Weekly update 7/13
What we did
6/29 - Progressive Democrats of Iowa Zoom
6/30 - We attended Ames's Town Hall on a new data center.
7/01 - Latino Caucus Zoom
7/03 - High Traffic Canvassed at Fort Frenzy Fourth of July Event - gathered signatures for data center moratorium for Webster County
7/04 - Happy 250th! We were in Gowrie Parade in the morning with the Webster Democrats and the Otho Parade in the afternoon, followed by my wife and I taking our 3-year-old to his first firework display (he loved it and constantly said "Pop!" as they went off!)
7/05 - Volunteered at AFES with their pop-up food pantry. AFES was able to serve over 300 neighbors in need, below their average, likely from the holiday weekend.
7/09 - Field Day in Early, Iowa, with Iowa Organic Association - hearing about how the Nees family leads in sustainable, organic farming practices.
7/11 - The team helped decorate the Webster County & Iowa Forward Democrat Campaign Office, followed by canvassing.
7/12 - Kris went to the Liberty and Justice Dinner featuring keynote speaker Pete Buttigieg. Campaign manager Rachel celebrated her birthday with her family. Happy Birthday, Rachel!
The Issues – Iowans First
This week, coming off America's big 250, many people I spoke with at doors and events talked with me about their mixed feelings of patriotism and disappointment.
Personally, these feelings go together, as wanting more of the country we call home is the most patriotic we can do. We've seen times in our history where we made strides in culture, science, and democracy. But we've also experienced recent setbacks - and we're capable of seeing where our victories should have gone further for the people left behind.
The Problem
When I ask people what their biggest concern is - or what keeps them up at night - I often hear one word: "everything". From the news seeing our president defying the law, to an illegal war that is driving up prices, and ICE as a Gestapo - kidnapping anyone, and gunning down without penalty.
A state representative can't stop a war in Iran, impeach a president, or order ICE to stand down. But they can use the position to push back, protect constituents, and build a wall of resistance at the state level. State legislatures are increasingly becoming the frontline of defense against federal overreach.
The Solution
The fight for clean water is a fight against corporate polluters and the politicians they buy - whether they’re in Washington or Des Moines. That’s what this campaign is about: making sure the people of Webster County are protected, no matter who’s in the White House.
Here's what I can do as your state representative:
Pass laws that limit state cooperation with ICE - protect immigrants from being targeted at schools and hospitals, and ensure Iowans have legal recourse if their rights are violated.
Use the state budget to protect programs that the federal government is gutting - and make sure Iowans know who's responsible.
Speak out - loudly and publicly - against federal overreach, and I can organize constituents to do the same. We can use the platform that comes from being a legislator to raise up voices.
Work with other states to build a coordinated resistance.
I can't fix everything from Des Moines. But I can make sure Iowa isn't just a bystander while our rights are eroded. That's what I'll fight for - on the legislative floor and with my neighbors at home.
Where we’re going
July 17th – Earlier Weekly Coffee Hour at 9 AM at Stella's, followed by a Podcast Interview at 10 AM
July 18th – Badgerfest Parade at 10:30 AM (I'm convincing everyone we're "Running with the Badgers"), followed by the Webster Democrat-Coordinated Campaign Office Party at 11 AM!
July 23rd – Webster Democrat Meeting at 7 PM at the Webster Democrat-Coordinated Campaign Office
July 25th – Lobe Rangers Water Quality Field Day (open to the public) at 9 AM in Rockwell City, followed by a Canvass Event with the Latino Caucus Vice‑Chair launching at 11 AM from the Webster Democrat-Coordinated Campaign Office
Noteworthy posts
We again are rejecting all Corporate PAC money, so we really rely on, and are extremely grateful for, your support. We’ll spend your donations on ways to expand our reach to as many voters as possible, including:
Postcards and other mailers and postage
Hand‑out cards for doors/events
Text messaging campaigns
Transportation costs for events and door-knocking
Campaign website costs
Radio ads, social media ads, and (hopefully) TV ads
Our campaign manager
Finally, if you have anyone else in mind who would like to be added to our email list or who would be interested in volunteering, let us know at kriswilliamsforiowa@gmail.com!
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Kris Williams
Democratic Candidate for Iowa House of Representatives District 08