One in a series of stories on upcoming legislative races.

WATERLOO -- In the race for House District 20, experience and questions over mandatory union dues have emerged as top concerns.

Republican challenger Vic Mokricky, with funding from the state Republican party, has sent out direct mail fliers criticizing Democratic incumbent Doris Kelley's votes on unnecessary spending and, in particular, not supporting Iowa's right to work status.

Several of Mokricky's ads carry a variation of the same message: "Kelley voted to kill Iowa's right to work law."

Mokricky's attacks are puzzling, Kelley says, because she has been shunned by unions for her stance on the issue.

Every Waterloo and Cedar Falls Democrat running in a contested legislative race has received at least $15,000 in union support.

But not Kelley. Reports filed this week show Kelley received only two union donations totaling $750.

"I think Iowa should be a right to work state," she says. "I don't think anybody should ever lose their job because they don't want to join a union."

Because of her stance, she says, unions "are not going to support me. They are not friends of mine."

Kelley says she voted against the amendment cited in Mokricky's ads because House majority leader Kevin McCarthy, D-Des Moines, had already tacked on a similar amendment to the original bill.

"I voted against it because that amendment was unnecessary," she says. "It was already addressed in the exact same bill."

Mokricky, who worked for 36 years as a teacher and counselor at West High School, says he would make education his number one priority as a legislator.

He said a quality educational system will help provide the state with the educated workforce needed to drive an economy based on renewable energy.

Kelley often touts the Legislature's accomplishments in education. It passed bills to increase teacher pay to 25th in the nation, expand early childhood education and keep college tuition increases in line.

"I think I'm most pleased in the steps we took in our educational system," she says.

Echoing a criticism from Republicans across the state, Mokricky says he would not outspend the state's annual revenue.

Republicans regularly point to a report from the state auditor that shows the Democratic-controlled Legislature outspent revenues by $370 million.

Mokricky also defended himself from a criticism Kelley makes. She says only she has the experience necessary to represent the district.

"I believe it's been implied my 36-year career as a teacher and counselor has been inconsequential," Mokricky says. "What is more important than being involved in interpersonal relationships and bring about solutions that help our community?"

Kelley has argued in recent public forums that her wide range of experiences in community economic development, marketing and public relations, gives her a broad knowledge base.

"You can be an expert in one area, but if you do not have both public and private experience, you're really at a disadvantage," she says. "What I found, being in the majority, there is no time for learning."

Contact Jens Manuel Krogstad at (319) 291-1580 or jens.krogstad@wcfcourier.com.