State Democratic panel sets meeting on House 33 special election dispute

By James Q. Lynch

The Gazette

CEDAR RAPIDS – State Democratic Party leaders will step in to mediate a dispute that is ultimately about who will be the next legislator from Iowa House 33 in Cedar Rapids.

The Iowa Democratic Party's State Central Committee will have a telephonic meeting at 7 p.m. Monday night to discuss a dispute over the special nominating convention to fill a vacancy in House 33, according to State Chairman Michael Kiernan.

A special election has been set Nov. 24 in the district that covers parts of southeast and southwest Cedar Rapids to pick a replacement for Democrat Rep. Dick Taylor, who has resigned. Given Democrats' overwhelming voter registration advantage in the district, the nominee is likely to win the special election.

So far, two candidates have expressed interest in the race: longtime union and party activist Norm Sterzenbach; and Kirsten Running-Marquard, who has been involved in numerous union and party campaigns and activities.

Linn County Democratic officials want to nominate Taylor's replacement before its Oct. 28 Central Committee meeting. However, they say House Speaker Pat Murphy, D-Dubuque, wants the nominating convention later.

If the convention is after the Oct. 28 meeting, Linn County Democratic officials said, the candidates will pack the meeting with their supporters in hopes of winning a majority of the nine openings among the 22 delegate positions in House 33's 11 precincts.

 “It is our belief that we will see these nominees once and then never see them again,” the county officers – Chairwoman Diane Hoffmann, First Chair Bret Nilles, Treasurer DJ Arnold and Secretary Joe Stutler – wrote.

It also would put current central committee members in the position of filling those vacancies with people who have not demonstrated commitment to the party, the officers said.

If the convention is before the October Central Committee meeting, they wrote, “all votes would be cast by current Central Committee members, who through their past attendance and work, have shown a commitment to the Linn County Democrats.”

Democrats interested in “attending” the telephonic meeting may dial (866) 248-0557, then enter the room number *2284195*