First in a series of profiles of races in the upcoming election.

WATERLOO - In the race for Senate District 8, hog confinement facilities, a sputtering rural economy and dilapidated roads loom large.

Residents have expressed serious concerns over a slowing national economy finally trickling down to their corner of Northeast Iowa.

Grain prices and livestock prices have recently dropped. The city of Waukon lost 207 jobs this summer when Northern Engraving shut its doors. In Cresco, trailer manufacturer Featherlite Inc. temporarily laid off 500 of its workers in July.

"People are talking about jobs and the economy, the high price of gas. Right now that's biting into people's wallets," said Mark Vonderohe, chairman of Allamakee County Republicans.

Republican incumbent State Sen. Mark Zieman and Democratic challenger Mary Jo Wilhelm offer different prescriptions on how best to prop up the local economy. Zieman wants to make infrastructure a priority, and Wilhelm sees re-training workers through affordable higher education as a key solution.

Zieman, who owns a trucking company, said the state must find a way to fund crumbling rural roads crucial to transporting goods. The need is so dire, he said, that he would consider an increase of the state's gas tax as part of a comprehensive plan to address road funding, despite rising fuel prices.

"Is a fuel tax all the answer? Probably not. But if down the road we phased in a 5-cent fuel tax over a couple of years, it would take (funding) a long way towards where we need it to go," said Zieman, a Postville reisdent.

Wilhelm was not as explicit in her willingness to consider a gas tax increase. She currently has "no plans to support" one, she said, and declined to comment on any future support.

With a faltering economy, Wilhelm said keeping tuition affordable at Northeast Iowa Community College through adequate state funding should be a top priority. With a campus in Calmar, she said the college can help re-train displaced workers in new industries.

"A few years ago when Republicans tried to balance the budget, they decreased the funding for community and state colleges. So they have raised tuitions in recent years. I don't want to see that happen again," said Wilhelm, a Cresco resident.

One of rural Iowa's most contentious issues - the regulation of hog confinement facilities - offers perhaps the most distinct contrast between the candidates.

Current law allows livestock operators to build facilities over the objections of local officials - a huge sore spot for opponents. Operators, however, must abide by state regulations, and must apply for a construction permit from the Department of Natural Resources if the facility will hold more than 2,500 animals.

Zieman said he could support tweaks to the current law, but in general opposes more regulation. In 2004, he backed a measure in the legislature to discourage construction of new homes near existing livestock operations.

"The livestock industry is already one of the most heavily regulated industries in Iowa. It all depends if you want a livestock industry in Iowa, or not," he said.

Wilhelm, a 12-year veteran on the Howard County Board of Supervisors, said her frustrations in dealing with hog confinement facilities has left her convinced something must change.

"I really do think the current system of regulating hog facilities is broken," she said.

Wilhelm was careful to not explicitly support any measures. However, she acknowledged a little more regulation could alleviate the concerns of many Iowans.

Wilhelm said there is no adequate oversight to ensure facility operators are keeping their promises on the number of animals they keep, and how they dispose of manure.

"Who watches that? I don't want to police these things, but I do want to have an open conversation," she said.

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