March 19, 2024

Harkin to boost Mayor Diehl’s bid for state legislature

Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, joined by former Congressman Leonard Boswell and Secretary of Agriculture Patty Judge, will be the featured guest at a fundraising event for Mayor Fred Diehl, candidate for House District 27. HD 27 includes all of Clarke, Decatur and Wayne Counties, as well as part of Lucas County.

Harkin has announced his retirement from office after serving the people of Iowa for 30 years in the United States Senate, as well as 10 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he held the seat in the old Fifth Congressional District of southwest Iowa.

Mayor Diehl has served the people of Osceola as its mayor for the last 19 years. Born in Leon and raised on a family farm in Clarke County, Diehl graduated from Osceola High School and Iowa State University. He served eight years in the U.S. Army Reserves, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant. He is the owner/operator of an independent insurance agency in Osceola and is a substitute teacher in the local public schools.

“I have known and worked with Fred since my first political race,” Harkin said. “His sound advice and deep commitment to southern Iowa have always been an inspiration to me. He will be a strong voice for south central Iowa in the state legislature.”

The event will be held at The Loft, formerly Southern Hills Winery, on Monday, Aug. 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.