Iowa Fire Fighter Re-elected in Recount

November 24, 2008 – There were many close races in the 2008 elections, including the re-election campaign of Iowa State Senator Jeff Danielson (D), a Cedar Falls, IA Local 1366 fire fighter. A recount confirmed today that Danielson has defeated his challenger, Walt Rogers, by 22 votes.

The recount results also confirm that Danielson will serve as president pro tem of the Iowa State Senate, the number-three leadership post in the state senate.

“There is nothing better than having one of our own in a high position of influence,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “Danielson has fought hard for Iowa fire fighters and I know after today’s victory, he will continue to do so.”

Danielson credits the members of the Iowa Professional Fire Fighters (IPFF) and campaign manager, past Waterloo, IA Local 66 President Tom Powers with his victory.

“Going forward, this is all about protecting working families,” he says. “We’re all in it together. Fire fighters understand that better than anyone because their safety on the job depends on teamwork.”

With this victory, there are 32 Democrats and 18 Republicans in the state senate. It takes 26 members to claim a majority.

On November 4, Rogers appeared to be the victor until election officials examined provisional ballots. That’s when Danielson took the lead. Rogers called for the recount.