Keast seeks 2014 rematch in Iowa House 95

Mount Vernon Democrat Kristi Keast has announced she will run again in Iowa House 95.

That sets up a rematch in the legislative district covering part of Buchanan County and most of Linn County except Cedar Rapids and Marion.

Keast was defeated by Republican Quentin Stanerson of Center Point by 200 votes in an open seat race in 2012.

“It's time for us to build an economy that works for the middle class,” Keast said in her announcement. “As an educator, I've spent my life working with kids to build our skilled workforce and prepare them for the jobs of the 21st Century. We must do more to help each child be successful.”

She called for new leadership in the Iowa House where Republicans have a 53-47 majority.

“We need to put aside the divisive issues and work together to move our state forward,” she said.

Keast is a music teacher at Washington Elementary School in Mount Vernon and has been in the classroom for nearly 30 years in both public and parochial schools. She graduated from Westmar College in Le Mars and earned her master's in music education from the University of Iowa. She achieved National Board certification in 2005 and has helped train candidates working to earn their own certification.

She is an active member of the Mount Vernon Education Association and has served as president of the East Central Uniserv Unit and is on the ISEA Executive Board helping support local educators.

Keast is a member of First United Methodist Church, participates in the Mount Vernon Community Band and has worked in community theatre. Keast is a member of the Entre Nous book club and PEO.

Keast and her late husband, Craig, have three grown children.

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