Kelley files as third party candidate

Rep. Dan Kelley, the incumbent Democrat who was defeated in the June primary for the Iowa House District 29 seat, has filed papers to appear on the November ballot.

Kelley filed Wednesday with the Iowa Secretary of State’s office to run as a third party candidate under the “Stand Up To Bullies” party.

Kelley has used the term "bullying" to describe local politics since at least April 2015 when he wrote a letter to the editor to the Newton Daily News comparing "bullying tactics coming out of the courthouse" to the TV show "The Dukes of Hazzard."

Kelley's  website, electkelley.com, does not reflect any plans to run as a third-party candidate. He  didn't respond to requests for comment by presstime Friday, but he emailed comments that have been included in the online version of this story.

On primary night, Kelley told the Newton Daily News he  wanted to take some time to consider both his short-term and long-term goals, and declined to say whether he would run as an independent. However, Friday, Kelley said he's been approached by "local activists"  who are very concerned about the actions of the local county party leadership.

"These activists know that people deserve a real choice on election day," Kelley said. "I’m a lifelong Democrat, because of what Democrats stand for. We stand up for people. But local party bosses have bullied too many people — pushed around our neighbors, my constituents, and, on a personal level, even my own family. What’s more, these same people have taken the local party too far to the right.  The small group of bullies that has run our local party into the ground can’t be just given the keys to the statehouse like having elected office is some trophy. This is serious business for serious people.  For those reasons, I am running for re-election to stand up for my constituents and to stand up against bullies."

After an intense primary campaign, challenger Wes Breckenridge defeated Kelley for the Democratic nomination for the District 29 seat in June by nearly a 2-to-1 margin.

Patrick Payton, who will also be on the ballot in District 29 in the November general election, was unopposed in the Republican primary.

"It’s not personal," Kelley said. "I know Wes Breckenridge, and I respect Patrick Payton. But the future of Jasper County and the state is bigger than all three of us.  The Republican candidate (Payton), while a decent person, is simply too conservative. People need a choice."

Payton welcomes the opportunity to face Kelley in three-way race.

“Obviously, a three-person race is much different than two people,” Payton said Friday morning. “I look forward to a spirited campaign with both of them.”

Breckenridge, a Newton Police lieutenant, who has received widespread backing from Democrats including union support, said he plans to focus on getting his message out and helping his party maintain the District 29 seat.

"I have been a Democrat since I first registered to vote after high school, and have supported Democratic Party values my entire life," Brecekenridge said. "As a father of three, educator and police officer, I'm running for state representative to create good jobs, ensure our kids get a great education, and guarantee that Medicaid works for our neighbors and most vulnerable citizens. I look forward to meeting voters at their doorstep, listening to their concerns, and staying focused on the issues important to them."

Kelley is a three-term incumbent who first gained his nomination for the Iowa House in 2010 after the sudden death of Paul Bell. He went on to win the District 29 general election in 2010, 2012 and 2014.

In 2014, Kelley defeated Payton in the District 29 general election by about 900 votes.

In the June primary, Breckenridge received 1,594 votes while Kelley received 854.

In July, Kelley declared a negative campaign fund balance at the last finance reporting deadline.

Kelley said  clean water, jobs, economy, women’s health and individual liberties are only a few of the issues the legislature will face in 2017. He feels his common-sense, progressive approach is what voters will choose over Breckenridge and Payton.

" For years, the voters of Jasper County have always chosen progressives for their state representative," Kelley said. "I believe, with a real choice on the ballot, they will do so again."

Contact Jason W. Brooks at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or jbrooks@newtondailynews.com