Rob Sand Withdraws From Wednesday's Gubernatorial Debate After Brother-in-Law's Death
Sand’s campaign said he is focusing on family after his brother-in-law died in a traffic incident, and debate organizers are working to reschedule.
- On Monday, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand withdrew from Wednesday's Iowa PBS debate with Republican Zach Lahn following his brother-in-law's death. The debate was the third of four planned contests.
- Sand's brother-in-law, 42-year-old Walter Lauridsen, died last Thursday near Lucas, Iowa, after being struck by an SUV traveling eastbound on U.S. Highway 34. Lauridsen had stepped into the westbound lane.
- Republican candidate Zach Lahn issued a statement Monday supporting Sand's decision: "We completely understand and are supportive of his decision." Both campaigns are coordinating with Iowa PBS to reschedule.
- Sand stated Friday, "We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Walter," while requesting privacy for the family's Celebration of Life event this Friday. The candidate remains focused on family.
- The gubernatorial candidates remain scheduled to debate Tuesday, October 27, at 6:30 p.m. in Cedar Rapids, hosted by KCRG-TV9 and the Cedar Rapids Gazette. A rescheduled Iowa PBS debate date is pending.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Rob Sand withdraws from Iowa PBS gubernatorial debate after family tragedy
DES MOINES, Iowa -- A planned debate between Iowa gubernatorial candidates Rob Sand, a Democrat, and Republican Zach Lahn will not go forward this week due to the death of a family member. Sand and Lahn were slated to participate in a debate hosted by Iowa PBS on Wednesday night. Sand's Deputy Campaign Manager, Emma [...]
Rob Sand withdraws from Wednesday debate after brother-in-law's death
Rob Sand, the Democratic nominee for governor, has withdrawn from a debate scheduled for Wednesday with Republican candidate Zach Lahn following the death of his brother-in-law. Sand and Lahn were scheduled to meet for a debate on “Iowa Press” on Iowa PBS Oct. 21, the third of four planned debates between the two candidates competing […]
Rob Sand withdraws from Wednesday debate after brother-in-law’s death
Rob Sand, the Democratic nominee for governor, has withdrawn from a debate scheduled for Wednesday with Republican candidate Zach Lahn following the death of his brother-in-law. Sand and Lahn were scheduled to meet for a debate on “Iowa Press” on…
Iowa candidates for governor will not debate this week, event may be rescheduled
Rob Sand, the Democratic candidate for governor, has withdrawn from this week’s debate with Republican Zach Lahn. Sand’s brother-in-law, 42-year-old Walter Lauridsen, died last Thursday on a southern Iowa highway when he was struck by a vehicle. Emma O’Brien, the deputy manager of Sand’s campaign, issued a statement early this evening: “Rob Sand is focused […]
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