Iowa Visits 2013-14

REPUBLICANS  |  DEMOCRATS

REPUBLICAN PROSPECTS

2013-14	Carson	Christie	Cruz	Fiorina	Huckabee	Jindal	Paul	Pence	Perry	Ryan	Rubio	Santorum	Walker
Visits: 64	2	4	7	2	6	5	5	1	8	3	4	8	1
Days: 85	3	4	8	3	6	7	8	1	15	3	5	12	1

Tally includes - Portman 1 visit, 2 days; Brown: 2 visits, 2 days; Graham 1 visit, 1 day; Palin: 2 visits, 2 days; and Trump: 2 visits, 2 days.
Tally does not include - Mitt Romney 2 visits, 2 days.  Does not include Gov. Scott Walker's non-political trip on Sept. 8, 2014.

2014
Independent note: Draft Ben Carson for President held an office opening and Christmas Party at 8805 Chambery Blvd, Suite 250 in Johnston, Iowa on the afternoon of December 20, 2014.

>Gov. Bobby Jindal spoke at Polk County Republicans' fall Victory Dinner at the West Des Moines Marriott in West Des Moines, Iowa on the evening of December 16, 2014.

>Dr. Ben Carson keynoted The FAMiLY LEADER’s “Celebrate the Family” fundraising dinner at Holiday Inn Airport in Des Moines, Iowa, on the evening of November 22, 2014.  Also, per DMR's William Petroski Carson had lunch with Steve Deace earlier in the day.

Subtotal for the Pre-Campaign Period: From Nov. 7, 2012 to Election Day, Nov. 4, 2014, 18 potential candidates made 62 visits totaling 82 days.  This is a bit more than in the 2012 cycle, when by Election Day Nov. 2, 2010, 16 potential candidates made 51 visits totaling 71 days.  It is less than the 2008 cycle when by Election Day Nov. 7, 2006, 13 potential GOP candidates made 70 visits totaling 112 days.

2013-14	Carson	Christie	Cruz	Fiorina	Huckabee	Jindal	Paul	Pence	Perry	Portman	Ryan	Rubio	Santorum	Walker
Visits: 62	1	4	7	2	6	4	5	1	8	1	3	4	8	1
Days: 83	2	4	8	3	6	6	8	1	15	2	3	5	12	1

Tally includes - Brown: 2 visits, 2 days; Graham 1 visit, 1 day; Palin: 2 visits, 2 days; and Trump: 2 visits, 2 days.
Tally does not include - Mitt Romney 2 visits, 2 days.  Does not include Gov. Scott Walker's non-political trip on Sept. 8, 2014.

>Former Sen. Rick Santorum visited Iowa on November 1, 2014.  He held a media availability and then greeted volunteers at the GOP Victory Center at 2829 University Ave. in Waterloo; and attended a dinner for Patriot Voices volunteers at the Pizza Ranch in Cedar Falls.  (Volunteers from Patriot Voices were doing GOTV door-knocking in Iowa's 1st and 4th CDs on November 1-2).

>Former Hewlitt Packard CEO Carly Fiorina visited Iowa on October 30-31, 2014.  On October 30 she campaigned for 1st CD congressional candidate Rod Blum at three events, doing a meet and greet at the home of Dan and Belinda Gee in Cedar Rapids; a tour of Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids; and a GOTV rally and meet and greet at the GOP Victory office at 2829 University Ave. in Waterloo.  On October 31, she and Sen. Chuck Grassley campaigned with 2nd CD congressional candidate Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks at four events, doing a meet and greet at Happy Joe's in Pella; a meet and greet at the Dixie Gebhardt house in Knoxville; a meet and greet at Bridgehouse Coffee in Newton; and a meet and greet at the Hamburg Inn in Iowa City (Grassley and Miller-Meeks went on to do several more events).

>Gov. Chris Christie and Gov. Terry Branstad attended a Branstad for Governor rally at Winegard Company in Burlington, Iowa on the evening of October 30, 2014.

>Sen. Marco Rubio visited Iowa on October 28-29, 2014.  On October 28 he joined U.S. Senate nominee Joni Ernst on her "Iowa Knows Best" tour, making retail appearances at the Pizza Ranch in Pella; at the Smokey Row in Oskaloosa; and at the Java Lounge in Williamsburg; and in the evening he keynoted Scott County Republicans' Ronald Reagan Dinner at the QC Waterfront Convention Center in Bettendorf.  On the morning of October 29 he hosted a fundraiser for 1st CD Republican congressional nominee Rod Blum in Dubuque; and joined Blum for a GOTV rally at Blum's headquarters at 40 Main St. in Dubuque.

>Gov. Chris Christie visited Iowa on October 25, 2014.  He attended the luncheon for Steve King for Congress' annual Col. Bud Day Pheasant Hunt and held a media availability with King in Akron; and attended Gov. Terry Branstad's 68th birthday fundraiser at 7 Flags Event Center in Clive (this event was held early; Branstad's birthday is on November 17).

>Gov. Rick Perry visited Iowa on October 23, 2014.  He did a breakfast for Attorney General candidate Adam Gregg at the Iowa Association of Business and Industry in Des Moines; a luncheon for congressional candidate Rod Blum at Elmcrest Country Club in Cedar Rapids; and attended a cookout and concert in support of U.S. Senate nominee Joni Ernst at Pate Asphalt Systems in Marion (+).

>Sen. Lindsey Graham campaigned with U.S. Senate candidate Joni Ernst in Iowa for a full day on October 23, 2014, traveling with her on her campaign RV.  They appeared at a breakfast forum hosted by the Greater Des Moines Partnership at the Des Moines Botanical Garden in Des Moines; at the Greater Des Moines Rotary 2014 Candidate Series luncheon at the Wakonda Club; at a meet-and-greet at the Guthrie County Courthouse in Guthrie Center; at a meet and greet at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic [Cass Co.]; at a Joni for Iowa finance event, also in Cass County; and at a meet and greet at Darrell's Place in Hamlin [Audubon Co.].

>Former Sen. Rick Santorum visited Iowa on October 22-23, 2014. 
On October 22 he visited the Republican Party of Iowa Victory Center (124 4th St. SW) in Mason City; held a media availability with Congressman Steve King at the Republican Party of Iowa Victory Center (2526 Glen Ave.) in Sioux City; (and did a fundraiser at the home of Mike and Shannon Persaud in Dakota Dunes, SD - "just across the border from Sioux City"). 
On October 23 he visited the Johnson County Victory Center (1745 Boyrum St.) in Iowa City; and visited Scott County Republican headquarters (311 W. Kimberly Rd.) in Davenport. ("Santorum will also be holding private meetings with concerned Iowans.")

>Sen. Rand Paul visited Iowa on October 22, 2014.  He appeared with 1st CD Republican congressional nominee Rod Blum at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls; toured and held a small business roundtable at MobileDemand in Hiawatha; appeared at the Kaufmann Family Barbecue (a fundraiser for state Rep. Bobby Kaufmann) at the Wilton Community Center in Wilton; and spoke at a Joni Ernst for Senate rally outside the University of Iowa's Gilmore Hall in Iowa City.

>Former Gov. Mike Huckabee visited Iowa on October 21, 2014 to campaign for U.S. Senate nominee Joni Ernst; they made a campaign stop at the Republican Victory office at 2526 Glen Ave. in Sioux City; and a campaign stop at the Hy-Vee Club Room in Council Bluffs.

Independent note: Draft Ben Carson for President announces county chairs for all 99 counties.

>Donald Trump visited West Des Moines, Iowa on October 18, 2014.  He and Congressman Steve King held a press conference at Concordia Group LLC's office; and they then appeared at a Steve King for Congress fundraiser at the residence of George Cataldo.

>Former Sen. Rick Santorum visited Iowa on October 15, 2014.  He participated in the Family Research Council's Faith Family Freedom Fund, National Organization for Marriage and Iowa FAMiLY Leader's "Standing for the American Family" Whistle Stop Tour of Iowa stop at the Dubuque County Republican headquarters at Kmart Plaza in Dubuque; headlined a house party in support of the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition at the home of Chad and Jill Kluver in Davenport; and headlined a house party in support of the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition at the home of Ron and Becky Herrig in Dubuque.

>Former Gov. Mitt Romney campaigned wth U.S. Senate candidate Joni Ernst in Iowa on October 12-13, 2014.  On October 12 they appeared at the Iowa Farm Bureau headquarters in Des Moines; on the morning of October 13, along with Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds, they rallied at the Cedar Rapids Marriott in Cedar Rapids.

Out of state note: The Dallas Morning News reports that on October 7, 2014 "Cruz quietly hosted a fundraising event in Houston for four Senate hopefuls: Rep. Tom Cotton from Arkansas, Dan Sullivan from Alaska, Joni Ernst from Iowa, and Mike McFadden from Minnesota."

>Gov. Rick Perry visited Iowa on October 3, 2014.  He headlined an event for state Rep. Pat Grassley at the Fox Ridge Golf Course in Dike; and in the evening delivered the keynote address at the Northwest Iowa Republican Fundraising Dinner, hosted by the O'Brien County Republican Party, at the Northwest Iowa Community College LIfelong Learning & Recreation Center in Sheldon.

>Gov. Chris Christie and Gov. Terry Branstad rallied for congressional candidate Rod Blum at Gee Asphalt in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on October 3, 2014.

>Sen. Rob Portman, accompanied by his wife, visited Iowa on October 1-2, 2014.  Per Des Moines Register's Jennifer Jacobs, on October 1 he made a stop at Eldon's Restaurant in Sioux City; stopped by the Sioux City Victory Center in Sioux City; rode on the Ernst campaign bus to Des Moines; he and Sen. John Thune headlined a fundraiser for U.S. Senate nominee Joni Ernst at Stine Party Barn in West Des Moines; did a fundraiser for congressional candidate David Young at the home of Louisa and Jim Sandager in West Des Moines; and made a stop at 801 Chop House in Des Moines.  On October 2 he stopped by EMC Insurance in Des Moines; spoke to party activists and donors at a lunch organized by Matt Strawn at Iowa GOP headquarters in Des Moines; and met at the Capitol with Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. [ed. details of Eldon's and Chop House restaurant stops unclear]

>As reported by DMR's Jennifer Jacobs, Rep. Paul Ryan was the featured guest a fundraiser for "the state party, U.S. Senate hopeful Joni Ernst and U.S. House candidate David Young" at Kum & Go headquarters in West Des Moines, Iowa on September 27, 2014.

>Sen. Ted Cruz, along with Gov. Bobby Jindal, headlined Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition's 14th Annual Fall Family Banquet at the Knapp Learning Center on the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa on September 27, 2014.

>Gov. Bobby Jindal visited Iowa on September 27, 2014.  He made calls and greeted volunteers at the GOP Victory Center at 2519 Chamberlain St. in Ames; attended a Iowa State University tailgate for the Senate Republican Leader Bill Dix at Jack Trice Stadium in the RV Parking S8 (east side) in Ames; and along with Sen. Ted Cruz, headlined Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition's 14th Annual Fall Family Banquet at the Knapp Learning Center on the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.

>Former Hewlitt Packard CEO Carly Fiorina and House Majority Leader Linda Upmeyer held an Unlocking Potential Project (UPP) event at the Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel in West Des Moines, Iowa on September 27, 2014 (+).

Out of state note: Former Gov. Jeb Bush held a fundraiser to benefit Cory Gardner, Joni Ernst, Tom Cotton and Monica Wehby in Tampa, FL on September 23, 2014.

(Gov. Scott Walker participated in the 48th annual Midwest U.S.-Japan Association conference at the Des Moines Marriott in Des Moines, Iowa on September 8, 2014.  ...non-political, not included in tally)

>Gov. Mike Pence visited Iowa on September 8, 2014.  He was the keynote speaker at a fundraising luncheon for Gov. Terry Branstad hosted by Cam Sutton in Des Moines; and he spoke at the 48th annual Midwest U.S.-Japan Association conference at the Des Moines Marriott in Des Moines.

>Gov. Rick Perry campaigned with 1st CD Republican congressional nominee Rod Blum in Iowa on September 2, 2014, doing four events: a healthcare roundtable at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids; an open house at the GOP Victory Center at 1340 Blairs Ferry Rd. in Hiawatha (Cedar Rapids area); a tour and press avail. at Giese Manufacturing in Dubuque; and a fundraiser at a private home in Dubuque.

>Dr. Ben Carson visited Iowa on August 24-25, 2014.  (Earlier in the day in Omaha, NE).  On August 24 he headlined Polk County Republicans' Summer Sizzle and Straw Poll, which he won, followed by a book signing at the Izaak Walton League Center in Des Moines.  On August 25 he headlined a breakfast fundraiser for Rod Blum, the Republican nominee for Congress in the 1st CD, at the Cedar Rapids Marriott Hotel  in Cedar Rapids; did a One Nation book signing at Barnes & Noble in Cedar Rapids; did a book signing at Books-A-Million in Dubuque; did a book signing Barnes & Noble in Davenport; and headlined a fundraiser for Mariannette Miller-Meeks, the Republican nominee for Congrss in the 2nd CD, at the Center for Active Seniors Inc. (CASI) in Davenport.

>Gov. Rick Perry visited Iowa on August 9-12, 2014, including helping three state senate candidates, a congressional candidate, and three GOP county parties as well as spending time at the State Fair.
On August 9 he spoke at the FAMiLY Leadership Summit at Stephens Auditorium in Ames.
On August 10 he appeared at a backyard BBQ for state Senate candidate Brian Schmidt > at the Campbell Farms property in Grand Mound; an ice cream social for Miller-Meeks for Congress at the home of Betty Dexter in Eldridge; and in the evening an event with state Senate candidate Mike Moore > at the University Athletic Club in Iowa City.
On August 11 he appeared at a business roundtable breakfast for state Senate candidate Crystal Bruntz > at the Hy-Vee in Altoona; stopped by Iowa Republican headquarters in Des Moines; participated in a Polk County GOP business roundtable at the Iowa Association of Business and Industry in Des Moines; visited the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown; and spoke at Story County Republicans' fourth annual Judge Joseph Story Dinner at Prairie Moon Winery and Vineyards in Ames.
On August 12 he toured the Grand Concourse, spoke at the Des Moines Register Soapbox, and appeared at the GOP booth at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines; and spoke at a Pottawatttamie County GOP fundraiser at Treynor Community Center in Treynor.


>Gov. Bobby Jindal visited Iowa on August 8-9, 2014.  On August 8 he spoke at the Iowa Renewal Project's Pastors' Policy Briefing at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Cedar Rapids, and campaigned with congressional candidate Mariannette Miller-Meeks in Knoxville coinciding with the Knoxville Nationals. They toured the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Walk of Fame booths under the grandstand and attended a meet-and-greet at the home of Marion County Republican chairman Steve Bailey.  On August 9 accompanied by his family he visited the Iowa State Fair, and he volunteered at the Republican Party booth; he attended a conservative leadership roundtable with U.S. Rep. Steve King at Hansen Company in Johnston; and he spoke at the FAMiLY Leadership Summit at Stephens Auditorium in Ames.

>Former Sen. Rick Santorum visited Iowa on August 8-9, 2014.  On August 8 he appeared on WHO Radio's Simon Conway show from the Crystal Studio at the Iowa State Fair, and in the evening was the special guest at the Boone County Republicans' Eisenhower Grand Ol' Picnic at McHose Park Shelter House in Boone.  On August 9 he signed copies of his book Blue Collar Conservatives, and spoke at the FAMiLY Leadership Summit at Stephens Auditorium in Ames.

>Sen. Ted Cruz visited Iowa on August 9, 2014.  He attended the Iowa State Fair, including having a pork chop on a stick, casting his kernal for Joni Ernst, viewing the butter cow, stopping by the Iowa GOP booth, speaking from the DMR Soapbox at 1 p.m., and leaving with a turkey leg; and he spoke at the FAMiLY Leadership Summit at Stephens Auditorium in Ames.

>Returning from New York, former Gov. Mike Huckabee spoke at the FAMiLY Leadership Summit at Stephens Auditorium in Ames, Iowa on August 9, 2014.

>Former Gov. Mike Huckabee was a special guest at Iowa Renewal Project's Pastors' Policy Briefing at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on August 8, 2014.  Then he flew to New York for his TV show.

>Sen. Rand Paul visited Iowa on August 4-6, 2014, doing a total of ten events including helping to open Republican Party of Iowa Victory offices in five cities (-). 
On August 4 he spoke at the GOP Victory office at 231 South Main St. in Council Bluffs; spoke at the GOP Victory office at 2526 Glen Ave. in Sioux City; and in the evening he appeared at a fundraiser for Congressman Steve King at the Barefoot Bar in Okoboji (-). 
On August 5 he headlined a Cerro Gordo GOP breakfast fundraiser at Mason City Municipal Airport Restaurant in Clear Lake; spoke at the GOP Victory office at 1340 Blairs Ferry Rd. in Hiawatha (Cedar Rapids); spoke at a Mariannette Miller-Meeks for Congress fundraiser at the University Club in Iowa City; toured and made a speech at Von Maur department store corporate headquarters in Davenport; and spoke at the GOP Victory office at 311 W. Kimberly Rd. in Davenport. 
On the morning of August 6 he spoke to the Westside Conservative Club at the Iowa Machine Shed in Urbandale; and spoke at the GOP Victory office at 2775 86th St. in Urbandale.

>Sen. Marco Rubio appeared at a fundraiser for U.S. Senate candidate Joni Ernst and at the annual summer party at Iowa Board of Regents president and agricultural entrepreneur Bruce Rastetter's property in Hubbard (Hardin County), Iowa on August 2, 2014.  (Sens. Cruz, Rubio and Johnson-WI)

>Sen. Ted Cruz appeared at a fundraiser for U.S. Senate candidate Joni Ernst and at the annual summer party at Iowa Board of Regents president and agricultural entrepreneur Bruce Rastetter's property in Hubbard (Hardin County), Iowa on August 2, 2014.  (Sens. Cruz, Rubio and Johnson-WI)

>Gov. Rick Perry visited Iowa on July 19-20, 2014.  On July 19 he spoke at the North Iowa Conservative Event (NICE) dinner/fundraiser at Algona High School Commons in Algona.  On July 20 he attended services at the Clear Lake Evangeliical Free Church; had lunch with veterans and first responders at the VFW in Clear Lake; and headlined the Cerro Gordo GOP summer BBQ fundraiser at Mason City Municipal Airport Grounds in Clear Lake.

>Gov. Chris Christie visited Iowa on July 17, 2014 for events for the RGA, House Speaker Kraig Paulsen and Gov. Terry Branstad (-).  Christie and Branstad attended a RGA fundraising breakfast in Waukee; Christie attended a fundraiser for Speaker Paulsen in Cedar Rapids; Christie and Branstad made a retail meet and greet stop at MJ's Restaurant in Marion followed by a Q&A with reporters; and Christie headlined "An Evening at the Fair" fundraiser with Branstad in the Starlite Ballroom at the Missisippi Valley Fairgrounds in Davenport.

>On June 14, 2014 Sen. Rand Paul spoke at the Republican Party of Iowa state convention at Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines, Iowa.

>On June 14, 2014 former Sen. Rick Santorum spoke at the Republican Party of Iowa state convention at Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines, Iowa; and, from 12:00 to 2:00, he did a book signing for his book Blue Collar Conservatives.

>Gov. Bobby Jindal visited Des Moines, Iowa on June 13-14, 2014.  On the evening of June 13 he was the special guest at a Republican Pary of Iowa Road to Victory reception at Hy-Vee Hall.  On June 14 he spoke at the Republican Party of Iowa state convention at Hy-Vee Hall.

>Sen. Marco Rubio made a brief visit to Iowa on June 2, 2014, the eve of the primary, mingling with attendees and speaking at a cookout for U.S. Senate candidate Joni Ernst in the parking lot at her campaign headquarters in Urbandale.  Rubio's Reclaim America PAC has run an ad supporting Ernst starting May 24 in Des Moines and around the state the week of May 26.

>Former Gov. Mitt Romney campaigned with U.S. Senate candidate Joni Ernst in Iowa at rallies at the Veteran's Memorial Building on May's Island in Cedar Rapids, and at Rogalski Center at St. Ambrose University in Davenport on May 30, 2014.

>Gov. Rick Perry visited Iowa on May 28-29, 2014.  On May 28 he toured Master Tool & Mfg. Inc. in Hiawatha (suburb of Cedar Rapids) with U.S. Senate candidate Matt Whitaker.  On May 29 he campaigned with Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds at a fundraising breakfast at +39 Restaurant, Market and Cantina in Ames; a tour of the Entrepreneurial Center at StartupCity Spencer and a fundraising lunch at Gary's on the River in Spencer; a rally at the Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor in Le Mars; and an evening fundraising event at a private home in Sioux City.

Out of state note: In his role as chairman of the RGA, Gov. Chris Christie appeared at a fundraising lunch for Gov. Terry Branstad in New Jersey on May 28, 2014.

Out of state note: Former Gov. Jeb Bush held a fundraiser with Gov. Terry Branstad in Coral Gables, FL on May 22, 2014.

>Former Gov. Sarah Palin was one of several women to appear at a ShePAC rally for U.S. Senate candidate Joni Ernst at the Hy-Vee Conference Center in Des Moines, Iowa on April 27, 2014.

>Rep. Paul Ryan keynoted the Republican Party of Iowa's Lincoln Day dinner at DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on the evening of April 11, 2014.

>Former Gov. Mike Huckabee keynoted the 14th annual Faith & Freedom Coalition Spring KickOff at Point of Grace Church in Waukee, Iowa on April 8, 2014.

>Former Sen. Scott Brown is scheduled to headline the Ringgold County GOP Dinner at the Ramsey Farms in Mount Ayr, Iowa on the evening of April 3, 2014. cancelled March 14 on the day he annouced exploratory run for U.S. Senate in NH.

>Former Sen. Rick Santorum visited Iowa on March 26, 2014.  He taped "Iowa Press" at IPTV studios in Johnston; appeared on the Simon Conway show in studio on WHO; and did a fundraiser at a private residence in Waukee for Sec. of State Matt Schultz, who is seeking the Republican nomination for Congress in the 3rd CD.

>Sen. Ted Cruz visited Iowa on March 18, 2014.  He was the featured speaker at the Network of Iowa Christian Home Educators' Homeschool Day at the Marriott in Des Moines (.); and spoke at a Cerro Gordo Republicans dessert reception fundraiser at Music Man Square in Mason City.

>Gov. Rick Perry visited Iowa on February 27-28, 2014.  On February 27 he taped "Iowa Press" at Iowa Public Television studios in Johnston; did meet and greet and spoke to activists at Branstad campaign headquarters/GOP Victory offices at 2775 86th St. in Urbandale (joined there by RPI Chairman AJ Spiker and Iowa Governor Terry Branstad); and attended a fundraiser for Americans for Prosperity at the Hotel Fort Des Moines in Des Moines.  On February 28 he participated in a roundtable discussion with business leaders hosted by Kirk Whalen of Heart of America at Thunder Bay Grill in Davenport.  He also did an editorial board meeting with the Quad Cities Times, and then met privately with Scott County Republican activists.

Independent note: The National Draft Ben Carson for President Committee made a major visibility effort at the Iowa precinct caucuses around Iowa on January 21, 2014. >


2013 - The tally of 18 visits, 23 days for Nov. 7, 2013-Dec. 31, 2013 is more than compared to 2008-09 (the same point in the 2012 cycle), when there were 13 visits, 15 days, but fewer than in 2004-05 (2008 cycle) when there were 23 visits, 36 days.  

	Brown	Cruz	Jindal	Huckabee	Palin	Paul	Perry	Ryan	Rubio	Santorum	Trump	Walker
Visits: 18	2	3	1	2	1	2	1	1	1	2	1	1
Days: 23	2	4	1	2	1	3	2	1	1	4	1	1

>Rep. Paul Ryan headlined Gov. Terry Branstad's annual birthday party fundraiser at Adventureland in Altoona, Iowa on November 16, 2013.

>Former Gov. Mike Huckabee spoke at a fundraising banquet for Informed Choices (medical clinics) at Hy-Vee Hall at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa on the evening of November 14, 2013.

>Former Sen. Scott Brown was the featured speaker at the Scott County Republicans' Ronald Reagan Dinner at the QC Waterfront Convention Center in Bettendorf, Iowa on the evening of November 12, 2013.

>Former Sen. Rick Santorum did a media availability and attended a screening of "The Christmas Candle" at Cinemark 20 Jordan Creek in West Des Moines, Iowa on November 11, 2013.

>Former Gov. Sarah Palin and Sen. Mike Lee spoke at Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition's fall fundraiser at the Paul R. Knapp Learning Center at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa on the evening of November 9, 2013. >

>Gov. Rick Perry visited Iowa on November 7-8, 2013.  On November 7 in Des Moines he met with Gov. Terry Branstad at the Capitol; attended a business luncheon organized by Americans for Prosperity at Dos Rios (Mexican restaurant); and spoke at the Polk County Republicans' Robb Kelly Fall Dinner at the Embassy Suites.  On November 8 he met privately with Mike Ralston, president of the Iowa Association of Business & Industry; spoke at an NRA luncheon at Flemings Restaurant in West Des Moines; and toured Brownells, Inc., a firearms parts supplier in Montezuma.  He also did various interviews.

(...on October 30, 2013 Gov. Rick Perry participated in an Americans for Prosperity tele-town hall with Iowans).

>Sen Ted Cruz visited Iowa on October 25-26, 2013.  On the evening of October 25 he headlined the Republican Party of Iowa's annual Ronald Reagan Commemorative Dinner at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines (-).  On October 26 he joined U.S. Rep. Steve King for his annual Col. Bud Day Pheasant Hunt at the Hole N' the Wall Lodge north of Akron and the subsequent Defenders of Freedom event at the Le Mars Convention Center in Le Mars.

>Former Sen. Scott Brown and his wife visited Iowa on August 18, 2013 (the trip which also included stops in South Dakota).  He visited the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, and, as reported by Jennifer Jacobs at Iowa Politics planned to visit relatives of his wife in the Winterset area. 


>Sen. Ted Cruz spoke at The FAMiLY Leadership Summit at Stephens Auditorium in Ames, Iowa on August 10, 2013.  As reported by Jason Noble at Iowa Politics, he had been "scheduled to meet top Republican donors and activists" at the Iowa State Fair before his appearance but that did not happen as his flight was delayed.

>Donald Trump spoke at The FAMiLY Leadership Summit at Stephens Auditorium in Ames, Iowa on August 10, 2013.  He spoke with reporters afterwards, but did no other events, flying in and out.
 
>Former Sen. Rick Santorum visited Iowa on August 8-10, 2013.  On August 8 in the morning he spoke at a breakfast reception for Congressman Tom Latham at The Holiday Inn & Suites @ Ameristar in Council Bluffs; and in the evening he addressed guests of the Lyon County & Northwest Iowa Republican Fundraising Dinner at the Forster Community Building in Rock Rapids.  On the afternoon of August 9 he visited the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines; in the evening he spoke at Steve Boender's customer appreciation supper in the machine shed of his farm in Oskaloosa.  On August 10 he spoke at the FAMiLY Leader's Family Leadership Summit at Stephens Auditorium in Ames. 
Also, not sure where fits in, per Kathie Obradovich tweet: "for old time’s sake, went to Blue Bunny ice-cream parlor in Le Mars “and the Pizza Ranch for lunch.”

>Gov. Bobby Jindal, chair of the Republican Governors Association, appeared at a fundraiser for Gov. Terry Branstad and at the annual summer party at Iowa Board of Regents president and agricultural entrepreneur Bruce Rastetter's property in Hubbard (Hardin County), Iowa on August 3, 2013.

>Sen. Ted Cruz spoke at the Republican Party of Iowa's Summer Picnic and Luncheon fundraiser at GOP headquarters and at the American Renewal Project's "Pastors and Pews" (closed event) in Des Moines, Iowa on July 19 2013.

>Sen. Rand Paul spoke at the American Renewal Project's "Pastors and Pews" (closed event) in Des Moines, Iowa, held a news conference, and hosted a meeting with black and evangelical leaders and Republican leaders including Reince Priebus on July 19, 2013.
Note: American Renewal Project is part of American Family Association-David Lane.

 >Gov. Scott Walker keynoted the Polk County Republican Party’s Robb Kelley Club Spring Dinner at Sheraton Hotel in West Des Moines, Iowa on May 23, 2013.

>Sen. Rand Paul visited Iowa on May 10-11, 2013.  On May 10 in Cedar Rapids he held a press conference, did coffee at the home Dan and Belinda Gee sponsored by Five Seasons Republican Women; and headlined the Republican Party of Iowa’s annual Lincoln Dinner at The Hotel at Kirkwood.  On May 11 he keynoted the Johnson County GOP's "Breakfast of Champions" fundraiser at North Liberty Communty Center in North Liberty.  

>Former Sen. Rick Santorum is scheduled to visit Iowa on April 15, 2013.  He plans to attend a luncheon with the John Paul II Medical Research Institute in The Capitol Room, in the East Village of Des Moines; and give the keynote address at the 13th Annual Spring Kick Off of the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition at the Des Moines Christian School in Urbandale.  cancelled April 14 "While traveling in South Carolina on Saturday, Rick Santorum became ill and was admitted to the hospital for a gastro-intestinal illness and dehydration."

>Former Gov. Mike Huckabee was the guest of honor and keynote speaker at the Republican Party of Iowa's first ever “Celebrate Life” event at Point of Grace Church in Waukee, Iowa on February 23, 2013.

2012
>Sen. Marco Rubio headlined Gov. Terry Branstad's annual birthday party fundraiser at Adventureland in Altoona, Iowa on November 18, 2012.

2013

also from 2014

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DEMOCRATIC PROSPECTS

2013-14	Biden	Clinton	Dean	Klobuchar	O'Malley	Sanders	Schweitzer	Webb
Visits: 19	3	2	1	3	4	4	1	1
Days: 30	3	2	1	4	7	9	1	3

2014
Independent note: MoveOn.org Political Action held a Run Warren Run Iowa kick off at Java Joe's Coffee House in Des Moines, Iowa on December 17, 2014 (+).

>Sen. Bernie Sanders visited Iowa on December 16-17, 2014.  On December 16 he started with a breakfast meeting with local residents at Drake Diner; held a town hall meeting hosted by the United States Student Association and Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement Action Fund at Collegiate United Methodist Church in Ames; and was the keynote speaker at Progress Iowa's 2014 Holiday Party at the Meadows Events and Conference Center in Altoona.  Also on Tuesday he met "with groups of Iowans including labor unions, environmentalists, women’s rights groups, immigration reform activists, grassroots progressive groups and other organizations."  On December 17 he taped "Iowa Press" at Iowa Public Television in Johnston. 


Subtotal for the Pre-Campaign Period: From Nov. 7, 2012 to Election Day, Nov. 4, 2014, eight potential candidates made 18 visits totaling 28 days.  Compare: 2008 cycle

2013-14	Biden	Clinton	Dean	Klobuchar	O'Malley	Sanders	Schweitzer	Webb
Visits: 18	3	2	1	3	4	3	1	1
Days: 28	3	2	1	4	7	7	1	3

Out of state note: Vice President Joe Biden spoke at a fundraiser for U.S. Senate candidate Bruce Braley at The 8th Floor in New York, NY on October 30, 2014.

>Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton joined U.S. Senate candidate Bruce Braley at two Get Out the Vote events in Iowa on October 29, 2014.  They appeared at the IBEW Hall in Cedar Rapids; and at RiverCenter in Davenport.

>Vice President Joe Biden rallied with U.S. Senate candidate Bruce Braley at Modern Woodmen Park in Davenport, Iowa on October 27, 2014.  (Concluding event of the Iowa Democratic Party’s “99 in 24” tour – "Democratic candidates, officials, and supporters throughout the state will hold an unprecedented 99 events — one in each Iowa county — during a 24 hour period beginning this Sunday, October 26.")

>Sen. Amy Klobuchar keynoted the Iowa Democratic Party's 2014 Jefferson Jackson Dinner at Hy Vee Hall in Des Moines, Iowa on October 25, 2014.

(First Lady Michelle Obama headlined an "Iowa Votes" rally for U.S. Senate candidate Bruce Braley in Iowa City, Iowa on October 21, 2014).

(Sen. Elizabeth Warren visited Iowa on October 19, 2014; she headlined "Iowa Votes" rallies for Senate candidate Bruce Braley at the University of Iowa Memorial Union in Iowa City, and at the Hotel Fort Des Moines in Des Moines).

>Gov. Martin O'Malley visited Iowa on October 11-12, 2014.  On October 11 he appeared at a canvass kickoff with Secretary of State candidate Brad Anderson at 4514 Beaver Crest Dr. (residential area) in Beaverdale; did a meet and greet with Iowa Democrats at Baratta's Restaurant; and visit the IDP's Des Moines field office on Ingersoll Ave. with Anderson.  [On the evening of October 11, he keynoted the ninth annual Minnesota DFL Founders Day Dinner at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, MN].  On October 12 in Iowa City he addressed the College and Young Democrats of Iowa fall conference at 2520D Old Capitol Mall, then joined CYDI for a GOTV party and canvass kickoff at The Mill Restaurant and Bar; and in the evening in Dubuque he was the special guest at a fundraising reception for Senate candiddate Bruce Braley. at Catfish Charlie's.

(First Lady Michelle Obama headlined an "Iowa Votes" rally for U.S. Senate candidate Bruce Braley in the Fieldhouse at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa on the afternoon of October 10, 2014).

Out of state note: Vice President Joe Biden spoke at a fundraiser for U.S. Senate candidate Bruce Braley at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA on October 6, 2014.

>Sen. Bernie Sanders visited Iowa on October 4-5, 2014.  On the evening of October 4 he was the keynote speaker at a town meeting on the economy sponsored by Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement Action Fund at the Adler Health Education Center in Davenport.  On October 5 he along with Sen. Debbie Stabenow speak at the Johnson County Democrats' Annual Fall BBQ at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Iowa City; and he spoke at a Popcorn and Politics meeting of the Iowa Citizen Action Network at the North Ridge Pavilion in Coralville.

Independent note: The independent Ready for Hillary super PAC's Hillary bus visited Iowa colleges and universities on September 16-18, 2014: Iowa State University and Drake University (Sept. 16); University of Iowa and Cornell College (Sept. 17); Northern Iowa University and Grinell College (Sept. 18).

>Vice President Joe Biden delivered remarks at a kick-off rally for the Nuns on the Bus "We the People, We the Voters" bus tour at the West Capitol Terrace of the State Capitol in Des Moines, Iowa on the morning of September 17, 2014 (1, 2).

>Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Cinton spoke at Sen. Tom Harkin’s 37th Steak Fry at the National Balloon Classic Balloon Field in Indianola, Iowa on September 14, 2014 (1, 2).
Independent note: The independent Ready for Hillary super PAC was very active around the Harkin Steak Fry; Ready for Hillary reported that more than 100 RfH volunteers, staff and interns helped with the event.  Volunteers in Iowa and at national headquarters made calls encouraging supporters to buy tickets and attend.  RfH provided transportation and purchased tickets for students at eight Iowa colleges and universities.  A RfH billboard was put up near Des Moines Airport.  On site, the RfH bus was on hand, volunteers put up "Ready." and "Thank You Tom!" signs, and a mobile RfH billboard was on the entrance road.

>Sen. Bernie Sanders visited Iowa on September 13-14, 2014 for three town hall meetings sponsored by Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement Action Fund.  On the evening of September 13 he held a town hall at Clarke University in Dubuque.  On September 14 after a morning appearance on NBC News' "Meet the Press," he held a town hall at the Center for the Arts in Waterloo; and a town hall at Grace United Methodist Church in Des Moines.

>Gov. Martin O'Malley appeared at a fundraiser for Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jack Hatch at a private residence in Iowa City, Iowa on September 7, 2014.

>Sen. Amy Klobuchar visited Iowa on August 23, 2014, campaigning with Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate Rep. Bruce Braley at Popcorn Heaven in Waterloo; then toured the Golden Grain Energy biofuel plant in Mason City; and they made a stop at State Street Deli in Mason City.

>Former Sen. Jim Webb visited Iowa on August 20-22, 2014. 
On August 20 he joined veterans at an event with U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack at Lindsay Park in Davenport; and spoke at a fundraiser for the Linn County Phoenix Club at RWDSU Local 110 union hall in Cedar Rapids.
On August 21 he spoke at the Iowa Federation of Labor's 58th Annual Convention  at Pririe Meadows in Altoona; campaigned for U.S. Senate nominee Bruce Braley at Council Bluffs Public Library; and made phone calls as part of a Braley campaign veterans-to-veterans phone bank in Des Moines.
On August 22 he appeared on KBUR-AM 1490 “Talking Politics” with Robin Johnson; and toured the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown with Democratic gubernatorial nominee state Sen. Jack Hatch.
Webb also appeared on IPTV's "Iowa Press," which aired August 22.

>Gov. Martin O'Malley visited Iowa on July 26-27, 2014. 
On July 26 he appeared at a fundraiser for state Sen. Rita Hart at Lyons Depot in Clinton; at a fundraiser for state Senate candidate Kevin Kinney at Rocky O'Brien's Pub in North Liberty; (and in the evening he addressed the annual Morrison Exon Dinner  at Embassy Suites Omaha/La Vista Hotel and Conference Center in La Vista, NE). 
On July 27 he appeared at an event for gubernatorial candidate Jack Hatch at a private home in Council Bluffs; in the afternoon was the special guest at a fundraiser for Jack Hatch for Governor at the home of Al Sturgeon in Sioux City; and he appeared with Hatch to launch a canvass kick off at the Coordinated Campaign office at 401 S. Lewis Blvd. in Sioux City. 

(Gov. Jay Nixon toured the Project LIBERTY cellulosic ethonol plant in Emmetsburg, Iowa on July 22, 2014, but it was his only stop and aides said it was a non-political trip...not included in tally).

>Gov. Martin O'Malley visited Iowa on June 20-21, 2014.  On June 20 he appeared at the Iowa Democratic Party's Hall of Fame fundraiser at Iowa Events Center.  On June 21 he started with an Iowa labor leaders breakfast at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center; launched a canvass kick off with Iowa Democratic Party volunteers at Saints Pub + Patio in Beaverdale; was the keynote speaker at the Democratic State Convention at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines (-).  Next, O'Malley campaigned around the state with Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jack Hatch, starting with a walking tour of the Des Moines Farmers Market, then doing three fundraisers: at the home of Harry and Pam Bookey in Des Moines; at Jim Hayes' home in Iowa City; at Water Tower Place, the home of Steve and Bonnie Sovern in Cedar Rapids; followed by an appearance at Irish District Music & Arts Festival in Cedar Rapids; and they concluded with a rally with activists and congressional candidate Pat Murphy at Hotel Julien Dubuque.

>Sen. Bernie Sanders visited Iowa on May 17-19, 2014.  The publicized event was the keynote address to Clinton County Democrats at their Hall of Fame Dinner at the Millenium Ballroom in Goose Lake on the evening of May 17.  As reported by DMR's Jason Noble via Sen. Sanders' office on May 18 he met with activists at a private home in Iowa City in an event sponsored by the Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement Action Fund.  On May 19 in Des Moines he met with AFL-CIO labor leaders; talked with students at Hoover High School; and toured a Primary Health Care Inc. clinic.

Out of state note: DMR's Jennifer Jacobs reported that Vice President Joe Biden "popped in" for an unannounced visit at the Greater Des Moines Partnership's congressional delegation reception at the P.O.V. Roof Terrace at the W Washington D.C. Hotel in Washington, DC on the evening of May 7, 2014.

Independent note: Coinciding with Democratic County Conventions, volunteers with the independent Ready for Hillary super PAC distributed buttons and bumperstickers and signed up supporters in 84 counties around Iowa on March 8, 2014.

Independent note: The independent Ready for Hillary super PAC held a Des Moines Kickoff Event at Exile Brewing Co. at 1514 Walnut Street in downtown Des Moines, Iowa on January 25, 2014.  National director Craig Smith provided a status briefing, and leaders of both the Obama and Clinton 2008 campaigns co-hosted the event (HRC '08: Teresa Vilmain, Bonnie Campbell, Jerry Crawford; BO '08: Jackie Norris and Tyler Olson).

2013
>Former Gov. Brian Schweitzer was the featured speaker at Progress Iowa's Holiday Party at the Prairie Meadows Event Center in Altoona, Iowa on December 18, 2013.; he also did media including taping an appearance on IPTV's "Iowa Press."

Out of state note: Vice President Joe Biden attended a fundraiser for congressional candidate Jim Mowrer (challenging Steve King) at the Capitol Hill townhouse of April and John Delaney in Washington, DC on the morning of September 24, 2013.

>Vice President Joe Biden and San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro were the featured guests at Sen. Tom Harkin’s 36th annual Steak Fry at the Warren County Fairgrounds in Indianola, Iowa on September 15, 2013.

>Former Gov. Howard Dean was the keynote speaker at the 57th annual Iowa Federation of Labor Convention at Prairie Meadows in Altoona, Iowa on August 21, 2013.

>Sen. Amy Klobuchar visited Iowa on August 16-17, 2013.  On August 16, as reported by DMR's Jennifer Jacobs she "talked with local Democrats...at a corn and soybean farm in Worth County" (Kensett); and in the evening she was the keynote speaker at the North Iowa Democrats' 10th anniversary Wing Ding Fundraiser at the Historic Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake.  On August 17 she appeared at a fundraiser for the Linn County Phoenix Club at the home of Nan Riley in Marion.

Independent note: No candidates appeared but the event drew considerable attention: EMILY's List's ‘Madam President’ Town Hall at The Temple for Performing Arts, Des Moines, Iowa on the morning of August 9, 2013.


 
 
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