Candidates and citizens on both sides of the political aisle were out in force throughout Iowa on Saturday.
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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- The Wapello County Republican Party held their 2010 Precinct Caucus at the Area Education Agency in Ottumwa on Saturday.
Jane Hodoly is a Republican Candidate for Iowa House District 93. She said that she wanted to get involved to help correct the spending problem in state government.
"Therefore, I am running as the Republican Candidate for Iowa House District 93, and would be proud to represent the people in this area as a Conservative member of the Iowa House," Hodoly said.
Mark Chelgren is seeking the Republican Nomination to challenge State Senator Keith Kreiman (D-Bloomfield) for the Senate Seat in District 47. He said that he is running to help ensure a good future for his children, and added that he is frustrated by the direction in which the Democratic leadership has taken the state.
"I think a lot of Iowans are frustrated, including a lot of Democrats. And so in order for them to have the future I want for them, I feel it's my responsibility as a father, and as a grandfather, to step up and try to make a difference," Chelgren said.
The Wapello County Democratic Party held their 2010 Precinct Caucus at the Ottumwa High School.
Mike Petersen is seeking the Democratic Nomination for Iowa House District 93, a seat currently held by Representative Mary Gaskill (D-Ottumwa). Representative Gaskill has already announced her intention to seek re-election.
"In order to do what we need to do for the most vulnerable people in the State of Iowa, we have to have a handle on our finances. And with this recession it has certainly made us aware of those things, more aware of those things than we normally are," Petersen said.
State Senator Becky Schmitz (D-Fairfield) is also planning to seek re-election. She said that currently the state is working to solve the problems with the budget, along with an array of other projects.
"The other thing that has taken a lot of our time is the State Government Reorganization Bill. A lot of work has gone into that, several months work prior to the session, looking at ways we can be more efficient and effective in how we do state government," Senator Schmitz said.
Both Republican and Democratic Caucuses were held at 1 PM on Saturday throughout Iowa. The idea behind Precinct Caucuses is to discuss party platform, select party leaders and convention delegates and meet the candidates.
Candidates and citizens in both parties agree that the Iowa budget and unemployment are two dominating issues for all Iowans in this midterm election year.
