Clayton County Democrats hold Sweet Treats & Politics event
Iowa state senate candidate and chair of the Clayton County Democrats, Brian Bruening, speaks to attendees at the Sweet Treats and Politics event held at the Elkader City Shelter House Sept. 15. (Photos by Willis Patenaude)
Although running as a Republican, Clayton County Sheriff candidate Brent Ostrander made an appearance at the event. He's pictured speaking with Elkader resident Dick Dinan.
Ian Zahren is running as an independent candidate for State House District 64.
By Willis Patenaude | Times-Register
Clayton County Democrats converged in the Elkader City Park Shelter House for a Sweet Treats and Politics candidate forum Sept. 15, with featured speakers including Clayton County Auditor Jennifer Garms, state senate candidate Brian Bruening, independent Iowa House candidate Ian Zahren and Clayton County Sheriff candidate Brent Ostrander.
Supporters grabbed a cup of lemonade, a freezer pop, a cookie or two and even available lawn signs as they sat around the shelter house, engaging in conversation about the election, candidates and top issues. A table up front offered reading material about Project 2025 and a sign about defeating fascism again, while another sign with a quote by John Adams rested against the door near the entrance. The general tenor was about preserving democracy.
Bruening, chairman of the Clayton County Democrats, opened the event discussing a new poll showing presidential candidate Kamala Harris gaining ground on former president Donald Trump. He said this should create more competitive down ballot races and make those races worth fighting for, while also urging Democrats to vote “no” on Iowa Supreme Court Justice David May.
Afterward, Bruening introduced county auditor Garms, who is running unopposed in her re-election bid. Garms used the platform to discuss improvements in election integrity, the need for poll workers and voter difficulty in locating the county’s election website, which prompted several jokes about accidental clicks on Clayton County, Georgia. One member of the crowd also expressed gratitude toward Garms and her staff, stating “they make democracy work.”
Next, Bruening introduced Ostrander. Although Ostrander is running as a Republican, Bruening said it was important for Democrats to hear from him.
Ostrander noted his displeasure of the political arena, seeing himself as a public servant, first and foremost. Ostrander made several references to his father, about following in his footsteps, before talking about his career and how it has evolved from chasing bad guys to being more of a helper. He emphasized the service part of the job and bringing a modern perspective.
The audience was receptive to Ostrander, who discussed issues such as mental health, transparency and serving everyone in the community, regardless of political beliefs, while stressing the importance of just being good people.
Zahren spoke next, starting with a detailed foray into his background as a fifth generation Iowan, before moving into the platform of his candidacy. The MFL MarMac teacher noted how the systems in place are failing people, but he believes, if “we lead with kindness, compassion and hard work, there is nothing Iowans can’t accomplish.”
Zahren continued speaking about what his campaign stands for, highlighting access to healthcare and daycare, supporting farmers, adequate housing, clean water and creating stronger communities. He focused on running a grassroots, independent campaign that has knocked on over 2,500 doors and only accepts small donations. Nothing from corporations.
Zahren commented several times about the corruption of unfettered money from corporations invading politics, which is why his campaign is about people and communities over corporations.
The independent candidate also spoke against the school voucher bill and current extreme politics system, vowing to work with and for Iowans. Zahren urged Democrats in attendance to spread the word, to encourage systemic change and make voting matter.
If elected, Zahren would be the first independent elected to the state legislature in over 100 years.
Closing the event was Bruening, who is running for the Iowa State Senate District 32 against incumbent Republican Mike Klimesh. Bruening ran against Anne Osmundson for House District 64 in 2022, losing that contest but garnering 31 percent of the vote.
Wearing a “Beware of Fascist Snowflakes” shirt, Bruening opened his speech stating that quality of life for Iowans has deteriorated over the last 12 years, abortion law has created a toxic working environment for doctors, teachers are micromanaged by the legislature and new laws restrict unions.
He also suggested Klimesh has “voted against the people in our district,” before discussing Trump’s deregulation efforts. The only things MAGA legislatures in Iowa “love to regulate” are “our homes, our families and our bedrooms,” he said.
There was some discussion about the negative impact of hog farming due to de-regulations, and how big ag has transformed the state, contributing to unsafe rivers and lakes and the fact Iowa has the second highest incident rate of cancer in the nation.
Bruening mentioned several policy positions, including pushing for more cancer research funding, a clean water and air amendment, worrying more about the AEA being gutted and less about trans gender kids, holding the governor accountable and stopping the “fraying of our communities.”
He ended the speech by encouraging Democrats to remain energized and “get out the vote!”
