Government : Secretary Pate issues statement on Iowa Caucuses

Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate issued the following statement today regarding the Iowa Caucuses:

"I am very disappointed in the Democratic National Committee's decision to apparently abandon Iowa. For 50 years, this state has done a fantastic job at vetting the candidates who wish to lead this nation. Iowans make presidential hopefuls from both parties answer the tough questions and undergo the rigors of earning their vote through grassroots campaigning. Without Iowa propelling him, it's doubtful Barack Obama would have ever become president and it's unfortunate the Democratic Party has forgotten that fact.

I'm very pleased that the Republican National Committee will maintain Iowa's First-in-the-Nation caucus status. I also agree with Iowa Democratic Party Chair Ross Wilburn's statement that Iowa Code requires the political parties to conduct caucuses prior to any other presidential nominating contest, and they plan to adhere to the State of Iowa's legal requirements."

The relevant section of Iowa Code is available at this link: *43.4.pdf (iowa.gov)