Iowa Democratic Party Announces New Caucus Date of January 3, 2008

Des Moines – After consultation with Chairman Dean of the Democratic National Committee, state Democratic party chairs, Governor Chet Culver and Senator Tom Harkin, the Iowa Democratic Party State Central Committee tonight approved an amendment to the Iowa Delegate selection plan allowing the Iowa Democratic caucuses to take place on Thursday, January 3, 2008.

"This date maintains the important common-sense principle of beginning the delegate selection process in the same calendar year as the election for which we are selecting delegates," said Scott Brennan, Iowa Democratic Party State Chair. "But the overarching principle is to retain the importance of the caucuses. Holding the caucuses on the same day as the Republican Party of Iowa shows solidarity and unity in working to protect Iowa’s First-in-the-Nation status, an important argument in the years to come."

The State Central Committee is the governing body of the Iowa Democratic Party. There are 43 voting members of the Committee. They were called to meet on Thursday, October 25 at 3pm, and following the party constitution, met tonight, three days later.