Loebsack readies for move south to proposed district

CEDAR RAPIDS - U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Mount Vernon, spent Saturday night in one county that will most likely not be part of the 2nd District after 2012.

“We're looking at places and we've got a real estate agent,” said Loebsack as he attended the Linn County Democrats' annual Hall of Fame Banquet in Cedar Rapids, which honored longtime county supervisor Jean Oxley and attorney Steven Jackson Sr.

“It's sad to be leaving Linn County and Mount Vernon but I'm going to be doing everything I can for the people of Linn County, so long as I'm in office,” Loebsack added.

The Legislature has passed a new Congressional map as Iowa shrinks from five seats in the U.S. House of Representatives to four, due to the 2010 Census findings.

The bill is awaiting the signature of Gov. Terry Branstad, who said Friday he would sign it.

Loebsack has for years lived in Mount Vernon, which would become part of the 1st District. Fellow Democrat Bruce Braley, of Waterloo, is in his third term representing the 1st District. Loebsack has said he will be looking to move south to Johnson County.

Loebsack also noted the proposed 2nd District would cover 24 counties instead of his current 15.