Workers for a Better Iowa Forum in Cedar Rapids on August 18th

This sounds like a great event. I won't be able to attend, but I am sure John Deeth or Essential Estrogen will be covering it.

From my inbox.

On behalf of the Hawkeye Labor Council AFL-CIO I invite you to participate as a Sponsor of the “Workers for a Better Iowa” forum which will be held on August 18, 2007. This spectacular event will be attended by the major Democratic candidates for President of the United States. Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, John Edwards, Joe Biden, Chris Dodd, and Bill Richardson have all confirmed their appearance at the forum which will be held at Hawkeye Downs, 4400 6th Street SW, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

This event is expected be the largest assembly of labor union members, Democratic activists, and candidates under one roof in Iowa in 2007. The forum is in the second largest media market in the first-in-the-nation caucus state of Iowa. This is also the first time all six of the top democratic candidates have appeared together in Iowa this year, and takes place the evening before the ABC-TV Democratic Debate to be held in Des Moines on August 19th.

The “Workers for a Better Iowa”, is a coalition of labor organizations, led by the over 50 unions comprising the Hawkeye Labor Council, AFL-CIO, and the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Building Trades Council, AFL-CIO. The labor council has been joined in planning by some unions from Change To Win.

I sincerely hope you will join us as a sponsor of this important occasion. Information about the sponsorship levels and benefits is enclosed. Included in the sponsorship packages are entry tickets to the event, tickets for a raffle with a $10,000 cash prize, pre-event reception, dinner and parking. All sponsors will receive special recognition at the forum, and also have the opportunity to have a table for display and to distribute literature if you desire. The raffle winner need not be present at the event to win the $10,000 prize, but wouldn’t it be great to attend this wonderful evening AND win $10,000.

In 2003 a similar event drew 1,100 people and was thought by the Presidential campaigns to be a very valuable organizing event. The labor council is expecting a crowd in excess of 2,000 at this year's function.

Congressmen Bruce Braley and Dave Loebsack are also confirmed attendees. Congressman Leonard Boswell and all of Iowa’s statewide elected officials and legislators have also been invited.

Doors open for an Iowa Pork Buffet meal at 4:30 pm, with the presentations by the candidates scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm. General Admission tickets for the “Workers for a Better Iowa” event, which include the meal, are $25, and are available through the Hawkeye Labor Council at 1211 Wiley Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404 or by calling (319) 396-8461. Information and tickets can also be obtained online at www.hawkeyelabor.org.