Ophthalmologist Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R) is preparing to challenge freshman Rep. Dave Loebsack (D) in the 2nd district, according to the Des Moines Register.

Miller-Meeks, the first female president of the Iowa Medical Society, said her planned entry into the race is an outgrowth of her desire to reform health care. It would be her first bid for political office if she runs.

“It’s a new kind of endeavor, one born out of frustration neither party is getting the job done,” she said.

Even though Jim Leach (R) represented the Cedar Rapids-area 2nd district for 15 terms until being ousted by Loebsack last year, the seat leans Democratic. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) won the district with 55 percent of the vote in the 2004 presidential election, and as such Loebsack is well-positioned to hold the seat.

Loebsack banked more than $301,000 at the close of the third-quarter fundraising period. The Republicans have yet to field an official candidate in this race.

— David M. Drucker