Smith, Ernst to participate in candidate forum

CRESTON — After recently securing their party’s nomination, the two candidates for Kim Reynolds’ Senate seat will participate in a forum next week in Creston.

Joni Ernst (R-Red Oak) and Ruth Smith (D-Lamoni) will answer public-submitted questions at the Dec. 14 event, scheduled to start at 7 p.m. in the South-western Comm-unity College Room 220 in Creston.
After a brief introduction by Ernst and Smith, the prescreened public submitted questions will be asked, followed by a “meet and greet” of the candidates.
Ben Walters with KSIB will moderate the event, which is sponsored by the Creston News Advertiser and KSIB Radio.
Questions may be submitted by Dec. 10 to editor@crestonnews@com or mailed or dropped off to the Creston News Advertiser office, 503 W. Adams St., Creston, IA, 50801.
The Republican Party nominated Ernst for the Jan. 4 election to complete Reynolds’ term, who resigned after her election to the Lt. Gov. office.
After securing the nomination for the Senate District 48 office, Ernst expressed her appreciation for the support demonstrated.
“I am honored to receive the nomination, and humbled by the support of people across the district,” she stated in a press release. “I look forward to earning the privilege of serving in the Iowa Senate.”
Smith, who lost to Reynolds in the 2008 election, registered Dec. 3 as the official Democratic nominee after her selection the previous night at a special nominating convention in Creston.
“I look forward to running a strong, honest campaign and standing up for the 48th district in the Iowa Senate,” said Smith. “Now, more than ever, it is necessary for Democrats, Republicans and Independents to work together and promote policies that keep Iowa moving in the right direction while creating jobs and securing our economic future.”
The 48th Senate District includes Adams, Clarke, Decatur, Montgomery, Ringgold, Taylor, and Union Counties.
For more information on the candidates, visit www.RuthForSenate.com or www.joniernst.com.