WATERLOO -- Despite lagging in fundraising and losing out on several major endorsements, Don Shatzer says he hopes to ride a wave of discontent over a proposed coal power plant to an upset win in Tuesday's primary.

Shatzer, a John Deere retiree, is challenging State Rep. Deborah Berry, D-Waterloo, who is seeking a fourth term in House District 22.

A vocal opponent of a proposed coal-fired power plant in Waterloo, Shatzer said he decided to run when Berry did not speak out against the plan.

Shatzer, 59, is the vice president of Community Energy Solutions, a local group opposed to the construction of the Elk Run Energy Station on Newell Street.

"We don't have any legislators in this area that have stood up and taken a stand on this issue," Shatzer said. Former State Rep. Don Shoultz did raise questions about the proposal after it was made public in late 2005.

Berry has proved popular in her district and ran unopposed in 2006, but is not taking the challenge lightly. Several local unions have endorsed her.

In less than two weeks last month, she more than doubled her cash on hand to $14,895, according to state disclosure documents, holding a considerable advantage over Shatzer. Many leaders in Waterloo's black community and prominent state and local Democrats back her.

She is knocking on doors and plans to work through Tuesday.

Berry said she helped expand pre-school and after-school programs and rein in college tuition. She has decried Iowa's high black incarceration rate.

"I'm sorry my opponent only sees only one issue; he has this tunnel vision," she said. "But there are so many more issues that the constituents of House District 22 are passionate about."

Shatzer said he backs residential and business incentives for renewable energy use; expanding the bottle bill; and fighting urban sprawl. He also supports pro-union "fair share" collective bargaining legislation.

House District 19

After a lifetime of writing exams, Carlin Hageman, who teaches in the communication sciences and disorders department at the University of Northern Iowa, has had to cram for his latest test -- running a political campaign.

Marshall Shoemaker, who completed a criminology degree from UNI a few weeks ago, said he has found himself the unwelcome outsider in the Republican primary race for House District 19.

Shoemaker said he hopes his message of strictly interpreting the constitution to preserve personal liberties will win votes. He would let the free market decide on a smoking ban.

"It's such a distinct, refreshing message; hopefully it will resonate," he said.

Hageman said the state needs to rein in spending and not raise taxes. He opposed a state-mandated K-12 curriculum bill as well as the smoking ban.

Senate District 20

Retiring State Sen. John Putney, R-Gladbrook. hand-picked Keystone farmer Tim Kapucian to replace him. Kapucian also enjoys the support of the Iowa Farm Bureau.

Assistant Tama County Attorney Richard Vander Mey said he hopes to grab the Republican nomination for state Senate District 20.

Both candidates tout themselves as small government, fiscal conservatives. The starkest contrast between the candidates, Kapucian said, was revealed when they disagreed over local control of feed lots in a recent debate.

Vander Mey said he supports total local control, which allows local government leaders to decide if they will allow the construction of a feed lot. He said corporate hog farms too often move in against local residents' wishes. If someone decides the smell is overwhelming, he said, he has little option but to move because an individual can't sue.

Kapucian said if the law is changed, a statewide mandate is needed because different rules in too many of Iowa's 99 counties would create a confusing patchwork of regulations.

Contact Jens Manuel Krogstad

at (319) 291-1580 or

jens.krogstad@wcfcourier.com.