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Congressman-elect McGowan to represent FD area
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Republican Chris McGowan won election to the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday and this weekend he will be in the nation's Capitol, learning the ins and outs of being a member of Congress.
McGowan, of Sioux City, was elected to represent the Fourth Congressional District, which includes 36 counties in western Iowa, including Webster County and all of its surrounding counties. He defeated Democrat Dave Dawson by a 59 percent to 40.89 percent margin.
"I'm very pleased to have gained the trust and support of the people of the Fourth District," he said. "I'm eager to get started on my new role and responsibilities."
Although he won't take office until January, his new role essentially will begin with orientation for new members of Congress this weekend. Among other things, McGowan hopes to express his interest in potential committee assignments during the gathering.
But he acknowledged that as a freshman member of the 435-member House, he will have a "relatively small voice." That fact will be compounded by the fact that the Republicans will be in the minority when the House convenes in January.
He said addressing the federal debt will be his top priority. Throughout the campaign, he stressed his support for a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced budget. He said such an amendment is "the only path I can presently conceive that offers any hope of getting our spending under control."
He said he will work with Democrats and Republicans to build support for a balanced budget amendment.
A succession of Republican congressmen -- Tom Latham, Steve King and Randy Feenstra -- maintained a district office in Fort Dodge for more than 30 years. McGowan said it would be his hope to have a Fort Dodge office, but added that it "remains to be determined."
McGowan will replace Feenstra, who did not seek re-election in order to mount an unsuccessful campaign for governor.