“Being an officer for a couple of decades has given me a real education on how to lead as well as perspective on what it means to be responsible for the well-being of others,” Prichard said.

The centerpiece of Prichard’s campaign is his “50-50 in 5” plan to create 50,000 jobs that pay at least $50,000 a year in the first five years of his administration. To do that, he said, the state will need to invest in education, infrastructure such as broadband and re-prioritizing state economic development resources such as tax credits to attract companies that will create good-paying jobs.

Prichard plans campaign events through the end of the week before he departs Sunday. In Bulgaria, his unit will be participating in Exercise Saber Guardian 2017, a multinational exercise under U.S. European Command’s Joint Exercise Program with between 30,000 and 40,000 soldiers from Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, the United States, NATO allies, and Partnership for Peace nations.

During the annual training, military rules restrict Prichard from engaging in political activity. However, his staff and supporters will continue to organize volunteers, raise resources and participate in events across the state, according to spokesman Norm Sterzenbach.

In addition to Prichard, former Iowa City Mayor Ross Wilburn, Sen. Nate Boulton of Des Moines, former Iowa Democratic Party Chairwoman Andy McGuire, former Des Moines school board President Jon Neiderbach, John Norris, former aide to Sen. Tom Harkin and Gov. Tom Vilsack, Coralville nurse and union president Cathy Glasson and Des Moines businessman Fred Hubbell are running or contemplating a bid for the Democratic nomination.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.