Congressional hopeful Rathje cited after Cedar Rapids accident

Steven Rathje, a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, was ticketed for an accident that resulted in an injury Thursday morning.

Rathje, 54, of Cedar Rapids, was cited for failure to yield after the crash at Mount Vernon Road and Bertram Road around 8 a.m. Thursday.  He was turning left onto Mount Vernon Road when his car was struck by an eastbound car driven by Jenna Blok, 21, of Marion, according to the Linn County Sheriff's Office.

Blok was transported by ambulance to Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids for treatment of what appeared to be minor injuries. She had three young girls in her car, ages 7, 1 and 5 months. They were taken to the hospital to be checked but did not appear to be injured, authorities said.

Rathje, a Republican bidding to be the District 2 representative, was not injured in the wreck.

He faces Christopher Reed and Rob Gettemy, both of Marion, and Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Ottumwa in the June 8 primary. The winner will run against current U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack.