Politics & Government
Cedar Rapids Republican Steve Rathje to Run for Braley's Congressional Seat
Rathje is the second candidate this week to announce he will run for Iowa's First Congressional District. Democrat Pat Murphy of Dubuqe will also seek the seat.
Steve Rathje, 57, a Cedar Rapids businessman, will seek to represent Iowa's First District in Congress in 2014.
The seat is currently held by Rep. Bruce Braley. Braley, a Democrat, has announced he will seek Sen. Tom Harkin's seat in 2014, as Harkin is retiring.
Rathje previously sought the seat in 2012 but dropped out in 2011, citing the struggling economy and need to focus on his business. He traveled the state at the time, returning around $100,000 in campaign contributions, the Des Moines Register reported.
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Rathje is the founder and president of International Procurement Services.
Find out what's happening in Cedar Fallsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
In a statement, Rathje says his experience, plans and solutions would serve Iowans well on Capitol Hill.
"I am committed to visiting every county and every town in this district." Said Rathje. His campaign is planning a formal tour to announce his candidacy later this spring.
Democrat Pat Murphy of Dubuque also announced his candidacy for the Congressional seat earlier this week.
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