Wessel-Kroeschell of Ames Makes House Bid Official

Iowa Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, D-Ames; made her bid for District 45 official today.

Wessel-Kroeschell said in a campaign announcement Monday that she's shooting for a fifth-consecutive term in office. Her district has been redrawn but still includes both the southern and east tip of Ames.

The Ames native is a ranking member of the human resources committee and also serves on the environmental protection committee, the judiciary committee and the health and human services budget subcommittee, her announcement said.

“I am proud of my record providing quality education for our young people, growing Iowa’s economic future, providing healthcare to vulnerable Iowans and keeping the state budget balanced without raising taxes on hardworking homeowners. I will continue to listen to the people of my district and I am dedicated to keep focused on their priorities” Wessel-Kroeschell said in a prepared statement.

The announcement went on to list Wessel-Kroeschell's priorities and accomplishments which include securing funding for an agricultural and biosciences building at Iowa State University and sponsoring a bill that would have expanded forgivable loans to those working in public service jobs and required all freshman at Regents universities to take a financial literacy course.

She also said that she has been an advocate for reproductive health care, as well as women's access to it, birth control and fertility treatments.

Wessel-Kroeschell is not expected to face any opposition in the June 5 primary, but Republican Dane Nealson, of Ames,  he intended to run for the seat. They would face off in November.

The filing period for the June 5 primary closes Friday March 16.

Watch a video from Wessel-Kroeschell posted in February 2011 where she fought for marriage equality.