Fred Hubbell names Sen. Rita Hart as running mate on Democratic ticket for governor

Brianne Pfannenstiel | The Des Moines Register

Show Caption Hide Caption Hubbell, Hart say they are ready to work for Iowans In their first joint interview, state Sen. Rita Hart talks about her background and why she joined Democrat Fred Hubbell's campaign for Iowa governor.

Democratic governor candidate Fred Hubbell has picked Rita Hart — a state senator, farmer and former teacher — as a running mate in his bid to topple Republican incumbent Kim Reynolds.

"With my background as a teacher, as a farmer, as a mother, as a volunteer for years, I have the experience and the drive to work for the betterment of the entire state of Iowa," Hart said in an interview with the Des Moines Register. "I want (people) to know that I’m not stepping up to this title. I’m stepping up to the responsibility, and I will always keep their best interests in mind as I do that."

Hubbell announced his selection Saturday morning, and Hart's nomination was officially ratified late Saturday afternoon at the Iowa Democratic Party's state convention.

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Hart, who was elected to the Senate in 2012 and again in 2014, lives in Wheatland, which is on the eastern side of the state and has a population of about 730 people. She works with her husband, Paul, on the farm his family has owned for more than 100 years there.

Hart's rural background is an asset for Hubbell, a Des Moines businessman, who will be working to persuade voters across the state that he understands their needs and is best equipped to address them in the governor's office. Hubbell told the Register he set out to find a lieutenant governor whose background did not mirror his own.

"I like to surround myself with people that come at questions and issues and experiences in a much different way than I do," Hubbell, 67, told the Register. "I think that makes the discussion richer, and you’re better able to get a better decision that way. So I was looking for somebody that’s very talented and capable, but not a lot like me. And I think I found her."

Hart, 62, worked as a teacher for more than 20 years in the Calamus-Wheatland and Bennett Community School Districts.

"I’ve always been very interested in education issues and I’ve, of course, been a big advocate for appropriate education funding," she said. "I recognize that the key to moving forward in the state is having a strong education system that helps us to fill that skilled-worker shortage that we’re experiencing in the state."

Hubbell has advocated for increased funding to K-12 public schools, making college more affordable and expanding job training opportunities.

Hubbell and Hart spoke to Democratic activists at the party convention Saturday.

"We considered a lot of talented Iowans, but Sen. Hart always stood out and I couldn’t be more excited to have her as my running mate," Hubbell said to cheers as attendees waved signs bearing the slogan "Hubbell leads with Hart."

"I want to tell you, it has been one crazy week," Hart told the crowd. "I can tell you that I did not expect to be here on this stage as a nominee for the lieutenant governor for this great state, but I accept this challenge. Because what I have always been committed to is to try to make the world a better place by doing as much as I can for as many as possible."

Democratic activists praised Hubbell's selection.

"Her credentials are amazing," said Susan Bryant, a 65-year-old Iowa City teacher and convention attendee. "She brings expertise. She brings the education background."

Bryant said she didn't know of Hart before she was added to the ticket, but called the selection "fantastic."

“I absolutely love it," she said. "They’re intelligent, they’re committed, they’re caring, they are experienced and they are going to get us moving in the right direction."

On June 5, Hubbell won the Democratic primary in a five-way race for the nomination. He garnered 55 percent of the vote, carrying all but three counties across the state.

The race is shaping up to be among the nation's most competitive; Cook Political Report on Friday declared it a "toss up" between Republicans and Democrats. And it already is among the state's most expensive gubernatorial contests.

Hubbell spent about $7 million in the primary, including about $3 million of his own money. Reynolds, who did not face a primary challenger on the ballot, recently reported having more than $4 million in cash on hand.

Hubbell and Reynolds have already begun trading jabs. Reynolds has attacked Hubbell for his wealth, saying it's made him out of touch with everyday Iowans.

"She’s only going low because she cannot defend her record," Hubbell said Saturday. "Fiscal mismanagement, misguided priorities and an extreme agenda. She’s dismantling everything that makes our state a great place. And then earlier this week she said I’m running to undo everything she’s doing. And she’s right!"

The Republican Party also held its convention Saturday. Reynolds, 58, and her Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg, 35, the former state public defender, both spoke to the crowd of 1,200.

Reynolds vs Hubbell in race for Iowa governor Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds and Democratic businessman Fred Hubbell will vie for control of the state’s top office this fall.

Jason Kander, Let America Vote founder and a potential 2020 presidential candidate, also was on hand as the featured speaker. He cautioned Iowa Democrats against relying on a "blue wave" of enthusiasm in November and instead urged them to create their own.

"A blue wave is not a weather event," he said. "You can’t just sit around and wait on it. You can’t turn on the TV and see the weatherman talking about, 'We’ve got a front of Democratic enthusiasm coming in and it’s going to mix with progressive activism.' No! That is not how a blue wave works."

That enthusiasm is created by people, Kander said.

"It is made because you get out and you knock on doors and you make phone calls and you do the work," he said.

Democratic leaders from across the state said they are hopeful about their chances this election cycle and are enthusiastic about their crop of candidates.

“I have never seen so many Iowans stepping up to volunteer and showing up for each other, getting civically engaged, and most importantly, stepping up to run — especially women — saying it’s time for me to run and help change this state," said Senate Minority Leader Janet Petersen, D-Des Moines.