A trio of Iowa officials is criticizing the Democratic National Committee for instituting polling and fundraising thresholds to participate in the presidential debates. They say the thresholds are artificial and they are winnowing the field of candidates and usurping the job of Iowa caucus-goers.
In a conference call with reporters today, Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller and Iowa DNC member Jan Bauer said most Iowans are not tuning in to the Democratic presidential debates and have not yet made up their minds.
The call was organized by Montana Gov. Steve Bullock's presidential campaign. Bullock has failed to take the stage for recent debates, including tonight's debate in Ohio.
Miller and Bauer have endorsed Bullock.
Former Iowa Democratic Party Chair and former U.S. Rep. Dave Nagle said the DNC is shutting out those without access to wealth or name recognition.
Governor Kim Reynolds is continuing her quest for criminal justice reform. Today, Reynolds announced she’s forming a committee tasked with recommending reforms in Iowa.
She says the group’s first task is to come up with policies that support people when they leave prison so they don’t re-offend. Next year, she wants the committee to look at solutions for racial bias in the criminal justice system.
Reynolds says she hopes it results in the legislature passing new laws.
That will be part of my program moving forward is to build on the second chance initiatives that I started last year. We’ve got some great updates for some of the things we’ve done.
Reynolds also says she will continue to push for restoring felon voting rights through a constitutional
