Delegates in Iowa Senate District 35, covering most of the northern half of Polk County, chose John Calhoun as their nominee for the January 18 special election. Calhoun lives in Polk City and is director of the Polk City Community Foundation and Polk City Development Corporation. No other candidates sought the Democratic nomination for this Republican-leaning district, so Calhoun was unanimously elected on the first ballot.

Republicans picked Jack Whitver out of a crowded field seeking the Senate district 35 nomination last week. Larry Noble vacated the seat when he agreed to serve as director of the Department of Public Safety in the Branstad administration.

The special election in Iowa Senate district 48 takes place today. Republican Joni Ernst and Democrat Ruth Smith are running to replace Kim Reynolds, who resigned from the Senate after being elected lieutenant governor.

UPDATE: A press release containing more background information on Calhoun is after the jump.

From the Iowa Senate Democrats:

For Immediate Release: January 4, 2011                                                                                              

Polk City small business owner nominated to fill Noble vacancy

John Calhoun, a small business owner from Polk City has been nominated to fill the Iowa Senate District 35 vacancy left by the retirement of Senator Larry Noble of Ankeny. Senate District 35 includes Ankeny, Johnston, Grimes, Polk City and several rural Polk County precincts.

“I am looking forward to earning the chance to represent the people of District 35 in the Iowa Senate,” Calhoun said. “Job creation is my number one priority. This special election will happen while the Legislature is in session and we must have a State Senator who can hit the ground running on initiatives to promote job creation and economic development. I believe I am best able to fill that need for the people of Senate District 35.”

Calhoun is the Director of the Polk City Development Corporation. He has also served as Director of the Polk City Community Foundation and is a past president of the Polk City Kiwanis Club and a member of the Polk City Chamber of Commerce.

“My experience is what sets me apart,” Calhoun added. “I am dedicated to improving the economies of the cities, towns and rural areas of Senate District 35. We need good jobs and dynamic small businesses in order to grow our communities.”

Calhoun has been married to his wife Elizabeth for 39 years. They have two daughters, Angie, who lives in Johnston and Amy who lives in Marshalltown with her husband Brett and two daughters. Calhoun was a juvenile court officer for 27 years and is now the owner of Provident Consulting.