Zahn won't campaign in Linn District 3

Challenger Dave Zahn says he's suspending his challenge to Linn County Supervisor Ben Rogers.

"I've got too much going on," Zahn said this afternoon.

"Due to my work and training schedule and family time, I am not actively campaigning," Zahn wrote to the League  of Women Voters Linn County announcing he was pulling out of a debate with Rogers scheduled for Thursday night. The debate is cancelled.

A Republican from northeast Cedar Rapids, Zahn was the city public safety commissioner from 2000 to 2006 and is currently an acting police sergeant. He said his work and training schedule changed after he'd filed his challenge in March, leaving him no time to raise money or campaign.

He'll appear on the ballot, but Zahn's decision leaves just one active Linn County race: Republican Garth Fagerbakke's challenge to County Auditor Joel Miller. Supervisors Linda Langston, D-Cedar Rapids, and Brent Oleson, R-Marion are unchallenged.

Rogers, a Democrat, represents District 3, covering much of northeast Cedar Rapids and Hiawatha.