Kirsten Running-Marquardt , pictured here with her husband Coy Marquardt and their son Jack.

Because of her organizing skills, commitment to SEIU and the cause of healthcare reform, and ability to attract talent to our organization, Kirsten was asked to direct SEIU's independent campaign operation in 2008--winning the State for Barack Obama in targeted Congressional Districts. From there, she became the district representative for Democratic U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack.

Running-Marquardt won her seat in the Iowa House by a large margin, securing 78 percent of overall votes. "It's going to be a tough budget year," she said. "So tomorrow I'm going to get to work." With this special election victory, Democrats now hold a 56-44 advantage in the Iowa House.