MOUNT AUBURN -- A four-term legislator will make her first re-election bid as a Republican.

Rep. Dawn Pettengill, R-Mount Auburn, changed her affiliation from Democrat to Republican in 2007 because she said reached a log jam with party officials about some policies.

Pettengill said in her announcement that she wanted to "continue to protect our small town way of life" for House District 39 residents and promote responsible government.

"I really enjoy serving and helping all the people of our area, and I am going to continue working for every Iowan," she said.

One issue where Pettengill disagreed with Democrats is their support of a fair share bill, which would require nonunion workers to pay for union services. Critics maintain the bill dilutes Iowa's right-to-work law.

"Last year, I stood up for my constituents to protect Iowa's status as a right-to-work state. This year, I will continue to preserve that status and encourage new job growth and business expansion in our state," Pettengill said.

To do that, a fair share plan must be rejected, she added.

She also criticized a $580 million spending increase passed during the last legislative session. The increase was "irresponsible and unacceptable" because spending outpaced revenues. She called for belt-tightening at the state level so taxpayers won't be left with government debts.

Similarly, she said she wanted to find ways to help Iowans.

"We've got to come up with ways to lift the burden on the middle class by ensuring affordable health care, offering property tax relief to homeowners and enabling our children to get the best education to compete in a global marketplace."

Pettengill formerly served as the mayor and a council member in Mount Auburn. In the House, Pettengill serves on the Commerce, State Government, and Ways and Means committees.

Contact Josh Nelson at (319) 291-1565 or josh.nelson@wcfcourier.com.