Former Cedar Rapids Mayor Pate won’t run for state office

Citing other priorities, Republican Paul Pate has decided against running for Iowa secretary of state.

Pate, who served four years as Cedar Rapids mayor before returning to private life in 2005, said family matters trumped his interest in running for the statewide office he held from 1995 to 1999.

“It wasn't easy,” Pate said Wednesday about his decision. “We visited with folks across Iowa and the support was definitely there, the numbers looked good. I think people are looking for a change.”

A poll he commissioned showed Pate running ahead of the incumbent, Democrat Mike Mauro, 35 percent to 31 percent.

In the end, Pate said, family matters trumped his desire to return to public service. His parents face health issues and he is involved in their care.

“Family is always a challenge, and Des Moines is 120 miles away,” he said. “I think it's more import to spend time with them than to serve in politics.”

Pate, who operates Pate Asphalt, will continue to look at how he can help the state, the GOP and other candidates, “but running again is probably a long shot.”

Two other Republicans - former Rep. George Eichhorn of Stratford and Council Bluffs City Council member Matt Schultz - are seeking the GOP nomination to face Mauro. The primary election will be June 8.

Before deciding not to proceed with a campaign, Pate made a $123,000 personal loan to his campaign Jan. 10 to demonstrate to his potential opponents as well as his supporters that he was serious about winning.

“I wanted to make it clear there was a financial base to hit the ground running hard,” he said.

He repaid the loan Jan. 18 and said he has dissolved the campaign committee.