Career
He was formerly part of the leadership of the Iowa Senate. He represented the largely rural 8th district, covering Allamakee, Winneshiek, Chickasaw and Howard counties in the northeastern corner of the state (district map: *pdf format). He served in the Iowa Senate 2000 – 2008 and was a past co-chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee.
Prior to his election to state office, he worked with various local government, Republican, and community organizations.
His father was the previous state senator from his district. He was an unsuccessful candidate in the Iowa Senate elections, 2008.
Committees
State Government, Ranking member
Education
Judiciary
Rules and Administration
Transportation
Ways and Means
Education Appropriations Subcommittee.