Ramaswamy focuses on connecting with first-time voters at house party in Polk County

By Sofia Mendes, WEBN

GOP candidate and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy held a house party last night in Polk County, Iowa just four days before the state’s caucuses on Monday. He spoke to a crowded living room of numerous first-time caucus participants, many of whom remain undecided voters. 

Lydia Smith and Kaitlyn Loecher, local high school seniors attending Ramaswamy’s event last night, shared that just like many others present, the upcoming election will be their first time caucusing. 

Although the two have yet to come to a decision, Loecher mentioned she values transparency in a candidate stating, “He [Vivek] is very honest and he has a plan for exactly what he wants to do. I find that very refreshing.” 

Smith held a similar viewpoint stating, “This is my first time caucusing, so we’re pretty new to this, but we’re just trying to find different candidates and hear what they have to say.” 

Smith also emphasized how interactive Ramaswamy’s campaign was sharing that campaign staffers were “really engaged with them as young voters.” 

“It really did seem like they cared about our opinion. It’s really nice to see that from a political candidate,” remarked Smith. 

Loecher chimed in as well stating campaign staffers were responding to questions “without shying away” from the answers. “I never felt embarrassed or scared to ask,” said Loecher. 

Although Ramaswamy continues to poll in the single digits, he believes his campaign is on track for a “major surprise” ensuring attendees that “shattered expectations” on Monday night will propel him into the next phase of the race. 

“I’m not excited about that for me or my family,” shared Ramaswamy. “I’m excited about that for our country because our country deserves a leader with fresh legs, a leader who can actually take our ‘America First’ agenda to the next level.”