Democrats Suffer “Shellacking” At The Hands Of Republicans
Voters, candidates and the media gathered at the Mahaska County Courthouse on Tuesday evening to catch the voter returns as they became available. (photo by Ginger Allsup/Oskaloosa News)
Oskaloosa, Iowa – There was a wave crashing across the country as the Republican Party in Iowa and the United States gained significant ground over Democrats. President Obama said that the mid-term vote would be a referendum on his policies and leadership. CNN described the night as a shellacking for the Democrats.
In Iowa, Joni Ernst became the first woman elected to a Federal office from Iowa. Governor Branstad easily defeated Jack Hatch, who had only token support from his own party.
In the Iowa Second Congressional District, which includes Mahaska County, Democrats retained the seat with Dave Loebsack (D) defeating Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R). The other three congressional districts all went Republican.
In the Iowa House 79 race Guy Vander Linden (R) had no Democrat challenger, but in the House District 80 race, Republican Larry Sheets won a reelection bid over two challengers. Deb Ballalatak (D) and Jared Godby (NP) together accounted for just over 40% of the votes against Sheets.
In the Mahaska County Supervisor election, incumbent Mark Doland garnered 38% of the vote, while returning Supervisor Willie Van Weelden was rewarded with 36%. Democrat Jeff Foster achieved a 25% return from the vote.
In an emotional return to office for Van Weelden, the question is… is he newly elected or re-elected? Van Weelden will build upon his previous 12 years in office, but he returns to the table in January. “It’s been a couple of years of turmoil. I think I will take some time to see what’s been going on. What I’ve missed out on the last couple of years. How things have changed or not changed.”
Van Weelden lost his bid for re-election 2 years ago in the midst of a legal battle. After his vindication in court, and now being elected to office again, “I feel good that the voters had enough confidence to elect me again,” said Van Weelden.
Incumbent Mark Doland said, “I would just like to thank my supporters who have stood beside me through my last two elections. Congratulations to Willy and Jeff Foster on a very well run campaign.”
In local referendums, Oskaloosa voters sent a statement that they want to see their fire station renovated and expanded, with the bond measure getting a 68% favorable rating from the voters.
Oskaloosa Fire Chief Mark Neff talked about the results. “Just want to thank the people of Oskaloosa. Any time we’ve ever asked for anything, they’ve come out and supported us.” Neff said he was “very grateful”.
The station remodel and refurbishment should be completed in the fall of 2016.
New Sharon voters approved a measure that would change the Library Board size from 11 members to 5 members.
State Rep District 079
* – Guy Vander Linden (R) – 4940
State Rep District 080
* – Larry Sheets (R) – 1188
Deb Ballalatak (D) – 317
Jared Godby (NP) – 48
Mahaska Board of Supervisors
* – Mark Doland (R) – 4552
* – Henry W. Van Weelden (R) – 4352
Jeff Foster (D) – 3041
