EDGEWOOD - A man who has never run for office wants to replace Tom Harkin in the United States Senate in 2008.

Bob McDowell, a Republican from Edgewood, works for a plumbing and heating business during the day and teaches tae kwon do at night.

McDowell wants to see expanded health insurance coverage. His small employer does not offer health insurance and his wife works at a truck stop to insure the couple and their two children.

McDowell's major motivation for seeking office is the state of the military. He says the National Guard should not be deployed overseas. He thinks more people would enlist in the military if the U.S. provided better pay and benefit packages.