The Iowa Republican: Pastor vs. State Senator Creates Intriguing Primary Race

One of the most interesting battles in the 2012 primaries will take place in Senate District 22, where Republican State Senator Pat Ward faces Waukee pastor Jeff Mullen. Ward is an assistant leader for the Senate Republicans and is widely viewed as a moderate. Mullen is an outspoken opponent of same sex marriage.

Following redistricting, Ward faced a matchup with openly gay Democrat Senator Matt McCoy. The Democrats hold a voter registration advantage of 4,207 in the new Senate District 21. Instead of running against McCoy, Ward decided to move into the new Senate District 22.

The winner of this Republican primary should have an easy time winning in November. Republicans hold a 4,677 voter registration edge in the district, which includes parts of Clive, Waukee, West Des Moines and Windsor Heights. It also crosses into Polk and Dallas counties. Both candidates have already filed the necessary paperwork with the Secretary of State’s office.

Read more at the Iowa Republican here.