An Iowa State Fair tradition resumed on Thursday's opening day – political speeches at the Des Moines Register soapbox. First up Thursday was Abby Finkenauer. She’s a Democrat challenging Republican Rod Blum for the 1st Congressional District seat in Washington. In a brief speech to a few dozen supporters, Finkenauer said she’d like to get people talking more about values, and hope.
“I think it’s about time we start talking about hope again, because I also realized we are not a state or a country that grows from fear and division,” she said. “It’s hope and the idea that you get up in the morning and you go to work, you work hard, and you’re not just able to make a living, you’re able to have a life.”
Finkenauer has served two terms in the Iowa House. If she’s elected, she’d be 30 years old when she takes office in January, making her one of the youngest women elected to Congress.
She also faces Libertarian Troy Hageman on the November ballot. Neither he nor Blum are currently scheduled to speak at the fair.
