Below is the congressional campaign announcement from former State Senator/former Iowa Utilities Board member Swati Dandekar, who joins a (sort of) crowded Democratic primary field:
MARION, IA – JULY 23, 2013 – Swati Dandekar (Marion Democrat) today is formally announcing her candidacy for the 1st Congressional District.
“Over the past few months I have been exploring a run for the 1st Congressional District. I have met with voters across the district and have been encouraged by their support for my campaign. Last May I formed an exploratory committee, chaired by Senator Wally Horn of Cedar Rapids and Tina Patterson of Marion. With their help, we have made a thorough assessment of the race and I now feel confident that I can win the Democratic nomination next June and the election in November of 2014.”
Dandekar is a former Iowa legislator representing the Marion area in the Iowa House of Representatives from 2003 to 2009 and in the Iowa Senate from 2009 to 2011. From 2011 until recently she served as a member of the Iowa Utilities Board.
During her years in public office she was a strong voice for job creation, working to bring advanced technology and skilled jobs to the state. Born in India, Swati came to Iowa in 1973. As a proud naturalized American citizen she believes the foundation for success is an excellent education. Dandekar recognizes the importance of agriculture, advanced manufacturing, technology and renewable energy to the district and believes that the future opportunities in Northeast Iowa will stem from expanding these sectors.
“We must keep this seat in Democratic hands and continue the strong representation established by Congressman Bruce Braley. I have a strong a record of putting good public policy above politics and I will work tirelessly for the citizens of the District, just as I have in each public position I have held in the past. I am running for congress because I truly understand the promise that the United States offers and I want to make sure that every Iowan is given the same opportunity that I had. I am a living testament that the American dream is alive.”
About O.Kay Henderson
Kay is a founding member of the Radio Iowa network newsroom. In 1994, she became the network’s news director. She’s a featured reporter and commentator on Iowa Public Television’s “Iowa Press,” and the 2002 recipient of the Shelley Award.
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