Democrats protest Grassleys near New Hartford

“Hey, hey, ho, ho, Chuck Grassley’s got to go,” protestors chanted in front of the U.S. Senator’s rural New Hartford home Saturday morning.
 
While Representative Steve King characterized Grassley as brave Horatius at the gate defending Rome at a meeting of the Butler County Republicans in Clarksville Saturday night, Butler County Democrats at the protest expressed a far different opinion of his work as chair of the judicial committee.
 
Nearly 20 marched the two miles from Chuck Grassley’s home to the residence of his grandson, State Representative Pat Grassley.
 
“We’re here to hold Senator Grassley accountable, and also his grandson Pat Grassley,” one protestor said. “They’re both in this together, intent on destroying government both in Washington and in Des Moines.”
 
Protestors carried signs with a variety of messages. Some urged Grassley to find his moral center. Others urged voters to remember Merrick Garland, and one called Christine Blasey Ford a hero. Another called for Grassley’s retirement.
 
“Chuck Grassley is unqualified to head judiciary. Resign now!” one sign read.
 
Pat Grassley drew ire for allegedly “destroying Medicaid, education, worker’s comp, collective bargaining, IPERS and Iowa’s budget surplus, one law at a time.”
 
Democrats consider it unfair that Senator Grassley would not allow a hearing for President Obama’s nominee Merrick Garland, but now is apparently rushing the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh before the midterm elections.
   
“Since Chuck happens to live close to us, we can at least stand outside of his house and show our support for the women who are coming out against his nominee, and also to show our displeasure with not even giving Merrick Garland a chance,” said Jerry Hageman of the Black Hawk County Democrats.
   
Sheila Burger of New Hartford was there to march for women.
   
“I think that the Republicans are not listening to women, to the victims. They need to,” said Rob Hamilton of Cedar Falls. “I really do not want to see somebody put on the Supreme Court that has a history of abusing women.”
 
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