Rep. Barbara Finch, R-Ames, will run against Democratic Sen. Johnie Hammond for the Senate seat representing Iowa State in the November 2002 election.

The winning candidate will represent District 23, which was reapportioned to serve western Story and eastern Boone counties, including Iowa State.

This seat is currently held by Hammond, D-Ames, who has been senator for the past seven years.

Finch said she has served Story County in various positions for 15 years.

She represents District 61 now, which is about the size of District 23, and Finch said this gives her an edge for the seat.

“I think I have a good perspective with the urban and rural mix,” she said. “People should consider the things I have accomplished in my one year” as a representative.

Finch said she will focus on education and venture capital projects to attract businesses.

“We need to have a better education system so everyone can succeed,” she said.

“We put all this money into education, so we need to attract businesses to keep students in the state.”

Finch serves on the Education, Environmental Protection and Ways and Means committees in the Iowa House of Representatives. She is vice chairwoman for the Health and Human Rights Appropriation Subcommittee.

Although Finch is relatively new to politics, Senate Majority Leader Stewart Iverson, R-Dows, said Finch has shown she can work well with people and listen to the concerns of her constituents and others.

“Barb is a very hard-working, conscientious individual in the House,” Iverson said.

“She would do a fantastic job for the people in the area.”

Finch said she wants to be available to her constituents.

“I’m very accessible. I will always get answers for people,” Finch said.

“I’m not running against a person but for the people I represent. They must feel I’m what they want.”

Although Hammond hasn’t announced her intention to run next year, she said Finch’s announcement to seek the nomination may inspire her to enter the race.

“It would be a pleasure to run against Barbara because I can beat her,” Hammond said. “This is a good democratic district, and I’m a good legislator.”

Finch said she doesn’t see the area being more democratic as a problem.

“I don’t consider this an obstacle, but an opportunity to meet more people,” she said.

Speaker of the House Brent Siegrist, R-Council Bluffs, said Finch will bring her natural energy to the race, allowing her a greater chance at winning.

“She has a great chance to win,” he said. “She works hard and does a lot for the district. Her trademark is that she’s very energetic and does a great job.”

Iverson said the Senate always has a lot of tough decisions to make, and Finch will step up and help.

“It’s always a challenge to explain to people we have to make a decision instead of passing the buck,” Iverson said.

“Some of the best and worst parts of this job is these decisions . Barb will make the tough decisions and will explain to everyone why it has to be done.”