Four presidential hopefuls to share stage for first time in C.R.

DES MOINES - For the first time this campaign season, four Democratic presidential hopefuls will share the stage at the 2015 Iowa Democratic Party Hall of Fame Celebration July 17 in Cedar Rapids.

While there has been no shortage of multicandidate events for the GOP candidates, the Cedar Rapids event will be the first where Hillary Clinton, Martin O'Malley, Bernie Sanders and Jim Webb will appear together, according to Iowa Democratic Party spokesman Sam Lau.

With the first-in-the-nation Iowa caucuses ahead of them, the Hall of Fame dinner is an opportunity for Iowa Democrats to hear from the candidates, state party Chairwoman Andy McGuire said

'Iowa Democrats are excited and enthusiastic to hear the candidates lay out their vision for moving our country forward,” she said.

So in addition to the party honoring several individuals for their contribution to Democratic politics, the four candidates will be given time to speak. In a typical year, the dinner attracts 300 to 400 people, but the party anticipated a larger crowd this year.

The annual dinner will be at 7 p.m. at the Cedar Rapids Convention Center, 350 1st Ave NE. For tickets, visit https://services.myngp.com/ngponlineservices/event.aspx?Y=FrZ0S4jyDpVVRvdyEFTHIYheCTpcyVPGawdydUgjW9FBqlRNEZ2yxA%3d%3d.

At the Hall of Fame celebration, the IDP will honor several Iowa Democrats for their dedication and important contributions to the Iowa Democratic Party and their communities:

Outstanding Elected Official Award: Senate President Pam Jochum of Dubuque

Outstanding Supporter Award: the Kay Halloran of Cedar Rapids

Outstanding Leadership Award: former Jones County Sen. Bev Hannon

Jim Lodwick Award for Outstanding State Central Committee Member: Woodbury County Democratic Party Chairwoman Penny Rosjford

Bob Creech Award for Outstanding Democratic Party Chair: Wapello County Democratic Chairwoman Melinda Jones

Dixon Terry Award for Outstanding Democratic Party Activist: Kurt Meyer of St. Ansgar

Edward Campbell Rising Star Award: Morgan Miller of West Des Moines