Saturday marks Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition’s spring kick-off. It is the group’s 19th annual edition of the event.
“We have a series of house parties over the course of a year in 6-8 cities,” said Steve Scheffler, president of the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition. “Two big events are always the spring kick-off and fall dinner.”
The spring kick-off typically draws 250-300 people. The fall dinner has always had at least 550 people in attendance and as many as 1,000.
This year’s special guest is Congressman Jody Hice of Georgia. Hice serves as a member of the House Oversight & Reform Committee. He’s a member of the Freedom Caucus. Hice served 25 years as a pastor and is also a conservative radio talk show host.
“He’s a pretty phenomenal guy,” Scheffler said. “Being part of the Freedom Caucus — that’s kind of a giveaway.”
Hice should provide insight into all the Congressional investigations happening in Washington.
“He sits on the Oversight Committee which is the committee headed by Elijah Cummings who is one of those who is hellbent on impeaching (President Donald) Trump,” Scheffler said. “We want him to motivate people to be involved. Iowa is not a red state, it’s a purple state.”
The four declared candidates running for Congress in Iowa’s Fourth District will receive five minutes to speak as well.
Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition uses funds raised for voter projects such as voter guides, votertrak, door-to-door efforts, a lobbyist and educational seminars.
Leading up to the 2018 elections the group made around 2.8 million voter contacts in Iowa.
“We want to use this event as kind of a kick-off to try to make sure that people are fully engaged in 2020,” Scheffler said. “Whether that’s volunteering for a candidate whose values system is like theirs or giving money or going door to door or making phone calls. The Democrats are going to be well, well funded. There’s a lot at stake.”
The reception begins at 5:30 p.m. while the program starts at 6:30 p.m. The event will be held at Walnut Creek Church in Windsor Heights.
