#5 staff story: Iowa Senate 18

We've surveyed our staff members and readers for their opinions, and the results are in. Between now and Jan. 1, we'll be unveiling readers' choices for the top 10 news stories of the year - one story per day. Here's the #5 story of the year, as voted by Gazette staffers.

Sen. Swati Dandekar, D-Marion, resigns her seat in September to accept a $137,000-a-year appointment to the Iowa Utilities Board. Former news anchor and Democratic candidate Liz Mathis defeats Republican Cindy Golding, both of rural Cedar Rapids, in November to fill the vacancy. With that victory, Iowa Democrats maintain control of the Iowa Senate.

THE YEAR'S COVERAGE:

• Sept. 20: Former U.S. attorney, TV anchorwoman join race in Iowa Senate 18
• Sept. 22: Golding wins Iowa Senate nomination
• Sept. 29: SD 18 Democrats make Mathis official
• Oct. 9: All of Iowa watching E. Iowa special election for state Senate
• Oct. 16: Special election's outcome could impact gay marriage in Iowa
• Oct. 20: National marriage group involved in Iowa Senate 18 race
• Oct. 26: Iowa Senate 18 candidates disagree on role of government
• Nov. 6: In Iowa Senate 18, Mathis, Golding stick to basics
• Nov. 8: Liz Mathis wins Iowa Senate District 18
• Nov. 10: Mathis confirmed as state's newest senator