Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jack Hatch and his running mate Monica Vernon kicked off a 37-city tour of the state with a rally in Des Moines last night. Hatch embraced the underdog role in his race against Republican Governor Terry Branstad.
“This campaign has always been about doing the impossible. I mean who thought anybody would have a chance against a five-term incumbent,” Hatch said. “..The impossible is always something you chase. The impossible is what makes us work harder. The impossible makes us dream. You know, we did this not because we knew it was going to be easy. We did this because we knew it was going to be hard.”
Hatch gave a brief speech, mentioning his top priorities of state-sponsored preschool for all four year olds, raising the mandatory school attendance age to 18 and taking steps to improve water quality and prevent soil erosion.
“It’s not about soundbites,” Hatch said. “What’s happened to this country when we trade soundbites and think that they’re a platform for governing our state?”
During last night’s rally a local performer sang his version of a song that he joked was titled: “End the Reign of Terry”.
AUDIO of event, 27:00
Photos courtesy of the Hatch campaign.