In July 2011, State Representative Walt Rogers endorsed former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum for president. Today Santorum returned the favor by announcing that he and his Patriot Voices PAC support Rogers’ campaign for the open seat in Iowa’s first Congressional district. I’ve posted Santorum’s full endorsement after the jump.

When Rogers formed his exploratory committee last month, he said several fellow Iowa House Republicans had encouraged him to run for Congress. A few days ago, the Rogers campaign rolled out endorsements from four current and three former Republican lawmakers whose districts include parts of IA-01. I enclose that statement below as well. Former Congressman Tom Tauke is also backing Rogers’ current campaign. Tauke represented parts of northeast Iowa in the U.S. House before losing the 1990 U.S. Senate race to Tom Harkin.

Any comments about the IA-01 race are welcome in this thread. Besides Rogers, Rod Blum and Steve Rathje are seeking the GOP nomination. Former Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate is expected to announce his campaign soon, and former State Representative Renee Schulte has said she is considering the race.  

Patriot Voices PAC statement, October 14:

SANTORUM AND PATRIOT VOICES PAC ENDORSE WALT ROGERS FOR CONGRESS IN IOWA’S 1ST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

VERONA, PA – Former presidential candidate, former U.S. Senator, and Chairman of Patriot Voices Rick Santorum is pleased to announce that Patriot Voices PAC has endorsed State Representative Walt Rogers for Congress in Iowa’s first congressional district.

Rick Santorum said, “I first met Walt when I traveled across Iowa prior to the Iowa Straw Poll, and I am proud to endorse him for Congress.  Through the entire caucus process, it was a pleasure getting to know Walt and spending time with him and his wonderful family both on the campaign trail and at their home.”

“Just as important as his personal qualities, there is no harder worker in public service than Walt Rogers, and I am convinced he will take this same work ethic to Congress with him.  Walt is not afraid to roll-up his sleeves and do the work necessary to benefit his constituents and our nation.  I can say without hesitation that he would be a terrific congressman to represent northeast Iowa.  I am all in, in support of Walt Rogers’ candidacy, and I look forward to joining him on the campaign trail soon,” concluded Santorum.

Walt Rogers, who currently represents the greater Cedar Falls, Iowa-area, is a candidate for the open seat race to replace Congressman Bruce Braley in Iowa’s 1st congressional district.  During his time in the state legislature, Rogers has risen to the position of Assistant Majority Leader in the Iowa State House.  Rogers was the first Iowa legislator to endorse Senator Santorum for president during the summer of 2011.

Paid for by Patriot Voices PAC and authorized by Walt Rogers for Congress.

Rogers campaign press release, October 14:

Rick Santorum Endorses Walt Rogers for Congress

Cedar Falls, Iowa – Former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum, the winner of the 2012 Iowa Republican Caucuses, has endorsed the Congressional campaign of State Representative Walt Rogers.  Santorum, now the chairman of Patriot Voices, visited all 99 Iowa counties in his 2012 presidential campaign.

Rogers said, “I am excited and honored to have Rick Santorum’s endorsement.  He’s a good man and a strong campaigner.  I have already invited him to join me on our campaign here in Iowa, and I’m looking forward to having him come!”

Rogers has also been endorsed by former Congressman Tom Tauke and seven current and former State Representatives from the First Congressional District.

The full text of Santorum’s endorsement, released this morning by Patriot Voices PAC, can be found here:

http://www.patriotvoices.com/s…

Rogers campaign press release, October 9:

Rogers Campaign Announces First Round of Legislative Endorsements

Cedar Falls, Iowa – The Walt Rogers Congressional Campaign today announced the endorsements of former Iowa Congressman Tom Tauke and several current and former State Representatives who have represented portions of Iowa’s First Congressional District. Tauke, a Dubuque native, represented much of Iowa’s current First Congressional District during his tenure in Congress. Also endorsing Rogers are four current and three former members of the Iowa House of Representatives; combined they have represented all or parts of 15 of the 20 counties in the First Congressional District.

“I am honored to have the support of these great legislators,” said Rogers. “They have represented much of the First Congressional District at one time or another over the last several years, and I am excited to get to know voters in each of their districts.”

This first round of endorsements includes the following current and former Representatives; their district numbers are listed along with the associated counties in the current First Congressional District:

Former U.S. Rep. Tom Tauke, former 2nd Congressional District; Allamakee, Buchanan, Clayton, Delaware, Dubuque, Fayette, Jackson, Jones, Linn, and Winnishiek Counties

State Representative Dean Fisher, District 72; Tama, Marshall, and Black Hawk Counties

State Representative Dave Maxwell, District 76; Poweshiek & Iowa Counties

State Representative Brian Moore, District 56; Jackson, Dubuque, & Jones Counties

State Representative Quentin Stanerson, District 95; Linn & Buchanan Counties

Former Representative Bob Hager, former District 16; Allamakee & Winneshiek Counties

Former Representative Lance Horbach, former District 40; Tama County

Former Representative Dan Rasmussen, former District 23; Black Hawk & Buchanan Counties

In addition to this first round of legislative endorsements, the Rogers campaign will announce a major endorsement early next week and anticipates announcing additional legislative endorsements in the near future.

The only Republican state legislator currently serving from Black Hawk County, Walt Rogers was first elected to the Iowa House of Representatives in 2010 by defeating an incumbent Democrat. Elected by his colleagues as an Assistant Majority Leader during his freshman term in office, Rogers was also chosen as one of only 15 state legislators nationwide to GOPAC’s Emerging Leaders Class of 2012; this year Rogers was named one of four co-chairs of their Emerging Leaders Summit.

Rogers serves on the Appropriations, Economic Growth, Education, and Transportation committees and is the Vice Chair of the Administration and Rules Appropriations Committee.

Rogers represents Iowa House District 60, which is comprised of much of west Waterloo and southern Cedar Falls, Hudson, and southwestern rural Black Hawk County.