Aide: Loebsack not interested in Cornell presidency

Former professor and now Democratic U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack apparently is not interested in returning to Cornell College as its next president.

The Mount Vernon liberal arts college will begin a search for a replacement to President Les Garner, who has announced his resignation to become president of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation beginning in July.

Loebsack, who taught political science at Cornell for 24 years, commended Garner “for his tremendous work at Cornell” during his 15-year tenure.

Rather than seek the college presidency, however, Loebsack spokeswoman Sabrina Siddiqui said he is “focused on serving the people of the 2nd District.”

Loebsack, who was elected to the U.S. House in 2006, and his wife, Terry, continue to maintain a home in Mount Vernon.