CEDAR RAPIDS - Cedar Rapids City Councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tempore Monica Vernon today announced her candidacy for Congress in Iowa's First District. Vernon, who distinguished herself by leading and coordinating flood recovery efforts in Cedar Rapids in 2008 as well as leading the charge to build a shelter for homeless women and children, has a long record of accomplishment and problem-solving for Northeast Iowans.

For more information visit: www.monicavernonforcongress.com

"Northeast Iowans deserve a representative in Congress with a track record of solving problems and getting results for families and small businesses across our community. That's why I'm excited to announce my candidacy," Vernon said. "I'm proud of my work growing a small business, helping local communities recover from a devastating flood and working to create jobs, increase access to affordable housing and improve education for students in our district."

Having built a business from her kitchen table, Monica is a working mom who understands that the deck is stacked against the middle class.  And it's why she is running for congress. Monica Vernon will work across the aisle to protect Social Security and Medicare, create good paying jobs for Iowans and give everyone a fair shake.

In addition to her eight years on the Cedar Rapids City Council, as the President and Founder of her own market research firm, Monica has a first-hand understanding of the needs of Northeast Iowa's small businesses and workforce, and she'll take that experience to Congress to support the creation of local jobs.

For additional inquiries please contact Brenda Kole at brenda.kole@gmail.com or 515-710-2117.

Monica Vernon is a Democratic candidate for the United States House of Representatives in Iowa's First Congressional District. A life-long Iowan and working mom, Vernon is a leader dedicated to putting the people of Iowa first.