Committee persons from Cedar Rapids precincts 1 through 11 (those precincts within Iowa House District 33) held a special nominating convention Wednesday evening and selected Kirsten Running-Marquardt as the Democratic candidate to appear on the Nov. 24 special election ballot.

Running-Marquardt is already hard at work for the residents of House District 33, and has pledged that flood recovery will be her top priority:

After being selected at a special Democratic nomination convention on Wednesday night, Kirsten Running-Marquardt pledged to be a strong voice for the people of Cedar Rapids.

"After the devastating 2008 flood, Cedar Rapids has the opportunity to come back better than ever and Im excited to be a part of the future of Cedar Rapids. Our community is grateful for the support from the Iowa Legislature for recovery initiatives like IJOBS, unmet needs assistance, and Jumpstart programs. However, we know there is more work to do and I will fight for continued support to give flood survivors the help, dignity and respect they deserve. We need smart flood recovery and prevention, which includes hiring Cedar Rapids workers to rebuild our community both stronger and safer while coordinating state level incentives for better watershed management upstream," said Running-Marquardt.

Kirsten was born and raised on the west side of Cedar Rapids. She attended Kirkwood Community College and graduated from the University of Iowa. After working for quality, affordable health care as Director of SEIU's Iowa for Health Care, Running-Marquardt became district representative for Congressman David Loebsack.

"With her work in public service and commitment to family, Kirsten will bring a new perspective to the Iowa House that will benefit Iowans across the state. I know she will work hard to gain the trust and support of the people of Cedar Rapids," said Speaker of the Iowa House of Representatives Pat Murphy.

Running-Marquardt, 32, is also an active member of the Cedar Rapids community. She is married to Coy Marquardt and they have one son, Jack.

The special election for House District 33 will be on Tuesday, November 24.

The special election was required when Rep. Dick Taylor, who has served HD 33 with distinction since a special election in 2000, announced his retirement earlier this month. Although Taylor was given a standing ovation during the Wednesday night meeting of the Linn County Democratic Central Committee, we would be remiss not to also thank him for his years of excellent service here.