Elected Delegates and Alternate Delegates to to Platform & Committee on Committees will begin preparations for the Linn County Convention on Saturday, January 30, 2010. Meetings start at 9:00 am at the Teamsters Hall, 500 J Street SW, Cedar Rapids.

Congressman Dave Loebsack issued the following statement regarding the President's joint address on Jan. 27, 2010:

"The President's address tapped into some of the worries and concerns that I have been hearing around Iowa. A renewed commitment to the key drivers of the economy, the middle-class and Main Street, is essential to moving Iowa and the rest of the country forward.

“From advancing my workforce development initiatives to spur industry growth though jobs training, to infrastructure projects across the country that put people back to work immediately, to further investment in renewable fuels and ‘made-in-America energy,’ to tax incentives that aid middle class families and small business owners, I am committed to tackling our economic problems head-on.

“The President’s address touched on what Iowans back home have been saying for some time – real economic recovery comes from small businesses thriving and expanding, students being able to compete in an increasingly global economy, and hard-working families knowing that if you work hard, and play by the rules, you will have a path to success in this country."

Although many Iowans simply show up at their precinct caucus location to take part in the event as it happens, there is a great deal of work required before the caucuses can take place. Temporary caucus chairs need to be recruited and trained, locations need to be identified and secured and a host of other tasks -- big and small -- need to be completed so that the tradition can continue.

On Saturday, Linn County Democrats met at the Marion Public Library in order to ready a packet of information and accounting materials for each of the 86 precincts. As the saying goes, many hands make light work ... so the group was able to complete its mission within an hour.

Special thanks to all of those who came to help out -- and thanks to all the Linn County Democrats who perform numerous tasks behind the scenes that allow so many party activities to run so smoothly. We appreciate all you do!

The 2010 Iowa Caucus will be held at 1 p.m. on Jan. 23. Click "read more" to see the location where your precinct caucus will be meeting.

Aught Nine is just a memory and we are in midst of a VERY BUSY 2010. Please schedule these events for this month of January.

• January 9, Saturday, 1 P.M., Marion Public Library, we will be preparing the caucus packets for each precinct. All are welcomed to help.
• January11, Monday, 5:30 P.M. Marion Public Library, Linn County Executive Board Monthly meeting. All are welcomed to attend.
• January 13, Wednesday, 7 P.M.-9 P.M., IBEW Local 405, Caucus Training. First of two opportunities to brush up on Caucus procedures.
• January 16, Saturday, 10 A.M. - Noon, Plumbers and Pipefitters Training Center, Caucus Training. Last caucus training session.
• January 23, Saturday, 1 P.M. Attend Your Caucus. Caucus locations will be published in the Gazette & on the Linn County Auditor's website, or you can use the Iowa Democratic Party's "Find My Caucus Location" right now.
• January 23, Saturday, Noon - 9 P.M., Local 110, Caucus Chairs need to drop off their Caucus packets to this location.
• January 27, Wednesday, 7 P.M., Longbranch Hotel & Restaurant, all elected Central Committee Members need to attend this meeting
• January 30, Saturday, 9 A.M., Teamsters Union Hall, all elected delegates to Platform & Committee on Committees will begin preparations for the Linn County Convention.
• January 30, Saturday 2 P.M. - 4 P.M. IBEW Local 405, Chili Cook Off. YUM YUM

Other dates for your calendar:

• March 20, Saturday, 9 A.M., Washington High School, Linn County Convention.
• April 24, Saturday, Fairfield Arts & Convention Center, Fairfield Iowa, Iowa Second District Convention
• June 12, Saturday, Iowa Democratic State Convention

Get ready Democrats, the game is on!

On Saturday June 13th, 1 year to the day the historic floods ravaged Linn County, the Linn County Dems served lunch to several volunteers with Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity is undertaking a massive Build-a-thon in cooperation with AmeriCorps. 20 homes will be built in 1 week, with the majority of the new homes being reserved for flood victims to enter.

The menu served was hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and lemonade, along with various desserts donated by members of the Central Committee. The Habitat volunteers, both in-state and out-of-state, were appreciative of the hot meal and expressed many caring words! Below find pictures from the event!!

What's the latest, hippest, hottest in haute couture? What's making a splash on parade routes throughout the county? What are the best-dressed Dems wearing this summer season?

Why, Linn Dems T-Shirts, of course! Available in Patriot White and True American Blue, these stylish 100% cotton shirts feature the Linn County Dems logo on the front and our dutiful donkey on the back (looking like he just kicked one of those pesky pachyderms back from whence it came)!
Support the Party of the People and show your impeccable fashion sense by buying yours today! 1 for $20 and 2 for $35, sizes S-5X available.

Contact Ebony Luensman at 319-551-9471 or ebony.luensman@msn.com.