Iowa politics junkies, help me out here: Has U.S. Senator Tom Harkin ever endorsed a candidate for an Iowa legislative district in a competitive Democratic primary with no incumbent? I can’t think of any prior examples, but it happened yesterday. The full text of Ned Chiodo’s press release is after the jump. Money quote: “I am proud to support Ned Chiodo for State Senate,” said Harkin. “I have known him for many years, and without question he has the integrity and experience to lead Iowa forward.”

Chiodo certainly has a lot of political experience: five terms in the Iowa House, one term as Polk County Auditor, and many years lobbying the Iowa legislature. Harkin’s endorsement is a slap at the other highly experienced candidate in the SD-17 primary: Tony Bisignano. I guess the long friendship allowed Harkin to overlook Chiodo’s effort to knock Bisignano off the ballot, which could have disenfranchised tens of thousands of Iowans had the Iowa Supreme Court reached a different conclusion.

Harkin is an original co-sponsor of a U.S. Senate bill “that would reduce recidivism rates by restoring voting rights to individuals after they have served their time and have been released from incarceration.” Yet he is endorsing an Iowa Senate candidate who argued that ineligible voters in Iowa include anyone convicted of an aggravated misdemeanor which can carry a prison sentence–regardless of whether the person was ever incarcerated.

I am urging my friends in Iowa Senate district 17 to support Nathan Blake, the third candidate in the Democratic primary. The Iowa Senate Democratic caucus already has plenty of members with at least decade’s experience as state legislators. How about a capable new person, who supports progressive values and doesn’t have Chiodo’s or Bisignano’s baggage?  

Chiodo for State Senate press release, April 21:

UNITED STATES SENATOR TOM HARKIN

ENDORSES NED CHIODO FOR SENATE DISTRICT 17

(DES MOINES) – Today, Ned Chiodo, Democratic candidate for Iowa Senate District 17, announced that he has received the endorsement of United States Senator Tom Harkin.  “I am proud to support Ned Chiodo for State Senate,” said Harkin.  “I have known him for many years, and without question he has the integrity and experience to lead Iowa forward.”

Chiodo expressed his appreciation for the endorsement.  “I am humbled to be endorsed by my friend Tom Harkin,” Chiodo said. “I’ve long admired his tireless work championing the middle class, protecting Americans with disabilities, and creating economic opportunities for everyone.”

Chiodo is a lifelong resident of the south-side having attended Park Ave Elementary, St. Anthony School and Dowling High.  Since 1970, he has managed Blank Golf Course.  Chiodo is a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church where his brother is the pastor.  Chiodo previously served five terms in the Iowa House of Representatives where fighting for middle class values was the hallmark of his service.  He also served one term as Polk County Auditor, ensuring the integrity of the voting process.  Chiodo has remained deeply involved in the community, having been a voice for Democratic values on many boards and commissions

Chiodo is seeking the Democratic nomination for Iowa Senate District 17, which is being vacated by current State Senator Jack Hatch who is running for Governor.  Iowa Senate District 17 is made up of southern and eastern portions of Des Moines along with part of the Sherman Hills neighborhood.

Follow Ned Chiodo on his Facebook page, Chiodo for Senate (https://www.facebook.com/nedfchiodo).