DES MOINES- Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan reacts to the final meeting of the DNC Change Commission, which will make recommendations regarding the timing of primaries and caucuses, significantly reducing the role of unpledged or super delegates and establishing national standards for caucuses. Chairman Kiernan represents Iowa on the Rules and Bylaws Committee, which will vote next year on whether to accept the recommendations made by the Change Commission.

“The 2008 caucuses were the most successful caucuses in Iowa’s history, and we are very proud so many Iowans turned out. The Change Commission, created by the Democratic National Convention following the 2008 primary, has just finished their work and has made its recommendations to the Rules and By Laws Committee.

“Iowans should continue to be cautiously optimistic about our First-in-the-Nation status. While the Democratic National Committee evaluates shifting the schedule of primaries and caucuses to later in the year, I expect Iowa will remain the first caucus. I look forward to discussing and debating the Commission’s recommendations next year on the Rules and By Laws Committee.

“For now, Iowa Democrats remain focused on our upcoming 2010 caucuses on January 23, 2010 and on electing more Democrats in 2010.”

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