94th District Republican candidate Mike Vondran of Davenport, founded TAG Communications, a full service advertising and marketing agency, 32 years ago. It now has a staff of 30.
"I actually know what it's like and how hard it is to make a payroll on Friday. It's not manma from heaven - it takes a lot of work, it takes a lot of planning, and it takes a lot of effort to be successful and to survive."
He's running for a second time against Democrat Phyllis Thede. And says he made that first run two years ago after complaining this area didn't get enough recognition in Des Moines. A friend said if you don't like it, then run yourself.
"We literally are the front door of the state of Iowa and as a result I think we need to have a little bit more weight at the table when it comes to conversation about the stakes that are at play. And a representation of not only residents, but businesses and everybody that lives and works here."
Vondran also supports actions by the governor and Republican-led legislature that resulted in a large budget surplus, healthy reserves, and eliminating the state tax on retirement benefits.
