Braley seeks fourth term

CEDAR RAPIDS - The economy in Bruce Braley's new 1st Congressional District will be the key issue as he seeks a fourth term, the Waterloo Democrat said Tuesday.

“The issues are going to be the same issues we've been struggling with, and that's creating jobs, creating an environment where people can go back to work,” Braley said.

Speaking to about a dozen supporters on May's Island, Braley officially launched his campaign in a redrawn district. Redistricting after the 2010 Census saw the district add 11 new counties, including Linn, to encompass 20 counties from the Mississippi River to Interstate 35 and from Minnesota to Interstate 80.

“I'm going to be talking to 400,000 new potential constituents in this new 1st District,” said Braley, 54, who emphasized familiarity with his new district.

“One of the earliest memories I have in my life is when (my mother) brought me to Veterans' Coliseum to see the Shrine Circus,” said Braley, who grew up in Brooklyn in Poweshiek County. “Cedar Rapids has been such an important part of our lives.”

Braley cited his effort to keep student-loan interest rates at current levels and touted tuition tax credits as ways to prepare workers for jobs.

“Education is the building block of our economy,” he said. “That's why it's important to give people the opportunity to have an affordable and quality education in Iowa.”

Braley noted that he polled 17 percentage points ahead of President Barack Obama in his old district in 2008.

“I hope I have the same opportunity to help him in 2012,” he said.

Braley will make campaign stops today in Decorah and Dubuque and Thursday in Marshalltown and Waterloo.

Braley will face either Ben Lange. an Independence attorney, or Dubuque businessman Rod Blum, who are contesting the June 5 Republican primary.

Redistricting shifted Linn County from Rep. Dave Loebsack's 2nd District. Loebsack, also a Democrat, moved from Mount Vernon to Iowa City to remain in the 1st District, which was an open seat.