Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-Iowa) announced just one month ago that he will retire at the end of his current term. A couple people have already filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to replace him, including a woman with a background in education, agriculture, and politics.
Rita Hart, a Democrat from Wheatland, said she wants to be a voice for Iowans in Washington D.C.
“As a lifelong Iowan, farmer and educator, I understand the struggle our small towns and rural communities face because I’ve lived it,” Hart told Tri States Public Radio. “Whether spearheading efforts to train our young people or bringing local leaders on both sides of the aisle together as a State Senator, I’ve spent my life fighting to build a solid foundation for the next generation of Iowans.”
“We have real challenges to solve: making sure heath care is affordable for all of us, helping families crippled by the cost of education and job training, and growing our economy so that it’s thriving in every corner of our state — not just for the wealthy and well-connected. We also must do more to protect Iowans from devastating flooding like the kind that hit southeast Iowa earlier this month.”
Hart was the Democratic Party’s nominee for Lt. Governor last fall.
“I want to make sure that the people of this district have a voice from somebody who understands what they are facing and is willing to get in there and find some solutions that fit our situation,” said Hart.
Hart said her top priorities include education and rural economic development. She said she plans to start traveling Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District soon so she can meet voters and hear their ideas and concerns.
Hart is the third person to file a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission. Democrat Veronica Tessler of Iowa City was the first to enter the race. She has since announced that she is no longer running due to business responsibilities.
Republican Thomas Kedley, who is the Mayor of Osceola, has also filed. TSPR has requested an interview with Kedley but he has yet to schedule one with us.
The primary in Iowa is June 2, 2020.
