Marion County Democrats held their annual Soup-er Luncheon in honor of Presidents Day yesterday.

Approximately 60 attended the event, including Democrats from Jasper and Monroe county as well as Marion. Candidates for Iowa Governor in attendance were Nate Boulton, Dr. Andy McGuire, Jon Neiderbach, and Ross Wilburn. All of the gubernatorial candidates were critical of the Reynolds administration for what they consider budget mismanagement, an assault on public schools, public employees, and the mismanagement of Medicaid and the mental health system, among other issues.

Wes Breckenridge, State Representative of District 29, which includes Prairie City, gave a legislative update, and his thoughts on pending bills in the legislature.

Democratic candidate for Secretary of Agriculture Tim Gannon, a farmer from Mingo and a former USDA staffer, spoke to the audience, stressing his background in farming and policy.

John Delaney, Congressman from Maryland and Democratic candidate for President, was also in attendance. Delaney stressed that his experience in business, as well as his ability to bring people together to solve problems made him an ideal candidate for President.

Congressman Dave Loebsack spoke of the importance of party unity, and was pleased with the strong Democratic candidates running for office, and of the importance of electing more Democrats to elected positions to move America forward.