Herman Quirmbach, D-Ames, was re-elected state senator of District 23 in Tuesday night’s election.

“You can’t buy this seat. If you want it, you have to earn it,” Quirmbach said.

This will be Quirmbach’s second term representing District 23, which consists of Ames, Madrid, Luther, Napier, Gilbert and part of Sheldahl.

“Education is my No. 1 issue,” Quirmbach said. “I plan to work on restoring funds cut five to six years ago, and try to hold down tuition while maintaining the quality of the universities.”

Quirmbach acknowledged that the Board of Regents actually sets tuition, but emphasized he still could use his role to influence this process.

“We’re going to work on [allocating funds for education grants],” Quirmbach said. “I’ve had a direct hand in adding 250 work-study jobs and want to do more.”

Quirmbach serves on the Education, Human Resources, Judiciary, and Ways and Means committees in the Iowa Senate. He is also a member of the Education Budget subcommittee and co-chairman of the Local Government committee, according to his Iowa Senate Democrats Web site.

Running against Quirmbach was Republican Linda Livingston.

“I really enjoyed door-knocking and meeting all the wonderful people of Ames, Madrid and Gilbert,” Livingston said. “That was the best part of campaigning.”

Livingston is a homemaker and an aide and substitute for the Gilbert Community School District. This was her first experience running for public office.

“I was really rooting for Livingston,” said Jordan Navara, junior in political science. “I’m very disappointed in the turnout.”

In addition to Quirmbach’s role as senator, he is an associate professor of economics at Iowa State. His political experience includes serving on Ames City Council from 1995 to 2003 and as Ames Mayor Pro-Tem in 2002, according to his Iowa Senate Democrats Web page.

“Quirmbach was on the City Council and I thought he was a good leader there,” said Kris Hasstedt, junior in pre-dental. “He is the best qualified for the job.”

Lori Moorman, sophomore in history, spent the day canvassing Ames for the Democratic Party.

“I agree with Quirmbach’s policies,” Moorman said. “He’s very good at getting people excited and a great politician.”

Quirmbach received his Bachelor of Arts degree in government from Harvard University in 1972. He also has his Masters and Ph.D. in economics from Princeton University.