Pat Ritter announces run for State Representative

The Iowa House Democrats have provided the following announcement regarding Pat Ritter candidacy for State Representative:

U.S. Marine Corps veteran and West Union attorney Pat Ritter has announced he will run for State Representative in House District 55, which includes parts of Winneshiek, Fayette, and Clayton Counties.

"In the Marines, I learned how to work through disagreements to carry out a common mission," said Pat Ritter. "Our Representatives in Des Moines should work together to do what's best for our state. That means investing in education, promoting the creation of good jobs and taking care of our seniors and veterans."

Raised by a single dad--an industrial sandblaster and Vietnam veteran--in Evansdale, IA after losing his mother at age five, Ritter learned the importance of working hard and getting an education. After High School, Ritter joined the United States Marine Corps, serving for over four years and obtaining the rank of Sergeant. While in the military, he earned multiple early promotions and in 2001 was named 'Marine of the Year' for II MEF Headquarters Group, a 2,800-Marine unit.

"I am a parent and a graduate of our public schools, and I believe that strong K-12 schools are the key to creating opportunities for Iowa children," said Ritter. "I'll never
stop fighting to keep lawmakers in Des Moines from shortchanging our local schools and denying opportunities to our kids."

A graduate of Grinnell College and the University of Iowa College of Law, Ritter prosecuted federal crimes as an intern with the United States Attorney's Office in the
Southern District of Iowa while in law school. He now practices in multiple areas of law and is a regular speaker on elder law topics including managing dementia, planning for long-term care, forming guardianships and conservatorships, and determining capacity for aging citizens.

"I work daily with aging Iowans who have concerns about the next stages of their lives. I believe we have a fundamental duty to keep our promises to the generations that came before us and provide them with adequate housing and opportunities for a secure retirement," said Ritter.

Ritter stresses the importance of boosting the agricultural economy and creating jobs in his district. "I was raised by a single dad who worked nights to support us, so I know how important full-time jobs are to families in our community. As State Representative, I'll work together with farmers to support agriculture, and I'll focus on job creation through small businesses, advanced manufacturing, and renewable energy," added Ritter. "I'll also work to protect our natural resources and preserve the unique character of our land."

Pat and his wife Chandra are raising their two young children, Natalie and Elias, in West Union, where Pat also serves as a director on the West Union Community Development Board.