Iowa's 1st congressional district election, 2006
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Iowa's 1st congressional district— Incumbent Jim Nussle (R) vacated this seat to run for governor. This district is Democratic-leaning, and of the open seats was considered to be one of the most likely to change hands. It contains most of northeastern Iowa including large cities such as Dubuque, the Quad Cities and Waterloo. Wealthy businessman Mike Whalen won the Republican nomination in a mild surprise by emphasizing border security, while attorney Bruce Braley was the Democratic nominee. Nussle was reelected in 2000 and 2004 with 55% of the vote but Al Gore and John Kerry won the district in those same years, signaling that the open seat will be very competitive come November 2006. In a Zogby poll release on October 4, Whalen led Braley by 47% to 34%, though Braley had lead every other poll.[1] Braley's win gave the Democrats control of the district for the first time since 1976. Results: Braley defeated Whalen, 55% to 43%.
Mike Whalen was the Republican nominee. Whalen is a businessman from Davenport, Iowa, married and the father of two children. He gained fame by starting Heart of America Restaurants and Inns (HOARI), owner of several hotels and restaurants (including the famed Iowa Machine Shed chain) in the Midwest. His main primary opponents were State Representative Bill Dix, and the former Iowa Republican Party Chairman Brian Kennedy (politician). Whalen holds a J.D. Degree from Harvard University Law School graduating with honors in 1978. He also holds a B.A. Degree from University of Illinois which he pursued in 1975.
