U.S. Senate candidates to discuss small business issues

Candidates for an open U.S. Senate seat with meet with Iowa small business owners in a forum from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 18 at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 101 E. Locust Street, Des Moines.

The forum is hosted by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), which also is hosting a Small Business Day at the Capital March 19.

The forum will feature a discussion of issues, policies and new initiatives that affect Iowa's small business community.

Confirmed participants are Republicans state Sen. Joni Ernst, Mark Jacobs and Matt Whitaker. Democratic U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley and Republican Sam Clovis also are invited.

The candidates will face questions from veteran political journalists and small business owners who attend the event.