By: Health Insurance
Submitted: 2009-10-28 12:37:15 | Word Count: 581
A native eastern Iowan who recently moved to the opposite side of the state after leaving a New York City banking career has launched his candidacy for the 2010 Iowa 5th District congressional seat.
Democrat Mike Denklau of Council Bluffs said provocative statements by 5th District Congressman Steve King, a Republican from Kiron, motivated him to run for office. Denklau also contended King is an ineffective congressman and that the families, businesses and schools in the district would be well served by a change.
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King has not announced any 2010 re-election plans but has passed on running for Iowa governor.
"I'm committed to building bridges, not walls," Denklau said.
Launching a three-stop Thursday announcement swing with an event at Morningside College that drew a dozen people, including State Rep. Roger Wendt, D-Sioux City, and Woodbury County Democratic Party Chairman Dave Somsky, Denklau was introduced by former county party chairman Rick Mullin.
Denklau said he would "offer sensible and pragmatic leadership" while pushing kitchen-table economic issues that are in his field of expertise after serving as a banker.
"During these difficult and trying times, Congress must do a better job providing our businesses and people with the opportunities and tools they need to succeed. To accomplish these goals, I propose increasing our investments in infrastructure and fostering innovation in 21st century industries, particularly in areas where Iowa has a competitive advantage, such as renewable energy and agribusiness," he said.
Denklau said he would focus on education, as well, with the goal of increasing the number of western Iowans with a college degree. He said that would be accomplished by more funding for Pell grants and college work study programs.
Denklau made two vows -- to not accept a congressional pay raise until the economy has recovered from recession and to reject the congressional health insurance package until meaningful health care reform has been enacted. In an interview, he predicted some health reform pieces will pass in the current Congress, but he said a major overhaul likely won't happen, leaving some hanging details for the Congress seated in January 2011.
Denklau said his prime goal in health care reform is pushing more competition to bring down costs. He said there could be merit in a public option allowing Americans to buy into the federal employees health care plan. He said he doesn't like the idea of creating a new federal department regarding health care, since the government has an unwieldy debt level.
"We need to be very cautious about how we structure the public option. I could see a public option if it is in the form of an agency that is not directly run by the government," Denklau said.
No other Democrats have announced a 5th District congressional bid. Somsky said he has heard another candidate from southern Iowa will likely enter the field, which would result in a June 2010 primary to determine the party nominee.
