3rd Congressional District Rivals, Boswell and Latham, to Meet in Forum

Two veteran congressmen in a closely watched battle to represent Iowa’s 3rd District have agreed to meet in an informational forum July 16 in West Des Moines.

Congressman Leonard Boswell, the Democratic incumbent in the 3rd District, faces a strong challenge from Congressman Tom Latham, the Republican who has represented the 4th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

When it comes to policy, what do you want to hear from Congressmen Boswell and Latham? Tell us below in comments.

When Iowa lost a seat in redistricting, Latham was thrown into the same congressional district with U.S. Rep. Steve King, who has a long record of popularity in the former 5th District.

Both Latham and Boswell are popular, both have an agricultural background, and both have a long tenure in Congress. The race is almost sure to be contentious. It’s one of only two in the country in which redistricting pits a pair of incumbents against one another.

The format won’t be that of a debate. Boswell will speak first, then Latham and will be purely informational.

The July 16 education forum will be held from 7 to 9 a.m. at the , 1800 50th St. It’s sponsored by New View and genYP, the young professionals’ group of the West Des Moines and Urbandale chambers of commerce, respectively; and the Des Moines Homebuilders Association.

There’s no cost to attend, but reservations are requested. To reserve a seat, call after Monday:

• : (515) 225-6009
• Urbandale Chamber of Commerce:  (515) 331-6855
• Des Moines Homebuilders Association: (515) 270-8500