Walsh To Stump For Democratic Candidates In Iowa

Boston Mayor Martin Walsh is traveling Wednesday to another midwestern state won by Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election, talking up Democratic candidates and making a stop at a proving ground for presidential candidates.

Fresh off a similar trip to stump for Democrats in Ohio and Indiana last month, Walsh is spending Wednesday and Thursday meeting with labor leaders and voters in Iowa. His trip includes a stop at the Iowa State Fair, a favorite among politicians considering presidential runs.

"What I heard in Ohio and Indiana is that there is more that unites us than divides us and we must elect people who will stand up for working people," Walsh said in a statement. "This isn’t about one city or one state, this is about Americans coming together to get this country back on track and working for everyone."

Walsh has stepped into national Democratic politics before, including speaking at the 2016 Democratic convention and before that hosting Hillary Clinton in Boston. Former Vice President Joe Biden administered the oath of office to Walsh at his second inaugural.

First up, Walsh will join Democratic nominee for secretary of state in Iowa Deidre DeJear on Wednesday afternoon for a tour of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers' new training facility in Des Moines and then attend a rally for DeJear, Walsh's campaign announced Tuesday evening.

The mayor's visit to Des Moines will overlap with a visit from Vice President Mike Pence, who is in Hawkeye State on Wednesday to campaign for Republican David Young for Congress and to talk about recent federal tax cuts at an event sponsored by the group America First Policies.

Walsh will have breakfast Thursday morning with Des Moines firefighters at Mullet’s Restaurant to talk about the upcoming elections. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti made a similar stop in April as he tested the waters for a presidential run.

Later Thursday, the mayor will tour the Iowa State Fair with union laborers and will then join Iowa Democrats Chair Troy Price at the Democratic Party booth where he will greet volunteers and help register people to vote. Thursday afternoon will find Walsh touring a construction site with Congressman Dave Loebsack and then holding a media availability.