Blue Grass builder joins Iowa 2nd District Republican race

A Blue Grass businessman who thinks the nation is heading in the wrong direction is seeking the Republican nomination to the U.S. House in Iowa's 2

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District.

In announcing his candidacy Monday, Dan Dolan called for a “bold approach to stimulating job growth, providing a common sense domestic energy policy, keeping us safe and reducing taxes on working families.”

However, Dolan, who is a home builder, said government has done the opposite.

“Our national debt is exploding, our confidence is shaky, and too many Americans wake up each day burdened with uncertainty as we recover from one of the most difficult economic periods of our lifetimes,” he said. “The status quo in Washington needs some common sense, not another corporate lawyer or professor.”

If nominated, Dolan would face three-term Democratic Rep. Dave Loebsack of Iowa City. Dolan is the second Republican to announce plans to challenge Loebsack. John Archer of Bettendorf, an attorney for John Deere, also is seeking the GOP nomination.

Dolan contrasted himself with Loebsack, who he said never worked in the private sector despite Loebsack's career as a professor at a private college.

“I understand what it takes to create jobs and fulfill the American dream by owning a home,” Dolan said. “In fact, I build those homes. I sell homes. I create jobs. I take pride in my work, and I love my family.”

He believes government should “work in the background” by providing guidance.

“Yet today government is in the foreground of nearly every decision an American makes,” Dolan said. “It's no wonder our country is in a holding pattern. We must return to the basics.”

Hope hasn't worked, he said, so “with the help of the voters, we will be part of the solution.”

Dolan plans to kick off his campaign with a swing through all 24-counties in the new congressional district. The district runs from Clinton County south along the Mississippi, west along the Missouri state line to Decatur County, north to Jasper County and east through Johnson County to Cedar County.

In addition to building homes since 1991, Dolan has been involved in his community and was named by the Business Advisory Council as Businessman of the Year. He currently manages more than 50,000 square feet of commercial and retail space. He also served on the Genesis Health System Foundation board of director.

He and his wife, Celeste, have five children.

For more information, visit

www.dolanforcongress.com.