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The Road to Iowa’s June 2nd Democratic Primary
Broken Record
At the risk of “sounding like a broken record,” GoGuide encourages everyone to vote in the upcoming June 2 primary. Elections matter. Primary elections matter. This is our opportunity to stand up and be counted. It’s become so easy to vote these days. It’s easy to register, and early voting has already started. Vote by mail is available. All the information you need to get registered and to vote is available in our Election Guide. COVID-19 exposure can be avoided by voting by mail.
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Our third Election Guide in four years is once again a success. Our goal at GoGuide is to make sure that candidates no longer take the LGBGQ+ for granted. Progress is made with each edition of the Guide. The Guide to the Iowa Caucuses was a massive success with several candidates participating in our forum.
Two candidates did choose to participate in our Election Guide Forum. Brad Kunkel, candidate for Johnson County Sheriff and Christina Bohannan candidate for Iowa House District 85. You’re encouraged to read their responses. Both candidates represent strong positions and make a solid case earning our votes.
The primary June 2 is one of the most critical primaries in Iowa in a long time. For example, here in Johnson County and the entire 2nd district, candidates will be chosen to fill the seat currently held by Congressman Dave Loebsack (D). Congressman Loebsack is serving his seventh term in the United States House of Representatives. He represents Iowa’s Second Congressional District, which encompasses much of Eastern and Southern Iowa. He is retiring at the end of this term.
Photo of Congressman Loebsackfrom from website
GoGuide reached out to all the candidates running for this open seat to offer the opportunity to be interviewed and to be part of our voting guide. None of the candidates responded to our request.
The same goes for the Democratic candidates seeking the opportunity to run against freshman Senator Joni Ernst (R). Again, this is another race in which the opportunity for candidates to speak directly to the LGBTQ+ community is lost.
Johnson County is also seeking a new sheriff. Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek, also a Democrat, announced last year he wouldn’t run for a fifth term after serving for 16 years. During his time, Sheriff Pulkrabek fought for two bond referendums to build a new jail. Both polls received more than 50% of the vote, but both failed to meet the necessary 60% support for passage.
All is not lost. There are still three weeks until the June 2 primary. Each can contact the candidates and ask them the tough questions in person or through social media. The days of taking the LGBTQ+ vote for granted are over. It’s time for each candidate to put in writing with the media that they support the LGBTQ+ communities of Iowa and will work on those issues most important to the community. GG
GoGuide Magazine .com
Photo of Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek from website
owa Press hosted by PBS will be airing a U.S. Senate Democratic Primary Debate May 18, 8-9 pm.
Stream the Iowa Press debate for the U.S. Senate Democratic Primary on iowapbs.org, YouTube, or right here on Facebook. Candidates Michael T. Franken (D - Sioux City), Kimberly Graham (D - Indianola), Theresa Greenfield (D - Des Moines), and Eddie Mauro (D - Des Moines) will answer questions and discuss their platforms, concerns, and plans for Iowa and the nation.
Streaming live on www.iowapbs.org
Everything you need to know about the June 2 primary May 2020
Due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, election officials encourage all Iowa voters to avoid crowds and
vote by mail. The Iowa Secretary of State is planning to mail every registered voter in the state a request form for the June 2 primary. Almost everything you need to do in advance can be done online. If access to the internet is a problem call or visit your county auditors office.
REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/absenteeballotapp.pdf You must return your completed form to your county auditor https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/auditors/auditorslist. html by May 22. Right now you can only request a ballot for the primary. You can request a ballot for the general starting on July 6. TRACK YOUR ABSENTEE BALLOT https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/absenteeballotstatus/absentee/search You can see when your request was processed, when your ballot was mailed to you, and when the auditor received your ballot. REGISTER TO VOTE ONLINE https://mymvd.iowadot.gov/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2fVoterRegistration or DOWNLOAD A REGISTRATION FORM https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/voteapp.pdf
You must return your completed registration form to your county auditor https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/auditors/ auditorslist.htmlby May 22. Not sure if you are registered? You can double check! https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterreg/regtovote/search. aspx
You can also register on election day, however you will need to prove who you are and where you live. Learn more about what you need to bring to same day register here https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterinformation/edr.html
Voters are now required to show a valid form of ID at the polls in order to vote. What is a valid form of ID? • Iowa Voter Identification Card* • Iowa Driver’s License • Iowa Non-Operator ID • U.S. Military ID or Veteran ID • U.S. Passport • Tribal ID Card/Document *If you register to vote in advance of the election and do not have a valid driver’s license or non-operator’s ID issued by the Iowa Department of Transportation, you will be issued an Iowa Voter ID Card for free, automatically, in the mail. You will need to bring this with you to the polls.
Office of the Secretary of State
https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterinformation/voterIDfaq.htm.l GG
Secretary Pate launches statewide poll worker recruitment for June primary DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate announces a new statewide initiative to recruit poll workers for the June 2 primary. Normally, Iowa poll workers tend to come from age groups that are more vulnerable to COVID-19. This June, Secretary Pate asks younger Iowans to step up and serve.
Poll workers are a crucial component of Iowa’s elections. They check-in voters, make sure they have the correct ballot, answer questions, and help ensure elections run smoothly in each precinct. Polling locations will be open in all 99 counties on June 2. However, many counties are consolidating precincts due to fewer poll workers being available because of the pandemic. “ This is a call to action for patriotic Iowans. Your state and country need you on June 2,” Secretary Pate said. “We need younger, healthy Iowans to help staff our polling locations to ensure a clean, smooth election process. Also, these are paid positions. You can put a little extra money in your pocket.” The Secretary of State’s Office is providing masks, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, social distancing markers and other materials to every precinct to protect voters and poll workers from the risk of spreading COVID-19. For more information and to sign up to become a poll worker, visit Pollworker.Iowa.gov. GG
Meet Brad Kunkel candidate for Johnson County Sheriff Digital GoGuide May 2020 By Tim Nedoba
Johnson County - Brad grew-up in nearby West Branch attended West Branch Community Schools and graduated with the class of 1997. Brad served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT-B with the West Branch Fire Department and later with the North Liberty Fire Department. In 2009 Brad decided to go back to school and enrolled at the University of Iowa, the same year he began his first term as a member of the Solon City Council. Brad graduated in 2012 with a B.A. in Political Science and a Minor in Religious Studies.
Photo courtesy Brad Kunkel for Sheriff
Kunkel has been a full time deputy sheriff with the Johnson County Sheriff’s office since 2001 upon graduation from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and I was a reserve deputy prior to his full time appointment. During his years at the Sheriff’s Office he’s worked in the jail and on patrol. In 2013 he was promoted to Sergeant; not only did he serve as a shift supervisor he was also the Liaison to the Sheriff’s Office Reserve Unit. In 2017 he was promoted to Detective and in 2019 he was named the Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer. Kunkel has an Associate’s Degree from Kirkwood in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement; He also earnded a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Minor in Religious Studies from the University of Iowa.
GoGuide goes one-on-one with Brad Kunkel GoGuide:Are you actively seeking the LGBTQ+ vote? Brad Kunkel: I’m seeking the vote from people across Johnson County and I would be honored to have the support of the LGBTQ+ community. After I announced my campaign last year the first parade I participated in was the 2019 Iowa City Parade and it was a blast. LGBTQ+ rights are human rights and as Sheriff I will ensure that our staff treats everyone with respect and dignity. GG: We’re all familiar with the recent problems in Muscatine County. I know there are no absolutes, but how would work to ensure a similar situation would not arise under your administration? BK: Hate has no place in law enforcement and I support how Johnson County has handled this situation. To ensure this does not happen under my administration I would start by making my values and and expectations clear to the Sheriff’s Office staff; this includes my belief that bigotry is unacceptable and inclusivity is embraced. Editors note - On April 10, the Iowa Capital Dispatch reported that Muscatine County Jail Administrator Dean Naylor, a captain with the sheriff’s department, had published online a lengthy treatise in which he called Muslims “pawns of the devil” and describes “the gay lifestyle” as an abomination. Naylor was reportedly placed on administrative “My name is Brad Kunkel and I’m 40 years old. I’m a West Branch native but have lived in Johnson County for about 21 years. My wife Julie and I leave. live in rural Solon with our three sons. I’m an active member of the Johnson County community and am passionate about service, victim advocacy, service, cooperation and integrity.” - Brad Kunkel (Continued on next page)
GG: Does the Johnson County Sheriff’s office have any outreach programs or diversity programming designed specifically for dealing with the LGTBQ community or dealing with people living with HIV/AIDS? BK: Deputies participate in diversity and implicit bias training that includes information about the LGBTQ+ community but I don’t recall anything specifically for people living with HIV/AIDS. Johnson County is great about making implicit bias training and diversity available to all employees. GG: If elected in November, what would be your top priorities? BK: I’m running because I’ve dedicated my life to public service and law enforcement in Johnson County. This is my home and I’m excited about the opportunity to lead the Sheriff’s Office while continuing to build connections between law enforcement and the community. My top priorities are implementing a comprehensive domestic violence protocol, collaborating to form a computer forensics and cyber crime task force, and support our Jail Alternatives program and Crisis Intervention Training. I also look forward to being a strong partner with the GuideLink Center to continue connecting people with services instead of incarceration. Editors note – GuideLink is the now under construction Center in Johnson County, also known as, the Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center (BHUCC). BHUCCO is described as a sobering and crisis stabilization center meant to serve as an alternative to the emergency room or jail for those in the community dealing with mental health or substance abuse issues.
GG: Please offer anything else you feel is essential for our readers to know when they vote in the Democratic Primary June 2? BK: Local elections are important, especially when choosing a Sheriff because this is the only direct connection between the voting public and a law enforcement leader. I’m confident that my record of service to the Sheriff’s Office, to the non-profit community, and as a previously elected official will serve the county well as the next Johnson County Sheriff. GG For more information visit https://www.kunkelforsheriff.com.
Local Endorsements for Johnson County Sheriff “I will be voting for Brad Kunkel. He is tested, a leader, has County Sheriff experience and is a strong Democrat. He supports jail alternatives and crisis intervention training initiatives. Brad has always been supportive of Robin and myself and attended our 30 wedding anniversary and gave us custom coasters. I would consider him LGBTQ friendly, but frankly it has never come up.” Janelle Rettig, Johnson County Supervisor “Johnson County Democrats: I hope you will join me in voting for Brad Kunkel to be our next Sheriff in the upcoming June primary. Brad is a great candidate and will be an excellent Sheriff.” Iowa State Senator Zach Wahls
Follow the election through November at www.GoGuideMagazine.com
Meet Christina Bohannan candidate for Iowa House District 85 Digital GoGuide By Tim Nedoba May 2020
Iowa City - Christina Bohannan(D) is campaigning to unseat a two-decade incumbent Vicki Lensing(D) in Iowa House District 85. This is the first challenge Lensing has faced since she first joined the Iowa House in 2001. GoGuide has reached out to Lensing campaign, however, at press time there has been no response. The primary winner would be heavily favored to win the November election. According to Iowa City Press-Citizen, there are 47,133 registered active Democrats in the district, which is more than three times the number of Republicans (16,173).
The first in her family to go to college, she worked her way through school as an engineer with the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection. She graduated with honors with a degree in Christina Bohannan(D) Environmental Engineering. She then went on to law school at the University of Florida, where she graduated first in her class and was Editor-in-Chief of the law review.
Twenty years ago, Christina moved to Iowa City to become a law professor at the University of Iowa. She teaches and writes in several areas of law, including Constitutional Law, Torts, and Intellectual Property. She enjoys teaching the vital role of law and constitutional democracy in a just and vibrant society. While at the University of Iowa, Christina has served as Faculty Senate President, where she drafted and championed a university-wide policy that gave hundreds of non-tenure track faculty greater job security, a path to promotion, and grievance rights. She has also led initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, faculty development, and free speech. Christina is the proud mom of City High Senior Mira Bohannan Kumar, an enthusiastic yellow lab named Honey, and a stubborn (but sweet) little spaniel named Ginger. She has been involved in several community organizations, including groups that advocate for gun violence prevention, women’s empowerment, and social justice.
GoGuide goes one-on-one with Christina Bohannan GG: Describe House District 85 for our readers. CB: Iowa House District 85 covers roughly the northern half of Iowa City. With a few exceptions, it runs from Burlington Street/Muscatine Avenue north up to around I-80, and from Manville Heights east across the University, downtown, and eastside areas, ending at Scott Township. GG: What most essential issues for your constituents? CB: In talking to hundreds of constituents across the district, the paramount concern right now is a coronavirus and its effect on both people and the economy. It is also clear that people are worried about education, healthcare, worker rights (minimum wage, collective bargaining, wage theft), the environment and climate change, and gun safety.
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GG: a woman has held this district for many years. Obviously, this trend will continue. How important is it that more women are elected to office? CB: I think it is crucial to elect women to office, and I want to be clear that I include in that any person identifying as a woman. Women are collaborative and empathetic. They are pragmatic and want to get things done. We also need women in office to serve as role models and mentors for the next generation of women. I have been active in 50-50 by 2020, an advocacy group helping to get women elected in Iowa. It is a great resource in this effort. GG: Fundraising ability has become an issue in this campaign. What is your take on this issue? CB: I wish money were not such a big factor in politics, but so long as it is, we have to work hard at it. Iowa City is the bluest part of the state, and it has more resources than many other districts. A representative from Iowa City has a huge responsibility to raise money to help elect Democratic candidates in other districts. It is the only way Democrats can take back the House and restore any balance in our legislature. I have talked to many people who are frustrated that we have not been raising enough money in the district. I have been successful in raising money, even though as a primary challenger I have had no support from the party. If elected, I am confident that I would be a very strong fundraiser, and I would be fully committed to that effort. GG: This session began with an unusual amount of anti-LGBTQ+ issues being proposed by the majority party. Fortunately, these proposals did not make it out of committee, but the sentiment remains. What is your take on this development? Should the LGBTQ+ community be concerned? CB: Yes, we all should be concerned about anti-LGBTQ sentiment and legislative proposals. At the University of Iowa, I have worked hard on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion for the LGBTQ community as well as other marginalized communities. Although we should celebrate the victories of the past couple of decades, we must continue to resist ongoing prejudice. My concern about equity for vulnerable populations is one of the reasons I think it is so important to flip seats and take back the House. GG: What do you see as the most critical items for the upcoming session of the Iowa legislature? CB: Honestly, there are so many. Even before coronavirus hit, the legislature had been disinvesting in education and healthcare. It had struck down Johnson County’s minimum wage and eviscerated collective bargaining rights. It had failed to protect the environment or take action on climate change. All of these continue to be challenges. In addition, in the upcoming session, the legislature is scheduled to take up a proposed state constitutional amendment that the NRA says creates an “iron wall� around gun rights. But the driving factor for the upcoming session will likely be the coronavirus and its health and economic effects. It has already damaged the state budget, which will limit the resources available for other priorities. At the same time, the virus will continue to be a presence in our lives, and we will need to continue to provide resources to keep people safe while trying to keep the economy afloat. These are daunting challenges, and we need strong leadership now more than ever. GG: Elections have consequences. What can the LGBTQ+ community do to organize and elect more LGBTQ+ candidates and LGBTQ+ friendly candidates? CB: This type of candidate interview is a great start, and it is good to see that your questions are tailored to this particular race. I would also increase your leverage by looking for allies who might have similar concerns about the treatment of marginalized groups generally. Finally, get involved with grassroots groups who are actively working to flip seats to blue. They need your help and would welcome you with open arms! GG Visit https://www.bohannanforiowa.com/ for more information.
Iowa House District 85
Remember to vote in the June 2 primary. Elections matter. Primary elections matter. Follow along at GoGuideMagazine.com