Iowa Democratic Party Starts Recanvass After Electing New Chair

DES MOINES, Iowa - The Iowa Democratic Party has replaced Troy Price, who resigned as chairman last Wednesday. It's State Central Committee elected Mark Smith as its chairman Saturday.

Smith is a House member from Marshalltown in the state legislature, and a former House Minority Leader.

Price resigned amid turmoil over major problems with the Iowa caucus that was riddled with counting errors and a failed app. The problems have strained relations between the state party and the Democratic National Committee, and led to calls for Iowa to be replaced as the first in the nation primary contest.

A statement from the party noted Smith is a sixth generation Iowan. "Mark has the breadth of experience and record of leadership to strengthen our path to victory and elect Democrats up and down the ballot this November.," the statement said.

Smith also released a statement Saturday. “I am honored that Iowa Democrats have put their faith in my leadership to help lead our party to victory this November,” said Chair Mark Smith. “Every Iowan deserves the opportunity to enjoy a rich quality of life – and Democrats will never stop fighting to ensure those opportunities are extended to every Iowan. Our Party is proud and strong because of our values, and we are committed to restoring trust to carry out those values from river to river.

Meanwhile, the state party is re-canvassing some caucus precincts at the request of two presidential campaigns. The process began at 9 a.m. Sunday, and includes 143 precincts in Iowa and internationally.

The campaigns for Bernie Sanders and Pete Buttigieg asked for the assessment last week.

A recanvass is not a recount, but a review of the data to look for any errors. The recanvass is expected to conclude Wednesday, nearly two-and-a-half weeks after the February 3rd caucus.

The party said it will also go through an independent review about the delay in reporting the results of the caucuses.


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