Decision 2014 Nearing An End

Democratic nominee for Lt. Governor, Monica Vernon was in Oskaloosa on Sunday talking with supporters.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The election session is coming to an end, and with it comes a flurry of campaign action. Phone calls, mail and candidate meet-and-greet events are but just a few of those things happening as the clock winds down for Decision 2014.

One of those candidates is Iowa Senator Jack Hatch, who is running for Iowa Governor. He recently stopped in at Smokey Row in Oskaloosa to meet with supporters, and chat with yet undecided voters.

Hatch said that he believes he is “well positioned” for the election. “We have a good ground game,” added Hatch. “I know I have to catch up in terms of the number of people who don’t know me.”

Hatch has been down by 15 points against incumbent Iowa Governor Terry Branstad. Hatch said the race to the finish would intensify.

And with that, just a few days later, his running-mate Monica Vernon was back in Smokey Row. She was shaking hands and greeting individuals who came out, those curious about the election and looking to further define their decision for Tuesday, November 4th.

The Republicans in Mahaska County have not stood by, as they opened their election headquarters on the square in Oskaloosa, with Treasurer of State candidate Sam Clovis on hand to help them drum up support.

Clovis called Oskaloosa home for some time, while he worked as a professor at William Penn University. He asked volunteers and supporters to do “One More Thing” in an effort to help his party succeed.

In the Iowa House District 80 race, Independent candidate Jared Godby was joined by incumbent Republican candidate Larry Sheets in a forum that was broadcast on local radio. District 80 includes the eastern portion of Mahaska County. Organizers stated that Democrat candidate Deb Ballalatak was also invited, but she failed to appear at the event.

Politicians aren’t the only ones seeking public approval. The City of Oskaloosa and the City of New Sharon each have ballot measures to be decided.

In Oskaloosa, the voters will be deciding if the city will issue bonds for the purpose of reconstructing, enlarging, improving and equipping its fire station. The Oskaloosa Fire Department lost one of its buildings when the building it shared with the Oskaloosa Water Department had to be torn down due to structural issues. Since that time, the department has stored equipment outside or at other locations.

In New Sharon, voters will be deciding if the New Sharon Library Board of Trustees will change from an eleven member board to a five member board.

Early voting is ongoing with Election Day being November 4th.

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