Polk County GOP fires up base at Summer Sizzle rally: 'Most important election'

By John Damon | Just The News Iowa

DES MOINES — With the November election just over three months away, around 150 Polk County Republicans gathered Saturday for the Summer Sizzle fundraiser, a high-energy event designed to rally the base and fire up turnout for what speakers called the most consequential election in a generation.

Held at the Des Moines Izaak Walton Banquet and Event Lodge, the July 25 event featured a lineup of candidates from local races to the U.S. Senate, all delivering the same core message: Iowa Republicans cannot afford to stay home this November.

Turnout is the top priority

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, who is stepping down from her seat this year, drew cheers as she took the stage. She quickly turned the focus to her endorsed successor, U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson.

“Some people have said, ‘I’m gonna miss you Joni,’” Ernst told the crowd. “You’re gonna miss me for two seconds, because we have got a fabulous candidate in Ashley Hinson.”

Ernst praised Hinson’s campaign strategy and policy positions, assuring attendees that the Senate seat is in strong hands. “Ashley’s gonna go out there and kick Democrat you-know-what,” Ernst said. “She’s gonna win this election if Republicans turn out.”

That call to action set the tone for the evening. Speaker after speaker emphasized that enthusiasm alone won’t win — Republicans must actually vote.

Open seats create high stakes

Mike Cook, a member of the Polk County Republican Central Committee and a 37-year veteran of political activism, said the combination of open seats — including the governor’s race and the U.S. Senate race — could be a double-edged sword.

“We’ve got an open seat in the governor’s race with Mrs. (Kim) Reynolds leaving, and then the U.S. Senate, so that maybe will be a double edged sword in attracting a lot of people (to the polls), or not many,” Cook said. “(But) we’ve got three months and I’m pretty good at making some phone calls.”

Cook noted the event was so popular that organizers had to bring in extra chairs. “I originally thought it was some kind of gag,” he said with a smile.

Candidates hit the ground running

Polk County Supervisor candidate Alyson DeMoss, currently the only Republican in the county supervisor race, said she is committed to knocking on every door she can reach before November.

“When I got into this race, I called Eddie Andrews, and I said, ‘I’m gonna need a couple new pairs of shoes, because I intend to knock every door that I possibly can until November,’” DeMoss said. “And with that, we’re gonna have a whole lot of conversation.”

DeMoss said she isn’t just targeting Republican voters. She plans to engage Independents and even Democrats, arguing that common-sense leadership transcends party lines.

“We also have to talk to our Independent neighbors, because common sense, experience, leadership — they’re interested in that,” DeMoss said. “And we’re gonna have to talk to our Democrat neighbors, too, because it turns out they’re looking for that as well, especially in this race.”

‘Most important election in our lifetimes’

Lt. Gov. candidate Derek Wulf told attendees that midterm elections are notoriously difficult for turnout, making early engagement critical.

“In this midterm election, where it can be a challenge to get voters to show up, we need all the help we can get,” Wulf said. “We need the help getting out and getting voters now, because this election, I will tell you, I believe from the bottom of my heart, from the top to the bottom of the ticket, is the most important election in the state of Iowa that we will see in our lifetimes.”

U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn echoed that urgency, warning that a loss at the federal or local level could have generational consequences.

“This is not only the most important election of our time, this is one of the most important elections of the next generation,” Nunn said. “If we get this wrong, if we lose the House, if we lose the city … it will take more than a generation for all of us to be able to get back in.”

Other speakers and notable absences

The event also featured remarks from Polk County Attorney candidate Jonah Dyer, current Lt. Gov. and state auditor candidate Chris Cournoyer, and Congressional candidate for Iowa’s 2nd District Joe Mitchell. Congressional candidate for Iowa’s 4th District Chris McGowan was invited but could not attend.

The evening kicked off with a prayer from state Rep. Bill Gustoff, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by state Sen. Mike Pike.

With the clock ticking toward November, Polk County Republicans are betting that events like the Summer Sizzle will turn energy into votes — and keep Iowa red.

Photo: Yahoo