Northeast Iowa Representative files for possible U-S House run

A state representative Tuesday filed papers with the Federal Election Commission indicating he may intend to run for Congress. Republican Bill Dix of Shell Rock reports he’s received more than five-thousand dollars in contributions toward a first-district congressional campaign, and says he’ll consider it if current congressman Jim Nussle decides to run for governor. Dix says he has no intention of challenging the congressman in a primary, so his leaning “only becomes relevant after he makes a decision.” The 42-year-old Dix is a farmer and says the only down-side is balancing his family, the farm and a career in politics. Dix says he’s talking with family, friends and his closest supporters about “the possibilities the future may hold,” but won’t make a decision just yet. He’s served in the legislature since 1996 and is chair of the house appropriations committee, which oversees the state’s five-Billion-dollar budget. Dix says he began considering a run for Congress over the holidays and has been humbled by how quickly donations have come in. Dix says “the pro’s” would probably advocate expanding his voice for those he’s elected to serve, saying his focus in the legislature has been making his voice better heard on behalf of his constituents.