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Sturgis announces bid for Iowa Statehouse

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By Ed Tibbetts | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 |

Joe Sturgis, the owner of a west Davenport tavern and restaurant, has announced he’s running for the Iowa Statehouse.

Sturgis, 425 S. Lincoln Ave., Davenport, is seeking to upend incumbent Rep. Cindy Winckler, D-Davenport, in the 86th District.

The owner of the Rusty Nail on West Locust Street, Sturgis said Tuesday that fiscal responsibility and personal liberties will be at the heart of his campaign.

He filed papers to run for the seat in March.

Sturgis, 55, lobbied heavily against the state smoking ban, which Winckler supported. He also said he thinks the government is getting too involved in such things as the rights of gun owners and fathers.

“In the United States, you’re supposed to be free,” Sturgis said.

He added state spending has grown too much, too. Sturgis said tax and fee increases the past two legislative sessions are eating at the pocketbooks of middle-income Iowans who already are struggling with high gasoline and food prices.

Sturgis is a 31-year resident of Davenport. He and his wife, Christine, have a grown son, Robert.

The 86th District, which encompasses a swath of western Davenport, includes most of the 3rd and half the 1st and 5th wards. There also are small parts of the 4th and 7th wards in the district.

Ed Tibbetts can be contacted at (563) 383-2327 or etibbetts@qctimes.com.