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2004: Crunch Time  . . . updated Jan. 13, 2004; see individual candidate pages for additional details . 
Note: Most of the Jan. 2004 information is based on schedules provided by the campaigns and has not been verified (shown
in italics). 
Details of 2003 visits have been verified.
Democratic presidential candidates have put a lot of time into visiting Iowa and have built up strong grassroots organizations.  The dynamics in Iowa are different from New Hampshire in a number of ways.  The Hawkeye State  is a caucus state, it presents a lot more ground to cover (99 counties), and two of the candidates--Sen. Lieberman and Gen. Clark--are not competing here.  Agricultural issues are more important, and organized labor has more of a presence than in New Hampshire.

Visits by Candidates

Bush
Clark
Dean
Edwards
Gephardt
Graham
Kerry
Kucinich
Lieberman
Moseley Braun
Sharpton
2004
< 2003
J A N U A R Y

-Rep. Kucinich is scheduled to visit Iowa on January 17-19, 2004.

-Sen. Edwards is scheduled to visit Iowa on January 14-19, 2004.
(Arrives from New Hampshire).  On January 14 he plans to campaign at John's Café in Sioux City; meet with Democratic activists at Spencer Public Library; meet with Democratic activists at Algona Public Library; be interviewed for Iowa Public Television's "The Candidates with David Yepsen" program at IPTV studios in Johnston; and meet with Democratic activists at Simpson College in Indianola.
On January 15 starting at noon he plans to launch "Five Days to Change America" at a rally at the Renaissance Savery Hotel in Des Moines; campaign at Oskaloosa Public Library; campaign at Ottumwa Senior Center; campaign at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant; and campaign at Alpha’s Eatery Annex in Burlington. 
On January 16 he plans to campaign at Bettendorf Public Library; campaign at the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library in Cedar Rapids; campaign at Council Bluffs Community Hall (City Hall); campaign at Noda Way Diner in Greenfield; campaign at Creston Senior High School library; and campaign at the VFW Hall in Winterset.

Eight of the candidates participated in the Brown and Black Forum debate at Polk County Convention Center in Des, Moines, Iowa on the evening of January 11, 2004. (All except Clark).
-Sen. Kerry is scheduled to visit Iowa on January 11-15, 2004.
On January 11 in Des Moines he plans to attend a pre-debate reception hosted by former State Rep. Willie Glanton; attend a pre-debate rally with supporters at Polk County Convention Center; and participated in the Brown & Black Forum at the Polk County Convention Complex. 
On January 12 he plans to rally with legislators on the west steps of the Capitol; hold four events dubbed "Town Hall for America's Future" at Williamsburg Community Center in Williamsburg; at Parthenon Pizza and Steak House in Fort Madison; at Burlington Steamboat Senior Center; and at American Legion Club in Muscatine. (Message: "Fighting for America's Future")
On January 13 he rallied with veterans at Black Hawk County Soldiers Memorial Hall in Waterloo (the rally featured the Bolaños brothers from El Paso, TX, four brothers who all served in Vietnam at the same time, from El Paso, TX as well as members of the "Veterans Brigade" that is travelling the state for Kerry; Kerry announced that announced that over 10,000 Iowa veterans will caucus for him on January 19); hold a "Town Hall for America's Future" at Two Brother's Restaurant in Independence; at Delaware County Fairgrounds community center in Manchester; and at Tilford Middle School in Vinton; and do a concert with Carole King at Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids. (Message: "Veterans Fighting for Kerry")
On January 14 he plans events in Iowa City; Davenport; Mason City; and Des Moines.  (Message: "Securing America's Future")

-Amb. Moseley Braun plans to visit Iowa on January 11-12, 2004She participated in the Brown & Black Forum at the Polk County Convention Complex in Des Moines on the evening of January 11.

-Sen. Lieberman participated in the Brown & Black Forum at the Polk County Convention Complex in Des Moines, IA on the evening of January 11, 2004.

-Rev. Sharpton participated in the Brown & Black Forum at the Polk County Convention Complex in Des Moines, IA on the evening of January 11, 2004.

-Sen. Edwards is scheduled to visit Iowa on January 10-13, 2004.
On January 10 [his flight was delayed due to mechanical problems in Chicago and he did not make a speech on the two economies to United Neighbors Inc. in Davenport]; after that he planned to meet with Democratic activists at Muscatine Community College Theater; meet with Democratic activists at [?] in Solon; and speak at the Linn County Hall of Fame Dinner at Crowne Plaza Five Seasons in Cedar Rapids.
On January 11 he plans to meet with Democratic activists at Heartland Senior Center in Ames; meet with Democratic activists at Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown; rally with supporters at Adventureland Inn Restaurant in Altoona; and participated in the Brown & Black candidate forum at Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines.
On January 12 he plans to deliver a speech on rural issues at Cedar Rapids Public Library; deliver a speech on rural issues at Mary Treglia Community House in Sioux City; meet with Democratic activists at Baker's Court Restaurant in Storm Lake; meet with Democratic activists at Cronk's Cafe in Denison; and meet with Democratic activists at Perry Elementary School in Perry.
On January 13 he plans to deliver a speech on health care issues at Fair Meadows Village in Des Moines.  [to New Hampshire].

-Gov. Dean is scheduled to visit Iowa on January 10-12, 2004
On the afternoon and evening of January 10 he plans to rally with Tom Harkin and Al Gore at the University of Dubuque; and make remarks to the Linn County Hall of Fame Dinner at Crowne Plaza Five Seasons in Cedar Rapids.
On the morning of January 11 he plans a Caucus for Change pancake breakfast at Waterloo Center for the Arts in Waterloo; early afternoon he plans a "Caucus for Change" event at the Oelwein Community Plaza in Oelwein; and in the evening he participated in Brown and Black Forum at the Polk County Convention Complex in Des Moines.
On the morning of January 12 he plans a "Caucus for Change" pancake breakfast at Central College in Pella; in the afternoon and evening he plans a "Caucus for Change" event at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mt. Pleasant; a "Caucus for Change" event at LULAC Hall in Fort Madison; and a "Caucus for Change" event at the Best Western, Grand Ballroom in Burlington.

-Rep. Gephardt is scheduled to visit Iowa on January 9-12, 2004, holding a series of "Countdown to Victory" events.
Arriving in Marshalltown from Manchester, NH on the afternoon of January 9, he plans to hold events at Jacobson Memorial Hall in the Tama Civic Center; at Williamsburg Community Child Care Center in Williamsburg; and at Cedar Rapids Public Library in Cedar Rapids.  (Overnight in Independence).
On January 10 he plans events at Independence Senior Center in Independence; at Cunningham School in Waterloo; at Waverly Civic Center in Waverly; at Floyd County Historical Museum in Charles City; at Dock's Restaurant in Clear Lake; and, after a flight from Mason City to Fort Dodge, he plans an event at Fort Dodge Senior High School.  (Overnight in Des Moines).
On January 11 he plans an event at "The Round Barn" home of Richard and Linda Wise in Winterset; an event at Norwalk Easter Public Library in Norwalk; a rally at Quality Inn (formerly the Best Western) in Des Moines; and participated in Brown and Black Forum at the Polk County Convention Complex in Des Moines.
January 12 tba.

-Rep. Kucinich is scheduled to visit Iowa on January 9-12, 2004.
On the evening of January 9 he plans to attend the Iowa State Education Association's annual legislative conference at Adventureland Inn in Altoona.
On January 10 he plans Coffee with Kucinich at Crouse Cafe in Indianola; Lunch with Kucinich at Country Kitchen in Ottumwa; a dessert reception 1930 Cherry Tree Lane in Fairfield; a rally at the Port of Burlington in Burlington; a chili supper at Masonic Temple in Mt. Pleasant; and attending the Linn County Democrats' Hall of Fame dinner at the Crowne Center Plaza in Cedar Rapids.
On January 11 he plans to visit the Islamic Center in Waterloo; stop at Antioch Baptist Church in Waterloo; rally at Waterloo Senior Center; a rally at Coliseum Blue Room in Marshalltown; attending a diversity celebration at Hotel Kirkwood in Des Moines; and participated in the Brown and Black Forum at the Plex in Des Moines.
On January 12 he plans to make a speech at Guideone Insurance in West Des Moines; visit Walnut Creek Alternative High School in West Des Moines; visit East Side Senior Center in Des Moines; do a radio interview on WOW 98.3 FM hosted Preston Daniels, former Mayor of Des Moines; visit Ames High School; and rally for peace and jobs at the Elks Lodge in Mason City.

-Sen. Kerry is scheduled to visit Iowa on January 9-10, 2004
On early afternoon of January 9 he plans to receive a major endorsement and hold a roundtable discussion with workers at Mary Sue’s Café in Davenport; [gap]; and in the evening he plans to attend the Iowa State Education Association's annual legislative conference at Adventureland Inn in Altoona. 
On January 10 he plans to "Rally for America’s Future with Ted Kennedy" at Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds in Davenport; at the Grand River Center in Dubuque; and at Washington High School in Cedar Rapids.

-Rep. Gephardt is scheduled to visit Iowa on January 7-8, 2004.
On the evening of January 7, arriving from South Carolina, he plans to hold a Countdown to Victory at Bluffs Area Family Center in Sergeant Bluff.
On January 8 he plans to hold a Countdown to Victory at Cronk's Cafe in Denison; a Countdown to Victory at Sam's Sodas and Sandwiches in Carroll; and at noon, a Countdown to Victory at the farm of Robert and Joyce Ausberger in Jefferson.

Six of the candidates participated in the NPR debate at Iowa State University Extension Campus in Des Moinesearly afternoon on January 6, 2004 (Dean, Gephardt, Kerry, Kucinich, Lieberman and Moseley Braun).
-Sen. Lieberman participated in the National Public Radio Forum at Iowa State Extension Campus in Des Moines, Iowa early afternoon on January 6, 2004.

-Amb. Moseley Braun participated in the National Public Radio Forum at Iowa State Extension Campus in Des Moines, Iowa early afternoon on January 6, 2004.

-Gov. Dean is visiting Iowa on January 6-7, 2004
Arriving from New Hampshire on January 6, he did an endorsement event with former Sen. Bill Bradley at the campaign's Iowa headquarters in Des Moines; participated in the National Public Radio Debate at Iowa State Extension Campus in Des Moines; and  plans hold a "Caucus for Change" event at Summerset Inn & Winery in Indianola; attend a house meeting in Polk County; and attend another house meeting in Polk County.
On the morning of January 7 he plans a Caucus for Change pancake breakfast at American Legion Hall Post #27 in Muscatine.

-Rep. Gephardt is scheduled to visit Iowa on January 5-6, 2004
On January 5, arriving from Oklahoma, starting in the early afternoon he plans to participate in an Alliance for Economic Justice rally at Four Points Sheraton in Des Moines; attend a Countdown to Victory at the Port of Burlington in Burlington; and attend a Countdown to Victory at Ivor Fowler Community Center in Montrose.  On January 6 he plans a Countdown to Victory at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant; and participated in the National Public Radio Debate at Iowa State University Extension Campus in Des Moines.

Seven of the candidates participated in the Des Moines Register debate in the auditorium at Iowa Public Television Studios in Johnston on early afternoon of January 4, 2004 (Dean, Edwards, Gephardt, Kerry, Kucinich, Lieberman and Moseley Braun).
-Sen. Edwards is visiting Iowa on January 4-7, 2004.
On January 4 he did a late morning "Jog with John" in downtown Des Moines starting on Locust Street by Project Contemporary Furniture; and participated in the Des Moines Register debate at Iowa Public Television in Johnston.
On January 5 he plans to meet with Democratic activists at South Suburban YMCA in Des Moines; meet with Democratic activists at Ericson Public Library in Boone; meet with Democratic activists at Fort Dodge Public Library in Fort Dodge; meet with Democratic activists at Webster City Senior Center; and meet with Democratic activists at North Iowa Community College Campus in Mason City.
On January 6 he plans to meet with Democratic activists at Tom's Restaurant in New Hampton; meet with Democratic activists at 501 Sycamore Street, Suite #140 (former Black Hawk County Democratic Party headquarters) in Waterloo; meet with Democratic activists at Metro High School in Cedar Rapids; meet with Democratic activists at Washington Public Library in Washington; meet with Democratic activists at Fairfield Senior Center in Fairfield; and meet with Democratic activists at the VFW Hall in Ottumwa. 
On the morning of January 7 he plans to meet with Democratic activists at Four Mile Community Center in Des Moines.

-Amb. Moseley Braun visited Iowa on January 4, 2004.  On early afternoon she participated in the Des Moines Register debate at Iowa Public Television Studios in Johnston, Iowa[She had planned to attend a healthcare event in Des Moines the next morning but it was cancelled; she returned to Chicago].

-Sen. Lieberman participated in the Des Moines Register debate at Iowa Public Television in Johnston, Iowa on January 4, 2004.

-Rep. Kucinich is visiting Iowa on January 4-6, 2004.
On January 4 he held a press conference to unveil his TV ad campaign at Iowa Public Television Studios in Johnston; participated in the Des Moines Register debate at Iowa Public Television; hold a peace concert/rally at the Iowa Historical Building in Des Moines; attend a house party at the home of Pete Rose in Des Moines; and attend a Physicians for Social Responsibility event at Java Joe's in Des Moines.
On January 5 he plans to hold a press conference on mad cow and his ag platform in the cattle barn at Griffieon farm in Ankeny; lunch with caucus-goers at Diamond Dave's Restaurant in Newton; meet with caucus-goers at Saints Rest Coffee House in Grinnell; meet with caucus-goers at Gringo's Restaurant in Iowa City; rally at La Mexicana Restaurant in West Liberty; attend a reception with area Democrats at Hoover House in West Branch; and hold a "Fear Ends, Hope Begins" rally at CSPS/Legion Arts in Cedar Rapids.
On January 6 he plans to address students at Center Point High in Center Point; participate in the NPR debate in Des Moines; hold a forum on health care at Primary Health Care (SE 14th St.) in Des Moines; and hold a town hall meeting at Collegiate United Methodist Church in Ames.

-Sen. Kerry is making a four-day visit to Iowa on January 3-6, 2004
On January 3 he plans to make remarks on homeland security and receive endorsements at Police Union Hall in Pleasant Hill; do an event with activists at Elks Lodge #407 in Perry; and do an event with activists at Boone County Historical Center in Boone. 
On early afternoon of January 4 he rode to Iowa Public Television Studios in the "Real Deal Express" and greeted supporters on the grassy area; participated in the Des Moines Register debate at Iowa Public Television Studios auditorium in Johnston; do an event with activists at American Legion Post No. 165 in Indianola; and do an event with activists at the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum in Knoxville.
On January 5 he plans breakfast with activists at Country Kitchen in Ottumwa; and event with activists at Okaloosa Public Library; deliver a major speech“Making America Work for People Again” at Hotel Fort Des Moines in Des Moines; make remarks to women supporters at Hotel Fort Des Moines in Des Moines; attend a Truman Fund fundraiser for Sen. Jack Hatch at Metro Market in Des Moines; appear live on Iowa Press with David Yepsen; and do an event with activists at the airport in Ankeny.
On the morning of January 6 he plans to rally with activists at Collegiate United Methodist Church in Ames; ride the "Real Deal Express" to Iowa State University debate site in Des Moines and join supporters at a hot dog tailgate party outside; participate in the NPR and WOI Radio Debate at Iowa State University Extension Campus in Des Moines; and rally with activists at RWDSU Local #110 in Cedar Rapids.

-Gov. Dean visited Iowa on January 3-5, 2004.  The events have the "Caucus for Change" theme.
[He had planned to hold a rally at Sioux City West High School on the evening of January 2, but was iced in in New Hampshire and had to call in].
On January 3 he held a pancake breakfast at Embers Steakhouse in Storm Lake; an event at VFW Post 2295 in Emmetsburg; an event at Fort Dodge Opera House; and an event at a location tbd in Boone.
On early afternoon of January 4 he participated in the Des Moines Register Presidential Debate at Iowa Public Television  in Johnston; do an event at a location tbd in Toledo; and an event at The Doescher-Dudley Civic Center in Parkersburg.
On the morning of January 5 he did an event at Floyd County Museum in Charles City.

-Rep. Gephardt is schedule to visit Iowa on January 2-4, 2004, making stops in 15 counties.  The events have a "Countdown to Victory" theme.
Starting in the morning on January 2, he plans to deliver a policy speech at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines; fly to Ottumwa; do an event with Democrats at UAW Local 74 in Ottumwa; an event with Democrats at Fairfield Public Library in Fairfield; an event with Democrats at Pizza Ranch in Washington; an event with Democrats at VFW Post 3949 in Iowa City; and an event with Democrats at Muscatine Books & More in Muscatine.
On January 3 he plans an event with Democrats at Dubuque Lifetime Center in Dubuque; and event with Democrats at Maquoketa Community Center in Maquoketa; an event with Democrats at Sundance Lodge in Clinton; an event with Democrats at Davenport Public Library in Davenport; fly to Marshalltown; an event with Democrats at Iowa Veteran's Home in Marshalltown; an event with Democrats at Baxter Community Center in Baxter; and a rally with supporters at Grandview College in Des Moines.
On January 4 he plans an event with Democrats at the Roy R. Estle Memorial Library in Dallas Center; and in the early afternoon he participated in the Des Moines Register debate at Iowa Public Television in Johnston.
 
 

The Big Picture: Candidate Activity in Iowa

Total Visits and Candidate Days by '04 Candidates in 2003

Clark
Dean
Edwards Gephardt
Graham
Kerry
Kucinich Lieberman Moseley Braun Sharpton
Visits
3
39
23
26
11
33
26
11
9
5
Days
3
72
51
51
31
63
54
16
10
6
Also note Gary Hart made 2 visits totalling 3 days in the first half of 2003.  Correction 7/25/08 Kerry number of visits in 2003 not 24 but 33.
 
Total Visits and Candidate Days by Prospective '04 Candidates 2001-2002

Bush
Daschle
Dean1
Edwards Gephardt
Gore
Kerry
Lieberman Sharpton Others
Visits
9
4
11
6
3
2
3
2
1
6
Days
9
5
24
12
7
3
3
3
1
8
       Note 1. Dean for America reports 16 visits.  Others: Kaptur (2001, 7/12-13/02), Feingold (2001), Bradley (2001, 10/19/02), Kucinich 1 visit, 2 days (08/14-15/02).

Calendars >>
Details of Dec. 2003 Visits >>
Details of Nov. 2003 Visits >>
Details of Oct. 2003 Visits >>
Details of Visits during the Third Quarter of 2003 >>
Details of Visits during the First Six Months of 2003 >>
Details of 2001-2002 Visits >>

 

January 5
Gov. Dean: In the morning he did an event at Floyd County Museum in Charles City.
Sen. Edwards: Plans to meet with Democratic activists at South Suburban YMCA in Des Moines; meet with Democratic activists at Ericson Public Library in Boone; meet with Democratic activists at Fort Dodge Public Library in Fort Dodge; meet with Democratic activists at Webster City Senior Center; and meet with Democratic activists at North Iowa Community College Campus in Mason City.
Rep. Gephardt: Arriving from Oklahoma, starting in the early afternoon he plans to participate in an Alliance for Economic Justice rally at Four Points Sheraton in Des Moines; attend a Countdown to Victory at the Port of Burlington in Burlington; and attend a Countdown to Victory at Ivor Fowler Community Center in Montrose. Sen. Kerry: Plans breakfast with activists at Country Kitchen in Ottumwa; and event with activists at Okaloosa Public Library; deliver a major speech“Making America Work for People Again” at Hotel Fort Des Moines in Des Moines; make remarks to women supporters at Hotel Fort Des Moines in Des Moines; attend a Truman Fund fundraiser for Sen. Jack Hatch at Metro Market in Des Moines; appear live on Iowa Press with David Yepsen; and do an event with activists at the airport in Ankeny.
Rep. Kucinich: Plans to hold a press conference on mad cow and his ag platform in the cattle barn at Griffieon farm in Ankeny; lunch with caucus-goers at Diamond Dave's Restaurant in Newton; meet with caucus-goers at Saints Rest Coffee House in Grinnell; meet with caucus-goers at Gringo's Restaurant in Iowa City; rally at La Mexicana Restaurant in West Liberty; attend a reception with area Democrats at Hoover House in West Branch; and hold a "Fear Ends, Hope Begins" rally at CSPS/Legion Arts in Cedar Rapids.
Amb. Moseley Braun: Had planned to attend a healthcare event in Des Moines the next morning but it was cancelled; she returned to Chicago
 

January 4
Gov. Dean: On early afternoon he participated in the Des Moines Register Presidential Debate at Iowa Public Television in Johnston; do an event at a location tbd in Toledo; and an event at The Doescher-Dudley Civic Center in Parkersburg.
Sen. Edwards: Did a late morning "Jog with John" in downtown Des Moines starting on Locust Street by Project Contemporary Furniture; and participated in the Des Moines Register debate at Iowa Public Television in Johnston.
Rep. Gephardt: Plans an event with Democrats at the Roy R. Estle Memorial Library in Dallas Center; and in the early afternoon he participated in the Des Moines Register debate at Iowa Public Television in Johnston.
Sen. Kerry: On early afternoon he rode to Iowa Public Television Studios in the "Real Deal Express" and greeted supporters on the grassy area; participated in the Des Moines Register debate at Iowa Public Television in Johnston; do an event with activists at American Legion Post No. 165 in Indianola; and do an event with activists at the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum in Knoxville.
Rep. Kucinich: Held a press conference to unveil his TV ad campaign at Iowa Public Television Studios in Johnston; participated in the Des Moines Register debate at Iowa Public Television; hold a peace concert/rally at the Iowa Historical Building in Des Moines; attend a house party at the home of Pete Rose in Des Moines; and attend a Physicians for Social Responsibility event at Java Joe's in Des Moines.
Sen. Lieberman: Participated in the Des Moines Register debate at Iowa Public Television in Johnston.
Amb. Moseley Braun: Participated in the Des Moines Register debate at Iowa Public Television in Johnston. 
 

January 3
Gov. Dean: Held a pancake breakfast at Embers Steakhouse in Storm Lake; an event at VFW Post 2295 in Emmetsburg; an event at Fort Dodge Opera House; and an event at a location tbd in Boone.
Rep. Gephardt: Plans an event with Democrats at Dubuque Lifetime Center in Dubuque; an event with Democrats at Maquoketa Community Center in Maquoketa; an event with Democrats at Sundance Lodge in Clinton; an event with Democrats at Davenport Public Library in Davenport; fly to Marshalltown; an event with Democrats at Iowa Veteran's Home in Marshalltown; an event with Democrats at Baxter Community Center in Baxter; and a rally with supporters at Grandview College in Des Moines.
Sen. Kerry: Plans to make remarks on homeland security and receive endorsements at Police Union Hall in Pleasant Hill; do an event with activists at Elks Lodge #407 in Perry; and do an event with activists at Boone County Historical Center in Boone. 
 

January 2
Gov. Dean: [Had planned to hold a rally at Sioux City West High School on the evening of January 2, but was iced in in New Hampshire and had to call in].
Rep. Gephardt: Starting in the morning, he plans to deliver a policy speech at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines; fly to Ottumwa; do an event with Democrats at UAW Local 74 in Ottumwa; an event with Democrats at Fairfield Public Library in Fairfield; an event with Democrats at Pizza Ranch in Washington; an event with Democrats at VFW Post 3949 in Iowa City; and an event with Democrats at Muscatine Books & More in Muscatine.  The events have a "Countdown to Victory" theme.
 

January 1
Sen. Kerry: ...New Year's Eve Party at Sioux City Community Theatre in Sioux City. 

Copyright © 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 Eric M. Appleman/Democracy in Action.