Voters in Red Oak cast ballots for Iowa Senate District 12

DES MOINES, Iowa- Voting is underway today in Senate District 12 to find a successor to now U.S. Senator-Elect Joni Ernst. The Red Oak Republican resigned in November from her Iowa Senate seat, after she was elected to the U.S. Senate.

Seeking her seat are three candidates, including Republican Mark Costello of Imogene, Democrat Steven Adams of Red Oak and Libertarian Party candidate, Don Brantz of Glenwood.

Voter turnout is described as light today. Ringgold County Auditor Amanda Waske said as of mid-afternoon they had a total of 140 people voting county-wide. Waske said voters told her due to the short window for this election, they just dont feel like they know the candidates.

Democrat Candidate Steve Adams, of Red Oak spent part of the day campaigning in Red Oak. I feel like voters in the 12th District need to have an option, for 20 years weve had a Republican- led majority I just think we need another voice, another option, maybe some different ideas, said Adams.

Republican Mark Costello has served two years in the Iowa House of Representatives. He says staying on budget is important. I believe in being responsible that way, and Im pro life, any pro-life legislation Id be behind, said Costello. Id kind of like to see some income tax reform, added the cattle rancher from Imogene.

Libertarian Candidate, Don Brantz of Glenwood said he got interested in running thanks to Libertarian Governor Candidate, Dr. Lee Hieb. I had always been frustrated with the Republican Party, said Brantz. They seem to be RHINOS ( Republican in Name Only) and for every regulation that came down the pike most of them, said Brantz.

Senate District 12 is made up of six counties in southwestern Iowa. The counties where voting is taking place today include; Mills, Montgomery, Page, Taylor, Fremont, and Ringgold.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

One of the candidates is facing charges from an incident back in October.

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Vote Underway to Fill Joni Ernsts Iowa Senate Seat