Libertarians in Two More Races

Libertarians File in Two More Races
Green files in Marek race

The Libertarian slate filled up a bit more in Tuesday's candidate filing with the Secretary of State's office. John Heiderschiet of Bettendorf joins Roxanne Conlin and Chuck Grassley in the U.S. Senate race, while Jake Porter is the third candidate for Secretary of State. (Libertarians have also announced, but not yet filed, in the 1st and 2nd congressioanl districts.)

But two down-ballot filings in eastern Iowa may have more impact on their respective races. In Senate District 45, independent conservative Douglas Philips filed with the "Iowa Party" label. Philips was one of two right wing independents in last summer's House District 90 special election, which Democrat Curt Hanson won with under 50 percent of the vote. This time, Philips may draw votes from former legislator Sandy Greiner, who's challenging first term Democrat Becky Schmitz of Fairfield.

In House 89, freshman Democrat Larry Marek's rematch with Jarad Klein gets a third candidate running to Marek's left: David Smithers, who decided to file as a Green. Marek won in `08 by just 157 votes.