MASON CITY - Two Democrats want to unseat a Republican congressman in November.

Kurt Meyer, 53, of St. Ansgar, and William Meyers, 33, of Humboldt, hope to beat U.S. Rep. Tom Latham of Alexander.

Meyer is scheduled to make a formal announcement of his candidacy at 9 a.m. Friday in the Cerro Gordo County Courthouse. He is a graduate of St. Ansgar High School and attended Luther College in Decorah.

Meyer has worked with schools, hospitals, churches, nursing homes and human service providers in planning and marketing. He owned the Meyer Heykes Nonprofit Partnership for 16 years, serving nonprofit clients throughout the Midwest.

"A positive, results-oriented, forward-thinking approach to public service can make a difference," Meyer said. "It's not too late to make essential course corrections."

Meyers is a disabled veteran, injured in a train accident in 1998 in London while in the U.S. Marine Corps. He said his major focus is the status of health care but he is also interested in veterans affairs.

"But those are only two issues. I have many more concerns," Meyers said.

"I am an average American citizen. I am not a doctor, lawyer or some special interest tyrant on a vanity run. It is time we put common sense ahead of big money and its special interests," he added.

Latham, 58, represents Iowa's 4th Congressional District and is serving his eighth term. He has not said whether he will seek re-election.

Contact John Skipper at john.skipper@globegazette.com.