Republicans Face a Daunting Task of Recruiting Candidates in Marshall and Hardin Counties

After the retirement of two incumbent legislators, the Republican Party in Marshall and Hardin Counties are now facing the daunting task of recruiting candidates for two closely contested, high priced races. The deadline for candidates to fill for a run is March 14, which leaves less than 3 weeks to find candidates to run.

Polly Granzow in retiring in Iowa House district 44. In 2006, she beat Tim Hoy by less than 300 votes. Over $200,000 was spent by both sides in House District 44. Hoy announced last month that he is running again for the seat.

Larry McKibben announced earlier this month that he is retiring in Senate district 22. McKibben had a close race in 2004 against Wayne Sawtelle, winning by less than 800 votes. Over $400,000 was spent by both sides in Senate District 22. Democrat Steve Sodders announced last fall that he is running for the seat in Senate District 22.

Both of these races were expected to be hotly contested and will require the candidate to raise a large amount of money. Republicans will need to quickly find candidates, so they can begin raising the necessary money and are able to get out in the district to campaign.