Former Vilsack aide Norris to run for governor

John Norris, a veteran figure in Iowa Democratic politics, filed papers Thursday to run for governor.

In an email, he said he would make a formal announcement later this month.

Norris, 58, is partner in SPPG, a Des Moines-based consulting firm. He is a former state party chairman and longtime aide to Tom Vilsack, the former governor and U.S. agriculture secretary.

A former congressional candidate, Norris managed John Kerry's successful 2004 caucus campaign in Iowa.

During the Obama administration, Norris most recently served as the United States' representative to the United Nations in Rome.

Norris joins a crowded field of Democrats seeking the office. Already, five Democrats have announced candidacies. On Wednesday, Cathy Glasson, president of the Service Employees International Union, Local 199, said she would explore a bid.

In a stop in the Quad Cities a couple of weeks ago, Norris said he was interested in expanding economic growth in the state by leveraging renewable energy, raising wages and expanding high-speed internet. He also was critical of measures coming out of the Republican-controlled Legislature this year, including curbs on collective bargaining rights for public employees, education spending levels and cutting off funding for Planned Parenthood.

Already, former state Democratic Party Chair Andy McGuire, state Sen. Nate Boulton, D-Des Moines, state Rep. Todd Prichard, D-Charles City, former Iowa DNR Director Rich Leopold and Jon Neiderbach, a former president of the Des Moines school board, have said they are running. Des Moines businessman Fred Hubbell also is considering a bid, and so is Davenport Alderman Mike Matson.