Steve King re-elected to eighth term

SIOUX CITY - Republican Steve King was re-elected Tuesday to an eighth term in the U.S. House, representing the sprawling 4th congressional district in northwest and north central Iowa, after defeating Democratic challenger Kim Weaver.

'America has had enough of too much government,” an effusive King said from a Sioux City hotel watch party, after his own win and results that looked good for Republicans across the nation.

King was particularly enthused for the possible outcome of Republican Donald Trump becoming president. If that happens, King said, it would unleash his ability to push ahead blocked initiatives with the backing of a supportive president.

King anticipated in 2017 a full repeal of the 2010 health care reform package he contends is a government overreach, a tougher immigration policy and the appointment of U.S. Supreme Court justices who will not veer from the intent of founding father principles.

'I'm operating under the presumption that Trump will be president ... If it is President Trump, then we can work on the Steve King agenda,” King said.

With more than 70 percent of the vote in just before midnight, King led Weaver by 65 percent to 35 percent in the conservative district. Registered Republicans outnumber Democrats by nearly voters 70,000 voters.

Political observers had said Weaver would have an uphill task of unseating King, who owned a construction company and was a state senator for six years until winning his first U.S. House seat in 2002.

Weaver was in Ames for the evening. In a phone call, she said she had fully expected to win.

'But it is such a red district, that people just vote Republican. But it is so disappointing, because it is against their best interest,” Weaver said.

Weaver said she may run again in 2018 against King, or for governor or the Iowa Democratic Party chairwoman position.

Weaver, 51, of Sheldon, is a long-term care ombudsman for the Iowa Department of Aging. She had sought to pull in independents and some Republicans who might be discontented with Trump's controversial statements.

King pulled in more campaign money than Weaver. Over the two-year election cycle through a reporting period ending Oct. 19, King had contributions of $890,710, while Weaver had $146,340.

The two candidates did not meet in a public debate, as King said there was 'no up side” to taking part, since people already know his record.

King was first elected to the former Iowa 5th District in 2002. He handily won five terms in that congressional district. After redistricting of congressional districts in Iowa in 2011, King won contests in the 4th District in 2012 and 2014.