Liz Mathis Addresses Randi Shannon, Winning and Managing Four Jobs At Once — Part 2

This is the second part in a two-piece interview with Liz Mathis, the incumbent state senator facing an election after redistricting in Marion's Iowa State Senate District 34.

What was the biggest learning experience of your time in the senate?

They call it a working legislature when you can have another job and be a legislator. I find it tremendously challenging. I had back to back campaigns in two different districts and my job at Four Oaks. It's like I have four jobs.

I am looking forward to winning in November and getting into a rhythm where I can concentrate on legislating.

What was your reaction to Randi Shannon dropping out of the race?

As a bystander I really didn’t put much thought in it. I am running my own race. I’m making sure that I get out there and keeping knocking on doors no matter who is running against me.

Do you have a heightened sense of confidence with the confusion that ensued?

I feel good about my campaign. I’ve knocked on a lot of independent doors — they show me they have been paying attention to what I have been doing over the last eight months. They know I am going to work hard for them next year.

What have you learned from knocking on all those doors?

When you go door to door you learn people are genuinely interested; they will ask a lot of great questions. You might go to one house and they might not know who their one state senator is, but they’ll still be interested in talking about certain issues. I think i have only had a couple of people who just shut the door in my face.

Assuming you win, what are you looking forward to in the next legislative session? 

[I want to] continue the work we have started on education reform, to concentrate on building businesses, especially small business growth, and focus on child health care reform.