Hogg has done much good for Cedar Rapids

The race in Iowa Senate District 33, which includes much of the southeast and northeast sides of Cedar Rapids, pits Sen. Rob Hogg, D-Cedar Rapids, against Cedar Rapids Republican Harry Foster. We commend Foster for stepping up, but our endorsement goes to Hogg.

One major reason for our support can be found in Hogg's tireless advocacy for cleaning up Iowa's waterways, better managing watersheds and finding critical resources to conserve natural resources and mitigate flooding. These issues have become top priorities for this editorial board since the 2008 flood, and at nearly every turn, we find Hogg in the center of efforts to advance the cause of conservation.

Hogg was instrumental in the passage of legislation that will provide crucial state dollars to protect Cedar Rapids from future flooding.

He also worked to increase funding to farmers for voluntary conservation efforts and for the long underfunded Resource Enhancement and Protection fund.

And, like this board, he is critical of Gov. Terry Branstad's decision to veto those dollars.

'We are on a course for permanent dirty water in Iowa,” Hogg said.

He needs to keep sounding that warning in the Senate.

On a note of caution, we'd urge Hogg to resist the temptation to play the role of partisan attack dog, a part often filled by lawmakers in so-called 'safe” districts. We don't think it serves the best interests of his constituents.

' Comments: (319) 398-8262; editorial@thegazette.com