Iowa House Speaker to step down

Speaker of the House Kraig Paulsen (R-Hiawatha) announced Wednesday he will step down as speaker and not seek re-election in 2016. Rep. Paulsen has served as Speaker of the Iowa House since the republicans took the majority in 2011. Paulsen will serve out the remainder of his term, but a new speaker will be elected for the 2016 session. Current House Majority Leader Linda Upmeyer (R-Clear Lake) has announced she will run for position. Others have also expressed interest in the position. If Upmeyer is elected Speaker, an election for House Majority Leader will also take place. Speaker Paulsen has been a friend of business since his election and we have enjoyed working with him in his role as legislator and speaker.