State Assembly election features a rematch of 2018's election

2020 isn't the first year that area voters are being asked to choose between Republican Michael Bergan of Dorchester and Democrat Kayla Koether of Decorah.  The result of 2018's election contest between the two candidates wasn't determined until the Iowa Legislature met January 28th—two and a half months after the election—and voted to deny Koether's petition to count 29 Winneshiek County absentee ballots.

The long legal battle from two years ago hasn't been brought up in 2020.  Instead more than $750,000 has been spent on behalf of the two candidates.  Bergan has been emphasizing his background as a county supervisor and as someone who has worked in the human services field.  Koether has emphasized her commitment to revitalizing rural Iowa.

In their recent virtual candidates forum, the two were asked wide-ranging questions.  Bergan said Iowa has "overall a strong economy," but needs to develop more skilled workers.  He also said making child care more affordable and providing access to broadband services in rural areas would be important steps to take.  

Koether said the state's "giant corporate giveaways" have largely helped Iowa's eight largest counties.   Koether wants to create an infrastructure which would help young farmers, including ways to make it easier to transfer family farms between generations.

Koether told the candidates forum that Iowa used to be ranked #1 in the country in education, but consolidations of school districts have hurt that ranking, with 45-minute bus rides for some students creating real hardships.  Bergan said early childhood programs are important, especially teaching reading skills to kids under the age of nine.  He praised the legislature for passing a bill to help pay school district transportation costs and said K-12 funding by the state is "at an all-time high."

Bergan also praised the fact that 43 rural hospitals were able to receive COVID-19 bailout funds.  He said there remains a need for funding of mental health programs in the wake of the COVID epidemic.  Koether said the state needs better access to rapid COVID-19 testing.