A political science professor at Cornell College says he’s entering politics himself. David Loebsack, a Democrat from Mount Vernon, is running for Iowa’s Second District Congressional seat, now held by Jim Leach, a Republican from Iowa City. Loebsack says he’s wanted to challenge Leach for a long time. Loebsack says the choice to run was cemented after Congress’ 2004 vote to extend the debt ceiling by 800-billion dollars to pay for the war in Iraq and to cover the President’s plan to privatize Social Security. He says he was disappointed Leach voted with the majority. Loebsack says Democrats and party activists are anxious to win the district, though he admits it’ll be an uphill fight.He says he’s talked to many voters from all parties and thinks most people believe “30 years is enough for any representative and it’s time for a change.” Leach was first elected in 1976. Loebsack is 52 and a Sioux City native. He says he’s confident he’ll raise the funds needed to compete with Leach.
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