As Vice President Joe Biden continues to give mixed signals about whether he’ll run for president in 2016, support for a Draft Biden organization continues to mount.
Jasper County Treasurer Doug Bishop on Tuesday formally announced he is a key supporter of Draft Biden Iowa. He joins State Sen. Chaz Allen (D-Newton) and a list of about 17 other current or former state or county Democrat office holders from around Iowa.
Bishop is also the board president of the Jasper County Economic Development Corporation. He served on the City of Baxter’s city council for six years and served as mayor there for four years, but he is probably best known in Jasper County as an advocate for veterans. He serves as the chair of the Jasper County Freedom Flight Committee.
“Our VA system is in dire need of attention,” Bishop said in a statement. “I believe that Vice President Biden is the best choice as our Democratic candidate to ensure our nation’s veterans are adequately cared for — not only on the battlefield, but (also) in their home county, once they finish their tour of duty.”
Allen said he’s been told Biden will likely make an announcement in the first week of October.
Draft Biden Iowa State Director Ellen Goodmann Miller called Bishop a strong addition to a growing coalition.
“Doug’s critical work in economic development, veteran’s advocacy, and his vast network of connections in central Iowa are an incredible resource as we continue to organize in Iowa,” Goodmann Miller said.
In addition to Bishop’s support, Draft Biden also announced Tuesday the endorsements of State Sen. Herman Quirmbach (D-Ames) and former Iowa Assembly Assistant Minority Leader Brian Quirk (D-New Hampton).
Iowa Draft Biden’s Co-chair is former House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy.
The Draft Biden SuperPAC has launched a nationwide effort to increase momentum and support for Biden should he decide to enter the race for president. Over the past few weeks, the vice president has given numerous signs that he is seriously considering making a bid for the White House.
The Draft Biden SuperPAC is currently working to build the infrastructure and recruit the support Biden would need — should he launch a campaign. More than 200,000 Americans have signed a petition to ask the Biden to run.