Government : Democratic candidates for Congress participate in Vinton forum

Rosemary Schwartz introduces the candidates and welcomes the audience to Vinton.

Candidates Dave O'Brien and Monica Vernon.

Candidates Swati Dandekar, Rep. Anesa Kajtazovic and Rep. Pat Murphy during Friday's forum.

The five Democratic candidates for Congress, Swati Dandekar, Rep. Anesa Kajtazovic, Rep. Pat Murphy, Dave O’Brien and Monica Vernon, participated in a forum on Friday night in Vinton. The topic was income equality and growing the middle class. The forum began with a 3-minute introduction from each candidate.

The five are seeking to replace First District Congressman Bruce Braley, who is leaving the House to run for the U.S. Senate.

To learn more about the five candidates, visit their web sites linked below:

Pat Murphy

Swati Dandekar

Dave O' Brien

Monica Vernon

Anesa Kajtazovic