Voter ID bill could spark fierce race for secretary of state

Frustration over voter ID legislation advancing in the Iowa Capitol has several Democrats considering a challenge to incumbent Republican Secretary of State Paul Pate in 2018.

Five Democrats, including four county auditors, confirmed an interest in running for the statewide office, and all held up Pate’s role in advancing the controversial “voter integrity” bill as the prime reason.

Johnson County Auditor Travis Weipert last month announced the formation of an exploratory committee for a secretary of state campaign. Days later, Nathan Blake, an assistant state attorney general from Des Moines, said publicly that he, too, is considering a run.

And in interviews with The Des Moines Register, Polk County Auditor Jamie Fitzgerald, Scott County Auditor Roxanna Moritz and Clinton County Auditor Eric Van Lancker each said they’re weighing bids for the office as well.

Read more: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2017/04/06/voter-id-bill-could-spark-fierce-race-secretary-state/99822584/