The Iowa Democratic Party has officially postponed its convention on Saturday due to flooding in downtown Des Moines and around the state.The Des Moines River is expected to reach record levels by Saturday morning, a full day earlier than previously predicted. Nearly 2,500 delegates were expected to descend upon the Polk County Convention Complex, which sits just five blocks away from the swollen river.

"In the interest of public safety and out of concern for Iowans impacted by the flooding and severe weather, we have decided to postpone the Iowa Democratic Party State Convention," said state Democratic Party chairman Scott Brennan in a statement.  "As Iowans, we encourage everyone to work hand in hand with their neighbors on flood relief efforts across our state." 

The Democratic Party's 9th Annual Hall of Fame Dinner and Awards Ceremony, a fundraiser originally scheduled for Friday night, was postponed yesterday. At that time, party officials were confident that the convention would be able to take place as scheduled. Brooke Borkenhagen, the party's press secretary, said a June 21 deadline to report Iowa's delegates to the Democratic National Convention was one reason the event would go on as planned.

But after observing the situation overnight, the party decided to postpone the event. The state party is currently in discussions with the Democratic National Committee to work out an extension of the deadline and are confident something will be worked out and Iowa delegates will be counted.

"They've been very understanding of our situation," Borkenhagen said.

Caleb Hunter, executive director of the Republican Party of Iowa, could not be reached for comment. The GOP is expecting about 1,700 delegates at their convention at Hy-Vee Hall, which sits just one block west of the Des Moines River. Republican delegates to the national convention do not need to be certified by the Republican National Committee until August. 

A new date and venue for the Democratic Convention will be announced in the coming days.