During Mason City stop, Hogg says Democrats want a winner — and he’s it

MASON CITY - State Sen. Rob Hogg of Cedar Rapids says Democrats want somebody who can win -- and that gives him an edge over his three opponents in the Democratic primary Tuesday.

Hogg is opposed by former lieutenant governor and agriculture secretary Patty Judge of Albia and former legislators Tom Fiegen of Clarence and Bob Krause of Fairfield. Tuesday's winner will try to unseat U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley in November.

'I've won five elections in a row,” said Hogg, 49, pointing out that each of his opponents lost their last election.

Hogg was in Mason City on Friday to participate in a campaign event at North Iowa Area Community College and spoke with the Globe Gazette prior to his NIACC appearance.

He has been endorsed by State Sen. Amanda Ragan and State Rep. Sharon Steckman, both of Mason City; State Rep. Todd Prichard of Charles City; and former legislator and now Floyd County Supervisor Mark Kuhn of Charles City.

Hogg points to several successes in the Legislature in which he took part, notably flood recovery bills following the floods of 2008.

'I would say that was my signature issue,” he said. He helped pass JumpStart legislation which provided funding for flood recovery and he also helped create the Iowa Flood Center, a research and resource center.

'We wanted to help people recover, but we also wanted to do some things for prevention,” said Hogg.

He is a strong advocate of renewable energy and is proud of his work that led to solar energy tax credits.

He said North Iowans should know he is a strong supporter of family farms; funding for rural schools; conservation as part of rural revitalization; and locally-produced foods.

Looking beyond Tuesday's primary, Hogg said Iowans are looking for new leadership in Washington, someone who can 'uplift democracy.”

He said Sen. Grassley has been in public office since 1958 and in the House and Senate since 1974. He is currently chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee that oversees Supreme Court appointments.

'His refusal to hold hearings on (Obama's) Supreme Court nominee is a game-changer,” said Hogg. 'It puts him in the middle of the dysfunction of Congress.”