Eastern Iowa state Senate and House races unfold

CEDAR RAPIDS - Several contested legislative races in Eastern Iowa saw all but one incumbent re-elected Tuesday night.

In state Senate District 33, Democrat Rob Hogg of Cedar Rapids was re-elected Tuesday evening. Hogg, who ran against Republican challenger Republican Harry Foster of Cedar Rapids, won 61.5 percent. Foster received 38.3 percent of the vote. Tuesday night's win means the beginning of a third term as a state senator for Hogg. He previously served two terms in the state House of Representatives. District 33 encompasses a portion of Cedar Rapids east of the river.

Democrat Kevin Kinney of Oxford took an early lead in the state Senate District 39 race Tuesday evening as of press deadline with half of precinct results posted. Kinney was ahead of Republican Michael Moore of Washington with 57.1 percent of the vote. Moore had 42.8 percent with 13 of 44 precincts reporting The seat was up for grabs following the retirement of former Sen. Sandy Greiner, R-Washington.

It was a closely-watched race leading up to election night. Many experts indicated the open seat was one of several key districts races that had the potential to tip the Senate majority.

Senate District 39 includes Keokuk County, much of Washington County and portions of Johnson County, including North Liberty, Tiffing, Swisher and Oxford.

The state House District 68 seat went to Republican Ken Rizer of Marion township. Rizer ousted Democratic incumbent Daniel Lundby of Marion. Rizer won 53.1 percent and Lundby earned 46.7 percent of the vote with all but one precinct reported. The district includes Marion, Bertram, Ely and parts of Linn County.

Republican Bobby Kaufmann was re-elected to a second term as a state representative for state House District 73. Kaufmann of Wilton received 67.1 percent of the vote as of press deadline with all but two precincts reported. Democratic challenger David Johson of West Branch received 32.8 percent of the vote in the district that encompasses Solon and Eastern Johnson County, which doesn't include Iowa City.

Republican Quentin Stanerson of Center Point was re-elected Tuesday evening in the state House District 95 race, beating Democrat Kristi Keast of Mount Vernon. Stanerson won with 57.1 percent of the vote as of press deadline. Keast garnered 42.8 percent of the vote with all but three precincts reporting. House District 95 includes north and west Linn County.