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The Iowa Democratic Party’s annual Hall of Fame celebration is a chance to honor the dedicated individuals who have dedicated their lives to promoting Democratic principles at all levels. This year’s celebration will take place on the evening of Friday, August 5th, in Des Moines.

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2011 Hall of Fame Honorees:

This year we’re excited to induct our Outstanding Elected Official, former Congressman Dave Nagle and our Outstanding Activist, Marcia Nichols, into the Iowa Democratic Party Hall of Fame. Both have dedicated their lives to strengthening the Democratic Party and the principles that it stands for.

Outstanding Elected Official Hall of Fame Award: Congressman Dave Nagle

Criteria: This award is presented to an elected official whose tremendous support and dedication influenced both the State of Iowa and the Democratic Party. The nominees for this award may be selected from all levels of government including elected officials of the United States or State of Iowa, and county elected officials.

Bio: Congressman Dave Nagle served in the House of Representatives from 1987 to 1993, where he was a strong voice for the state of Iowa and his constituents in the 3^rd Congressional District. Following his time in Congress, he served as chair of the Iowa Democratic Party where he continued his efforts to protect Iowa’s First in the Nation status.

Outstanding Supporter Hall of Fame Award: Marcia Nichols

Criteria: This award will honor an individual who has supported the Iowa Democratic Party and all aspects of Democratic politics throughout the years. This individual has selflessly been a resource to Iowa Democrats through means of organizational efforts, monetary support, volunteer work, and overall steadfast dedication.

Bio: Marcia Nichols is the current Political Director for AFSCME Iowa Council 61 and has been a champion for workers rights throughout her career in politics.

Minnette Doderer Award for Outstanding Leadership: Peggy Whitworth

Criteria: Presented in recognition of outstanding leadership as a Democratic Party Activist.

Bio: Peggy Whitworth has been a community leader in Cedar Rapids for decades. She has been an advocate for persons with disabilities and their families. She is a strong supporter of Democratic candidates from President Barack Obama to Linn County Supervisors, from the White House to the courthouse.

Jim Lodwick Award for Outstanding SCC Member: Marcia Fulton

Criteria: Presented in recognition of outstanding leadership as a Democratic State Central Committee Member.

Bio: Marcia Healy Fulton encompasses every quality we need in an SCC member. She takes her job seriously week in and week out. In a large district, she has been responsible for building and maintaining a network of stalwart Democratic activists who continue to make a difference by promoting Democratic values.

Bob Creech Award for Outstanding County Chair: Larry Olk

Criteria: Presented in recognition of outstanding leadership as a Democratic Party County Chair.

Bio: Larry Olk has worked not only within the boundaries of Franklin County, but has reached across the borders by “adopting” nearby Democratic legislators to help build a regional communication network. His work with Democratic veterans’ organization has had a similar effect of spreading his influence as a county party chair beyond the borders of a single county, and leading by example for all of our county leaders.

Dixon Terry Award for Outstanding Activist: John Kaiser

Criteria: Presented in recognition of outstanding service as a Democratic Party activist.

Bio: John Kaiser has been one of the best possible volunteers in Iowa Democratic politics. He has been doing this for years. John has helped build and paint signs at various events, driven for countless candidates, attended local events, and brought staff dinners. John has committed evenings, weekends, and days off, to promote and support our candidates, our events and our Party.

Edward Campbell Rising Star Awards: Josh Mandelbaum and Allie Panther

Criteria: Presented to a volunteer or staff member who has recently become involved in Democratic politics in Iowa and shows promise to become an outstanding activist and Party supporter.

Bio for Josh Mandelbaum: Josh Mandelbaum is a past field organizer for the Iowa Democratic Party, was a valued staff member in Governor Vilsack’s administration, and is now Vice Chair of the Scott County Democrats. He has used his extensive campaign experience, political insight, and strong work ethic to build the Iowa Democratic Party throughout the state.

Bio for Allie Panther: Allie Panther was a natural for the kind of grassroots campaign that the Obama team was putting together: enthusiastic, hard-working, smart and a self-starter. She has been a leader in the University of Iowa Democrats, Hawkeyes for Obama, UI for Chet Culver, and the Johnson County Democrats. She was the co-chair of the Johnson Co Roxanne Conlin campaign as a junior in college, and was a key player in the successful Johnson County Conlin campaign. Allie is actively seeking to continue to work in electoral politics, both to continue the work she started in 2007, and to expand our Democratic majorities at the state and local level.
We hope you will join us for this year’s memorable event!