Cedar Rapids lawyer running to follow Kraig Paulsen in state district 67

CEDAR RAPIDS - A Cedar Rapids lawyer wants to add the title of state legislator. Mark Seidl announced Friday he's running for state district 67, which includes Robins, Hiawatha and part of Marion.

Seidl, a Democrat, said he wants to create good jobs by working with entrepreneurs and small businesses, as well as expand leadership in renewable energy.

'It's time for the partisanship at the State Capitol to end and for lawmakers of both parties to work together on the issues most important to Iowans - a good job for parents, a world class education for children, and a high quality of life for families,” said Seidl in a release announcing his candidacy.

Seidl grew up in Cedar Rapids, graduated from Regis High School and got his law degree at Creighton University. He's practiced law for more than 30 years and works with his brother Phill at Seidl & Seidl, PLC.

Iowa House Speaker Kraig Paulsen currently holds the District 67 seat. In August, Paulsen announced he would step down from the House Speaker position and would not run for re-election in 2016.

Earlier this year, Republicans in the Iowa House picked Linda Upmeyer, from Clear Lake, to take over Paulsen's duties as speaker starting with the next legislative session.