Vilsack endorses Vernon in Iowa’s U.S. House race

CEDAR RAPIDS - Calling her a 'strong, progressive Democrat who understands the struggle people face every day,” former Iowa first lady Christie Vilsack endorses Monica Vernon in a campaign ad that will begin airing today.

Vilsack, a former Democratic candidate for the U.S. House, says in the 30-second spot Vernon's record of building affordable housing for seniors and a homeless shelter for women and children show Vernon 'will fight for us every time.”

Vernon, a former Cedar Rapids business owner and City Council member, is seeking the Democratic nomination in the 1st District that includes Cedar Rapids, Waterloo-Cedar Falls and Dubuque. She will face former lawmaker Pat Murphy of Dubuque in the June 7 primary. The winner will face Republican Rep. Rod Blum of Dubuque.

Vilsack, the wife of USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, joins numerous state lawmakers and Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller in endorsing Vernon because 'she's the only Democrat with the campaign it's going to take to beat Congressman Rod Blum,” according to her campaign manager, Michelle Gajewski.