaper The Spartan Shield, Jae Jepsen, has won the 2024 Kirschbaum-Fitzsimmons Scholarship.
Kathy Kirschbaum and Karen Fitzsimmons were extraordinary women whose hard work, perseverance, dedication to fairness, and progressive actions inspired others. Kathy served as the first female mayor of Davenport and Karen as the first female auditor of the county.
In that light, the Democrats of Scott County have honored Kathy and Karen by offering a $1,000.00 scholarship to a graduating senior from a Scott County high school in the academic year of 2023-2024.
Jae plans to major in journalism and communications at the University of Missouri. An example of her work as an editor and writer is at this link.
Jae said, “I want to make things better and improve my community, but it wasn’t until I discovered journalism that I had an avenue for my activism. When I wrote for my school newspaper, I was provided a very public platform for my ideas, one that reached further than I ever hoped.”
Photo: Jae Jepsen, Scholarship Chair Dr. Henry Brockington, and SCD chair Kay Pence.
Red, White, & Blue was a great success!
The future of the Democrats is here in the young people. L-R: Kaitlyn Wood, Joie Stoefen, Beka Smith-Pace, Laylon Baucom, Grace Ludwig, Abby Link.
Over 270 Democrats came to the banquet to dine, donate, and enjoy the company.
The silent auction items were many and varied, including some collectors’ items from previous elections.
Kay Pence, chair of the Scott County Democrats and candidate for House District 70, spoke to the crowd about the importance of working to get out the vote.
THANK YOU to the sponsors of the Red, White, & Blue Dinner
Presidential Sponsors
Bribriesco Law Firm, Committee to Elect Zach Wahls, Dan Gosa for Iowa, Friends of Matt Trimble, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, Laborers’ Local 309, Local 25 Plumbers & Pipefitters.
Congressional Sponsors
Dennis DeDecker, Iowa Teamsters Local 238, Kay Pence for Iowa, Ken Croken, Monica Kurth, & Cindy Winkler, Metrocom NAACP Unit 4019, Ron Stuart, Thomas Engelmann, Tracy Jones for Iowa.
Ad Sponsors
Christina Bohannan for Congress, David Anderson, Thomas Gibbs for Sheriff, Maria4Iowa—Maria Bribriesco, Nancy Nolan—Ruhl & Ruhl, Representative Monica Kurth, UFCW Local 431.
Adam Zabner, the son of immigrants and representing House District 90, spoke about electing Christina Bahnnan to Congress to restore sanity to Washington.
Rita Hart, chair of the Iowa Democratic Party, talked about how well organized Scott County has been in getting out the vote.
Some of the unique items in the silent auction brought back a lot of memories.
Biden administration and a biartisan Congress working together to improve the lives of everyday Scott County residents
A crowd gathers to meet the candidates on May 7.
Monica Kurth, Distrist 98, talks about the challenges of the recent General Assembly.
Tracy Jones explains her reasons for running for office.
Matt Trimble, candidate for county auditor, speaks about why he is running for the position.
Great evening with candidates at Crawford Brew Works
Tracy Jones, candidate for District 94, and Kay Pence, candidate for District 70, show off the most important part of candidacy—getting out the vote!
A crowd gathers to meet the candidates on May 7.
With a number of candidates, the crowd had lots of opportunities to meet and mingle.
1st District Convention nominated national delgates
The First District Convention was a success, nominating delgates to various state positions as well as to the national convention in Chicago in August.
In addition, the platform was discussed and approved, giving the delegates a sound base to discuss with voters going into the general election in the fall.
Adam Peters was elected by the convention as a national convention delegate from Scott County.
Delegates gathered in the auditorium at Liberty High School in New Liberty. The facilities were impressive.
The arrangements committee set up the physical space as well as provided breakfast and lunch for the delegates.
Jean Semsch and John Lester were part of the arrangements committee, responsible for taking breakfast and lunch tickets.
During lunch break, delgates were able to mingle and discussed really important issues, such as who had the best sandwich. (L-R): Sharon Lake, Susan Stoefen, Adam Peters and Sue Bryant.
Registration to the convention was staffed by Susan Stoefen and Linda Telschow. Kay Pence talks with a delegate, while Anthony Heddlesten looks excited to begin the day.
Mindy Smith-Pace kicks off her campaign for House District 93
Mindy Smith-Pace officially kicked off her campaign for Iowa House District 93 on Sunday, April 28, at the Crane & Pelican in LeClaire. Mindy says that she has “committeed my life to working with non-profits to benefit families, vererans, and people with disabilities.”
(Left) The supporters for Mindy showed their enthusiasm for her campaign.
(Right) Rebekah Pace, Mindy’s daughter, speaks about the campaign.
GOTV 2024: Another successful day Saturday, April 27
(Left) Abby Link and Sharon Lake prep for the Get Out the Vote day on Saturday, April 27.
(Above) Canvassers gather at the UFCW Hall to train, pick up packets, and head out into Davenport to talk to voters.
(Left) Packets for door knocking are organized and ready to be picked up.
(Above) Participants prepare to head out with a few last minute instructions from Sharon Kendall-Dunn (center).
We still have two dates for canvassing for the spring, May 9 and May 18. If you would like to be involved, contact the Scott County Democrats at info@scottcountydems.org.
Tracy Jones kickoff met with enthusiasm!
Tracy Jones, candidate for Iowa Houise District 94, spoke of the important issues to Iowans at her kickoff on Tuesday, April 23, at the Barrel House, downtown Davenport. The event was well-attended, including candidates for other positions in Scott County and Iowa.
Tracy and Maria Bribriesco, candidate for Scott County supervisor, talked about concerns voters of the county had expressed.
Tracy speaks with one of the many who turned out for the kickoff.
Phyllis Thede was honored by Tracy and the crowd for her years of service to Iowa and Scott County.
Three candidates: Tracy Jones for House District 94, Mindy Smith-Pace for House District 93, and Tom Gibbs for Scott County Sheriff.
To get involved with Tracy’s campaign, click HERE.
Tracy and Kay Pence, candidate for House District 70, enjoyed the kickoff atmosphere.
Standing room only: Bohannan fundraiser great success!
Although the day was chilly, the company was warm. Good food and good conversation capped off a good day for a fundraiser for Christina Bohannan in rural Scott County.
Good food greeted the supporters as they listened to Christina.
Christina spoke about topics of interest to the supporters present, including fundraising—Christina does not accept corporate and PAC money—and reproductive rights.
It was a “standing room only” crowd. While Davenport was well-represented, many supporters came from rural areas of Scott County.
To order a Christina Bohannan yard sign, click HERE.
GOTV 2024 on Sunday, April 14: Terrific Accomplishment!
Lots of Democrats and friends turned out to knock on doors to Get Out The Vote. A beautiful day, enthusiasm, and great treats fueled a successful afternoon.
If you’d like to be a part of this exciting event, we still have one more date in the first cycle of Get Out The Vote:
May 18
Contact the Scott County Democrats at info@scottcountydems.org to be part of this exciting movement!
Cyndy Hagen and Jean Semsch checked in canvassers as they arrived.
Abby Link knocks on a door in her turf.
Susan Stoefen and Connie King handed out the canvassers’ packets. Carol Howell is waiting for her packet. Canvassers were all assigned to a specific territory.
Canvassers wait for the training to begin. Canvassers were taught how to use the information given to them to help turn out the vote for November.
Some canvassers opted to use an app, Minivan, to track information rather than use paper copies. This group was being trained about how to use the app.
Donated treats and beverages kept everyone going on a warm day.
GOTV 2024 was a great success Saturday, April 6!
Lots of Democrats are ready to knock on doors to Get Out The Vote!
Abby and Christina Bohannan worked with Team Bo to set up the event Saturday.
The turnout was great! Lots of Democrats came out to listen to Christina and to learn how to canvass to get all Democrats out to vote in November.
If you would like to be involved, but were unable to attend on Saturday, you can attend an online training on Tuesday, April 9, by clicking HERE to sign up. Training is free!
Canvassing dates are
April 14
April 27
May 9
May 18
The team responsible for Scott County’s GOTV 2024: Jean, Abby, Sharon, Susan and Terry.
Christina Bohannan Raises Over $820,000 in First Fundraising Quarter of 2024
On April 4, Christina Bohannan announced a huge fundraising total for the first quarter of 2024, raising over $820,000. Since launching her campaign last August, Christina has raised over $2.1 million.
Over 75 percent of contributions to Christina's campaign are coming from Iowans--real, hardworking families looking for a leader who will fight for them in Congress.
Her campaign is seeing an incredible level of grassroots support because Iowa families know she'll stand up to anyone to get things done and lower costs, grow the middle class, and protect reproductive freedom.
Mariannette Miller-Meeks, on the other hand, has only raised 33 percent of her contributions from Iowans.
The County Convention was a success! On to the District Convention on May 4!
Convention delegates and alternates wait for the convention to get underway.
Kay Pence, Scott County Democrats chair and Iowa Legislature candidate for District 70, spoke about her reasons for running for office.
Tom Gibbs, candidate for Scott County Sheriff, responded during the debate on the party platform.
Susan Stoefen, treasurer of the Scott County Democrats, helped to check in individuals as they came to the convention.
Congratulations to Scott County’s Rising Star!
Abby Link was awarded the Iowa Democratic Party’s “Rising Star” on Sunday, March 3, at the IDP fundraiser in LeClaire. Abby has been a ceaseless worker for the Scott County Democrats, handling social media, recruiting young people, and volunteering for anything that needs to be done.
Rita Hart, chair of the Iowa Democratic Party, awarded Abby Link the “Rising Star” designation to honor Abby’s work with the party.