Littzen seeks Miller’s seat
FD Republican makes bid for Iowa House a three-way raceBy BILL SHEA, Messenger staff writer
A Fort Dodge man who said he's disgusted by the spending habits of Iowa lawmakers is the newly named Republican candidate for the state House of Representatives from the 49th District.
Mike Littzen was nominated for the seat during a Webster County Republican convention held Monday. That convention wasn't publicly announced before it occurred.
Littzen faces state Rep. Helen Miller, a Democrat seeking her fourth term, and independent candidate Cory S. Ewing. Both are from Fort Dodge.
All three are striving to represent a district that includes Fort Dodge, Badger, Vincent and northeastern Webster County.
The field of candidates in that district has grown crowded recently. When the deadline for candidates to file their nominating papers passed last spring, Miller was the only person on the ballot. Ewing entered the race last month.
Littzen said his priorities are state spending, illegal immigration and what he calls ''rights issues.''
''The more the Iowa Legislature kept goofing around, the more disgusted I got,'' he said.
''We're spending money hand over fist and we really don't have the money,'' he added.
He said he wants to rein in wasteful state spending. He added that he's not enthusiastic about tax breaks for big businesses.
Littzen said the state government can help address illegal immigration by prosecuting businesses that hire undocumented workers.
The smoking ban that went into effect July 1 tops Littzen's list of rights issues.
''The smoking bill is not a health issue; rather it is a rights issue, plain and simple,'' he said. ''It is not right for the state government to tell a business owner after they have put their blood, sweat and tears into it, how to run it,'' he said, asking, "If the state was so concerned with health issues, why weren't the casinos included in the smoking ban?''
He said if he's elected he'll work to repeal that ban.
Littzen, 58, is retired after 35 years in the Air Force and Iowa Air National Guard. He was born in California and moved to Fort Dodge when he was 4. He graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High School and has taken classes at Iowa Central Community College. He is a member of A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education (ABATE), the Legion Riders and American Legion Post 130, where he was once the post commander.
He has not run for public office before.
Ewing welcomed Littzen's candidacy.
''I am proud that more people are opening their eyes and seeing that Helen Miller isn't representing the district in the best possible way,'' he said.
Miller acknowledged that 49th District voters have a choice in the Nov. 4 election.
''It's the people's seat, not my seat,'' she said. ''Whoever they choose to go back to represent the 49th District is their choice. I think I've done a pretty good job, but it's their choice.''
Contact Bill Shea at (515) 573-2141 or bshea@messengernews.net
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Robertwilson
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08-04-08 5:54 PM
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Well I see the addicted smokers, tobacco interests, bar owners, are back at it. How come they cannot understand something so simple: SMOKING KILLS, SMOKE KILLS. I have Asthma, and C o p d. And guess what? It's not that it Kill's it's that People have " Lost the Choice." CHOICE!!!!!!!!!!!!
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jaybares
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07-29-08 8:49 AM
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Senator Beall and Repr Miller have evidence in own backyard that they must not confuse "Public places with Private places". By legislating what can be done in Private places...ban smoking-they have pushed all restaurants to comply. By doing so, the citizens cannot make a choice to go to one that allow smoking vs one that does not allow smoking. Since the ban, the customers of a restaurant that did NOT allow smoking- LA BEAMERS- lost enough of their customers who gravitated to them because it was smoke free to ALL restaurants who were forced to be smoke free-that they lost their niche and are now closed. Thanks Mr. Beall and Mrs Miller for interfering with commerce...NOT. It is ironic the first casualty was some folks trying to make their start in a fragile niche-NON SMOKING>
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malachy
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07-26-08 2:23 PM
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Well I see the addicted smokers, tobacco interests, bar owners, are back at it. How come they cannot understand something so simple: SMOKING KILLS, SMOKE KILLS. Its all about money to some of these people. They don't give a*****about the health of people, just making a buck in casino and bars. Its like trying to teach a pig to sing: it won't work and only irritates the pig.
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REPEAL
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07-26-08 2:14 PM
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HELEN MILLER IS A JOKE AND STRIPS US OF OUR LIBERTIES. WHAT'S NEXT OUR BEER? SEE HELEN MILLER PEGGED OUT AT REPEALTHESMOKINGBAN DOT ORG
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Gman77
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07-25-08 6:19 PM
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Bravo! Let's get this guy elected. The smoking ban is an infringment on the rights of business owners and the general public. When will these politically correct do gooders understand that just because it sounds good doesn't make it constitutional. Besides Helen Miller has become a total politician. She will not answer any tough questions. It's time for her to go.
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malachy
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07-25-08 2:45 PM
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The Repub candidate makes a good point about not favoring big business with tax cuts. How about a candidate favoring the ordinary man/woman/family for tax relief? To heck with parties. Ask the questions that concrern YOU. Taxes, health, gas costs, human rights, veterans care at VAs is poor, etc. How do they stand on gay/lesbian rights to marry? I favor it strongly. Don't dp the same ol same ol and let any candidate dodge the hard issues.
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REPEAL
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07-25-08 2:07 PM
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cut me off it's an ORG
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REPEAL
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07-25-08 12:55 PM
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Want someone really gunning at the smoking ban advocates? William J. Meyers, Independent candidate has launched a new website! Check it out REPEALTHESMOKINGBAN****
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duhawk
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07-25-08 8:52 AM
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He has my vote I truly agree with him on the smoking ban. It is a joke
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