Bernie’s back

February 23, 2018

Bernie Sanders is back in Iowa today for a rally with Pete D’Alessandro, candidate for congress against David Young. D’Alessandro was a state coordinator for Bernie in 2016. He is the most far-left candidate in the race.

This could create problems for establishment national Democrats who are likely trying to ensure that a more moderate Democrat makes it through the primary in this swing district, where there are 5 other Democrats running. D’Alessandro even subtly went after the national party when he announced his bid: “It is clear that a great many people believe it is not possible to change the clutter in Washington D.C. if we choose our candidates from the same failed pool that we have in the recent past.”

From Iowa Starting Line: “D’Alessandro remains well-connected with the national Sanders and Our Revolution operations, and has been encouraged by Iowa progressive activists to seek the seat.”

“But his candidacy is certain to be nontraditional and creative anyway, and will likely be the least-predictable in terms of success, or at least moreso than your usual DCCC-run campaign.”

It’s certainly not unheard of for the national party to break from progressives and resistance members and go nuclear on one of their own. They did this just last night in a Texas primary. Stay tuned to see who they try and chase out next. Could it be D’Alessandro?