Keokuk, IA – The three men, Mayor Dave Gudgel and challengers Gordon Blankenship, Sr. and John Sherman, are no strangers to campaigning and competing against each other.
Gudgel was first elected mayor in 2001... defeating a field that included Sherman.
2003 was a repeat for Gudgel and Sherman.
In 2005, Gudgel lost in two of the city's seven wards but still held off Blankenship.
After six years in office, the current mayor feels he has a lot more to accomplish.
Gudgel says the announcement that Hendricks Industries is bringing roughly 400 new jobs to the city shows that Keokuk is starting to turn the corner and his experience in economic development is crucial to future success.
He says his connections in Washington, DC, especially in the offices of Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Charles Grassley (R-IA), will continue to pay dividends for Keokuk.
Blankenship is a small business owner who is running because he loves Keokuk.
He believes a change is needed in the mayor's office because he feels there is a lack of communication between city government and the general public.
Blankenship says he is a hands-on type of person who is a good communicator and can be approached by anyone.
Sherman is a landlord and property manager who actually got tired of politics after his previous runs for office.
He chose to try again after talking with some residents.
Sherman portrays himself as a common citizen with a fresh view.
He says he has the education and managment experience needed to serve.
You can hear Jason Parrott's full report by clicking the audio link above.