Kajtazovic launches candidacy

Kajtazovic makes candidacy announcement

It's a couple days after the formal filing, but the candidate makes it official:

Anesa Kajtazovic announces primary challenge in Iowa House District 21

"Primary challenge" stated but the name of embattled incumbent Kerry Burt not mentioned. Kajtazovic continues:

Waterloo, IA – Today, Anesa Kajtazovic of Waterloo, IA has announced her candidacy for Iowa State House District 21.

"I have spoken with so many of my neighbors, friends and family who have all expressed to me that we need to look forward and move ahead towards being a model state in areas of education, our economy & jobs. And in order to move forward, we need leadership in Des Moines that reflects where we're trying to move as a district and state. I believe that I can be that effective leader."

Kajtazovic moved to Waterloo in 1997 after leaving the war torn country of Bosnia as a young refugee with her parents and sister. She has experienced firsthand the life of someone new to the community, the struggles they face and the opportunities that exist. Kajtazovic believes that we are at a crossroads in Iowa and in much of the county, of losing those opportunities. We need a vision for Iowa that moves us ahead in the areas of quality job creation, economic development and education and that cannot be done without effective leadership in Des Moines.

“We have some serious issues facing our state and we need effective leadership in Des Moines to ensure that the people of the 21st house district have their voices heard. I believe that I can provide that effective leadership.”

That's the closest it comes to a direct comparision. More:

Kajtazovic is a Waterloo West High graduate and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and Business in 2007 from the University of Northern Iowa.

Unstated: She did it in three years.

Kajtazovic currently works at GMAC, where she assists homeowners keep their home as a mortgage analyst. Kajtazovic is also a member of the Waterloo Community Development board.

Kajtazovic will be at the Black Hawk County Democratic Convention on Saturday, March 20th at 9:00 am.

Note the Bosnian blue and gold of the yard signs; Black Hawk County observers call the area's Bosnian community a "sleeping giant" politically.

This seat was one of the few Republican gains anywhere in the country in 2006 when TV anchor Tami Wiencek upset longtime legislator Don Shoultz. Burt, with a lot of coordinated campaign help, took the seat back for the Dems in 2008 then had a very difficult 2009.

Former Waterloo mayor John Rooff is in the race on the Republican side, as is Lyn Tackett.