State Rep. David Tjepkes has endorsed Maison Bleam in his quest for the Republican nomination in House District 10.
Bleam, of Twin Lakes, faces state Rep. Tom Shaw, R-Laurens, in the primary race for a district that includes part of the area now represented by Tjepkes, a Republican from Gowrie. Tjepkes will retire when his term concludes at the end of this year.
''I am writing today to tell you without a doubt, Maison Bleam has what it takes to represent the people of the newly redistricted House District 10 and bring common sense solutions to the state Capitol, not more of the inflammatory rhetoric and hyperbole that has poisoned our state government,'' Tjepkes wrote in a statement issued Tuesday.
''Maison will not be a rubber stamp for special interests in Des Moines,'' he added.
Tjepkes wrote that he has ''total confidence in Maison's ability to represent District 10's values and principles.''
House District 10 was created in last year's reapportionment and combines elements of the districts now represented by Shaw and Tjepkes. The district includes Calhoun, Humboldt and Pocahontas counties plus western Webster County.
Shaw, a police officer, is seeking his second term. Bleam, a former special assistant to U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Kiron, is making his initial run for elected office.
The primary election will be June 5.
There are no Democratic candidates in that House race.
Contact Bill Shea at (515) 573-2141 or bshea@messengernews.net