Former Secretary of State Paul Pate has announced he will not try to regain the office.
Chuck Allison, the Republican party’s nominee for Secretary of State in 2006, dropped out last week citing “personal reasons.” Pate, who served four years as mayor of Cedar Rapids — leaving office this past January, considered running again for Secretary of State but has decided against it.
Republicans have until August 18th to choose a replacement for Allison, and sources say current State Representative Bill Dix of Shell Rock is now considered a top prospect. Dix ran for congress in Iowa’s first congressional district but lost in the June primary.
If Dix decides to run for Secretary of State, he would face Democrat Michael Mauro in November. Mauro is currently the Polk County Auditor.