Des Moines, IA – Iowa Democrats are gearing up for what will be a historic and energizing Democratic National Convention in Denver. The convention begins on Monday, August 25 and will run through Thursday, August 28.
Iowa Democratic Party Chair and Iowa Delegation Chair Scott Brennan announced today that House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer from Maryland, Senator Dick Durbin from Illinois, and Senator Amy Klobuchar from Minnesota will speak to the Iowa delegates at the convention. Further speaking announcements are likely to be made next week.
“The Iowa delegation is honored to have such a distinguished group of speakers,” said Brennan. “Majority Leader Hoyer, Senator Durbin, Senator Klobuchar, and Iowa Democratic leaders will speak to our delegation about their strong support for Barack Obama and the need for change in Washington.”

Brennan also announced today that Governor Chet Culver, Senator Tom Harkin, Attorney General Tom Miller, and State Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald will serve as Honorary Iowa Delegation Co-Chairs.

The Iowa delegation will be front and center on the national stage with three Iowans set to address the convention. Governor Culver will be a featured speaker on Tuesday. In addition, two everyday Iowans will speak during the week.
Candi Schmieder of Marengo will take the stage on Monday. After years spent removed from the political process, Schmieder became a precinct captain because she was excited by Obama’s “common sense ideas.”
Katherine Marcano of Cedar Rapids, who balances working a full-time job and being a college student, while providing health insurance for her younger sister, will also speak. Katherine suffered even greater hardship after being displaced by this summer’s devastating floods in Iowa.
Iowa Democrats will be represented by 57 delegates and 8 alternates. The delegation includes 7 delegates under the age of 25 and a diverse group of Iowans from all across the state. The youngest delegate is 18 and the oldest delegate is 84. This will be the first national convention for 37 members of our delegation.
“Iowa’s strong support for Barack Obama will come full circle in Denver,” Brennan added. “Iowa Democrats are fired up and ready to turn Iowa blue this November.”
The full list of Iowa’s delegation to the Democratic National Convention is listed below.