NE Iowa Businessman to Run for Congress

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A business owner in Cedar Rapids says he'll run for the Democratic nomination in 2016 for Iowa's 1st Congressional District.

Ravi Patel announced his campaign Monday to represent areas of northeast Iowa that include Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and Dubuque. The seat is currently held by U.S. Rep. Rod Blum, a Republican from Dubuque who began his two-year term in January.

Patel is president of Hawkeye Hotels, a group of hotels located around the Midwest. He also runs a fund that he says helps entrepreneurs in Iowa.

Patel says his campaign will focus on improving Iowa's economy.