Last night, the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and the League of Women Voters sponsored a Campaign Management School at the African American Historical Museum and Cultural Center of Iowa. The presenters were Charlie Smithson - Executive Director & Legal Council of the Iowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board, Mark Bowden – Editor of The Gazette, and me. The “school” lasted 2 hours. Nobody got and left during the presentations – which is usually a good indicator - so I think it was helpful.
Aside from presenters and staff, a least 15 citizens attended including Captain Brian Gardner (candidate for Sheriff), CR At-Large Councilor Tom Podzimek (seeking re-election), Monica Vernon (candidate for CR Council - 2nd District), and Carl Foster (candidate for Mayor of Marion). I think a few other candidates may have been present, but I don’t recall if they have made public announcements.
I’m thinking we should hold another school after the supervisor district boundaries are approved. I’m predicting we’ll have 15 supervisor candidates running in the June 2008 primary and 15 candidates in the November 2008 general election. Considering we had 6 candidates for County Auditor this Spring, my prediction is likely way too conservative. –Joel @ 1:30pm