Warren: Don’t let the billionaires decide Iowa’s next senator

IOWA CITY - Sixteen days away from the midterm election, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., told Iowa voters they need to vote and 'fight back” against policies that favor America's wealthy and do not focus on strengthening the middle class and the country's future.

'What the Republicans are really fighting for is a world which there is less and less investment in your future, less and less opportunity for you and more and more protection for those at the top,” Warren told a crowd of about 500 people Sunday in the Iowa Memorial Union ballroom on the University of Iowa campus.

Warren visited Iowa City and Des Moines later that afternoon to stump for U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate. The fight to fill retiring Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin's seat remains close between Braley and his Republican opponent, state Sen. Joni Ernst of Red Oak.

During her 30-minute speech Warren talked about growing up with a mother who worked a minimum-wage job, the importance of financing education, student loans, and her well-known stance on financial regulation and reining in Wall Street.

She said Ernst answers to the Koch brothers and other billionaires who think they can influence the election.

'Well, I think she got that one wrong. I don't think the billionaire is going to decide the next senator from Iowa. I think you're going to decide,” Warren told the audience, which erupted in cheers.

Before Warren spoke, Braley touted his efforts to support the middle class, an increase in the minimum wage, education, Pell Grants and access to student loans.

'Senator Warren and I share a fundamental belief, and that is America is always at its best when we have a strong and growing middle class,” Braley said.

Before introducing Warren, he acknowledged he was the 'warm-up act.”

Sunday was Warren's first political visit to Iowa this election season, where presidential contenders often come to court the swing state's voters. Warren has denied any interest in running for president, but her visit Sunday excited would-be supporters.

Tammy Place of Durant stood in line before the event with a 'Warren for President” sign in her hand along with a T-shirt and Warren's book, 'A Fighting Chance.”

'I believe in everything she says; she's dynamic. I believe in what she feels against Wall Street and her stance on education,” the 56-year-old said.

Democratic Party stars are throwing their weight behind Braley in the final weeks leading up to the midterm election. First lady Michelle Obama made a stop in Des Moines earlier this month to stump for Braley and will be an event on Tuesday in Iowa City.

'I wanted to be here today because Bruce Braley is fighting back,” Warren said to an energized crowd. 'He is fighting back, and he is fighting forward for your future.”