Democratic candidate challenging Grassley seat withdraws from race – Newton Daily News

Bob Krause, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, announced in a March 13 press release that he is forced to withdraw from the June 7 primary election after not soliciting enough signatures, which he suggested was impacted by precinct caucuses being held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the release, Krause said he was “blindsided by the impact” the pandemic had on nomination petition signature gathering at the Iowa Precinct Caucuses. He needed 3,500 signatures with at least 100 signatures from a minimum of 19 counties. As a precaution Krause wanted an additional 200-300 signatures.

“However, when the first caucus signature packets came in and were counted, I only had 1,400 and change, which left me with a shortfall of between 2,100 and 2,400 signatures,” he said. “Although I am very grateful for the many people who put in extra effort around the state to increase these numbers, it was not enough.”

In the past, Krause claimed generating petition signatures through the precinct caucuses “has always generated an adequate number” to qualify. He anticipated that would be the case again this time around when the Iowa Democratic Party initially indicated caucuses would be held live and not through Zoom meetings.

Krause said the resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic before the precinct caucuses caused county parties to shift to Zoom meetings “where few or no signatures were gathered.” In Johnson County, Krause said no signatures were collected, and in Polk County only 157 Democrats turned out to live caucuses.

“Many other counties followed the same pattern Because I got into the race late, in October, shortly before the holiday season, my window to gather signatures on my own was just not long (enough),” he said. “Thus, the number of signatures required became insurmountable for me and forced my (decision) to withdraw.”

With Krause’s campaign at an end, he thanked “the many good people” who worked with him, and he believes his theme of #SaveDemocracyNOW still resonates “in light of what is happening the United States now.” Krause said he will support the winner of the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.

“I will also continue to make my voice heard to save democracy now from the fascism that is creeping into political life,” Krause said. “Thank you.”

Republican U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley is up for re-election this year and indicated he will pursue his eighth term, which has sparked some controversy for the 88-year-old legislator. Other members of his party, State Sen. Jim Carlin and candidate Andrew Foster, are also pursuing the seat.

Democrats have their eye on the seat, too. Iowa physician Glenn Hursts, former congresswoman Abby Finkenauer and retired Navy admiral Mike Franken have been campaigning for the primary for several months. Crawford County Supervisor Dave Muhlbauer dropped out of the race in November 2021.

Michelle Smith, chair of the Jasper County Democratic Party, affirmed Krause’s claims that some counties held in-person caucuses but a lot more organized virtual meets. She said the Jasper County Democrats organized a hybrid caucus, one of seven or nine counties to go forward with that option.

To Smith’s knowledge, Krause did not make a public stop in Jasper County during his campaign. Still, the race to unseat Grassley is an important one for Democrats. Smith, 45, said it is time for a change, saying the longtime lawmaker has held onto his seat since she was 5 years old.

“Sometimes when you have the same person for so long, they don’t have new ideas,” Smith said. “Is he still talking about the same things he was talking about when I was high school? Or is he still talking about the same things when I was elementary school?”

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or [email protected]