(Spirit Lake)– A Spirit Lake resident and a longtime advocate of the local Republican party has announced he’s running for the State Senate District 1 seat. That seat is currently held by Zach Whiting who announced last week he’ll be resigning to move to Texas. Dave Rowley announced his candidacy this (Monday) morning…
“Well I’ve been very active in the Republican party in Dickinson for several years, many years, actually, and I was approached when the news came that Zach had resigned, and by the way Zach has done a wonderful job and our thanks to him. But I was approached by some people to run and submit my name. It’s not a shoe-in of anything, not so at all, but that’s what led to it. I visited with my wife and good friends; I’ve had many calls and I finally made the decision just last night, quite frankly, and I thought you know what? This is a good choice here. This is a good move for Dave Rowley.”
Rowley says making sure northwest Iowa continues to have a strong voice at the statehouse is very important to him…
“I approach everything, I try to, from a statesman like approach. The things that are heavy are always out there. The things like protecting our pro-life, protecting gun rights, and our freedom of speech is very concerning. In the state of Iowa specifically I think do no harm. I think we’ve got a wonderful Senate, Legislature down there. We have the trifecta if you will. And so my goal is to work with that team, maintain the great things that are happening in Iowa and also for us in northwest Iowa. And speaking of that, in district 1, in our communities up here, I am so passionate for them and I want to get a voice. I want to be heard and make sure that we’re heard at the capitol.”
Rowley says he’s excited and looking forward to what happens from here…
“They haven’t announced some of the dates of the events coming up, but there will be a special convention, if you will, where the Republican convention will be held here shortly, probably in the next 10 days or so, and then there will be a special election and I understand that will be in December, December 14th, at least that’s what they’re estimating. So I’m very excited. It’s a big decision but I just love this area and I’m looking forward to serve.”
The winner of the special election would fill the remaining year of Whiting’s term, and could then opt to run for a full four year term.
Senate District 1 includes Clay, Dickinson, Lyon, Osceola and Palo Alto counties.
