Filling in the filing blanks

Filling in the filing blanks

Third party filing starts today for Iowa's state and federal offices. Before that gets going in earnest, let's look at what's changed since the June 8 primary.

The only people who have been able to file since June 8th are Democrats and Republicans nominated at party conventions. The major parties have recruited five House candidates in the interim:

Most significantly, Newton Democrat Dan Kelley replaces Rep. Paul Bell, who passed away the day before the primary, in House 41. Republican Gabriel Swersie filed before Bell's death.

In Rod Robert's open Republican Seat, House 51, Dan Muhlbauer replaces dropout Dem Larry Lesle. Daniel Dirkx won a contested GOP primary; this is a potential Democratic pickup.

Republican Bob Hager is challenging first-term Dem John Beard of Decorah in House District 16. This blank on the GOP ballot was a surprise in the March primary filing period; Republican Chuck Gipp had held the seat nearly two decades before retiring in 2008.

Democrat Tim Pierce was nominated in open GOP-held House District 73, opposing Republican Julian Garrett for Jody Tymeson's spot.

And Burlington Republican Dave Selmon is challenging Rep. Dennis Cohoon in very Democratic House 88.

State and federal candidates have till August 13 to file; local candidates file with county auditors from August 2 to 25.