About 15 people attended a special campaign kick-off event for U.S. Senate Democrat candidate Abby Finkenauer. 

Less than one day after she formally announced her candidacy, the former U.S. House of Representative for Iowa’s First Congressional District, made a campaign stop in Jefferson at the Twiins Shop. She told attendees that she grew up watching Senator Charles Grassley and respected how she thought he first represented the people of Iowa but the last few years, she believes he lost touch and is following what Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell wants to do. She believes the two major political parties have become too divided and so nothing gets done in Washington, D.C.

Finkenauer told Raccoon Valley Radio that the Senate has become ineffective.

“There is so much work that is getting done that the Senate never touches, never brings up, because, I don’t know if they think it’s more politically advantageous to keep stalling and never move things forward. But that’s not why I went to Washington, (D.C.) two years ago and it’s not why I’m running for Senate now. There is a difference between public service and politicians and I believe in the service part. That’s what it’s about and that’s what I think our state deserves.”

Finkenauer also covered topics such as the Senate filibuster, gerrymandering, term limits and campaign finance reform. She also stopped at P.J.’s Drive-In in Panora on Friday as well. Finkenauer served from 2019-2021 in the U.S. House. She lost her re-election bid in the November 2020 general election to Republican Ashley Hinson.