West Union attorney seeks Iowa 55 seat

CEDAR RAPIDS - Pat Ritter, a West Union attorney, has announced he will challenge Rep, Darrel Branhagen in Iowa House 55, which includes parts of Winneshiek, Fayette, and Clayton counties.

'In the Marines, I learned how to work through disagreements to carry out a common mission,” Ritter said. 'Our representatives in Des Moines should work together to do what's best for our state. That means investing in education, promoting the creation of good jobs and taking care of our seniors and veterans.”

Ritter, a Democrat who has two children with his wife, Chandra, is a graduate of public schools said he believes 'strong K-12 schools are the key to creating opportunities for Iowa children.”

'I'll never stop fighting to keep lawmakers in Des Moines from shortchanging our local schools and denying opportunities to our kids,” he said.

Ritter practices in multiple areas of law and is a regular speaker on elder law topics including managing dementia, planning for long-term care, forming guardianships and conservatorships, and determining capacity for aging citizens.

'I work daily with aging Iowans who have concerns about the next stages of their lives,” he said. 'I believe we have a fundamental duty to keep our promises to the generations that came before us and provide them with adequate housing and opportunities for a secure retirement.”

Ritter wants to boost the agricultural economy and create jobs in his district.

'I was raised by a single dad who worked nights to support us, so I know how important full-time jobs are to families in our community,” he said. 'As state representative, I'll work together with farmers to support agriculture, and I'll focus on job creation through small businesses, advanced manufacturing and renewable energy.”

He also wants to protect natural resources and preserve the unique character of our land.”

After high school, Ritter joined served four years in the Marine Corps, achieving the rank of sergeant. He earned multiple early promotions and achieved the rank of sergeant. He was the 2001 'Marine of the Year: for the 2,800 Marine II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, a 2,800-Marine.

He's a graduate of Grinnell College and the University of Iowa College of Law. He prosecuted federal crimes as an intern with the United States Attorney's Office in the Southern District of Iowa while in law school.

Ritter also is director on the West Union Community Development Board.

Branhagen, a Decorah Republican, was elected to the Iowa House in 2014. He is a lawyer and an Army veteran.