Ex-ISU wrestling coach to run for Congress

Associated Press - November 20, 2009 11:14 AM ET

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Former Iowa State University wrestling coach Jim Gibbons is entering the political arena with a run for the Republican nomination in Iowa's 3rd congressional district.

The winner of the GOP primary will likely face Democratic incumbent Leonard Boswell.

The 50-year-old Gibbons was a national wrestling champion and All-American in his junior year at ISU. He coached Iowa State from 1986 to 1992. The Cyclones won the NCAA championship in 1987.

Gibbons announced Thursday he's leaving his job at Wells Fargo Advisors to focus on his campaign.

Dave Funk of Runnells is also running for the GOP nomination. Sen. Brad Zaun of Urbandale is considering the race.

Iowa's 3rd district covers 12 counties in central, southern and eastern Iowa.

Information from: The Des Moines Register, http://www.desmoinesregister.com