A Washington Democrat has announced he is running for Iowa Senate District 39. Richard Gilmore is seeking the Democratic nomination for the race. He states that he is seeking the position because he feels he can make a difference and that a state senator should strive to grant equal opportunity to all and protect individual freedoms. School funding, mental health and infrastructe are three issues that need to be addressed. Gilmore believes that it will take a bipartisan effort to get work done in Des Moines. At this time Gilmore does not have a primary race and plans to attend many festivals in Washington, Keokuk and Johnson counties to meet constituents in the district.