Former Mahaska County Supervisor Ken Rozenboom has endorsed Tom Rielly for supervisor in the upcoming special election for the open seat on the county board. The open seat on the Mahaska County Supervisors was created last November when Rozenboom was elected as a Republican to the Iowa Senate.

Democrat Tom Rielly and Republican Mark Doland are now running for that open seat. The special election is set for Tuesday, January 29th. Rozenboom spoke about the election at the end of the political forum "Eggs and Issues" Saturday morning at Smokey Row in Oskaloosa. Rozenboom endorsed Tom Rielly for supervisor saying he believes Rielly has the most experience for the office.

Rozenboom also says he believes the special election has become a referendum on a regionalized airport. Supervisor candidate Mark Doland says he's concerned land will be taken from farmers for development of the airport. A specific location has not been chosen, though three sites have been proposed roughly between Oskaloosa and Pella near Highway 163. Rozenboom says he doesn't think making the airport issue a central part of the special election is right.

Mark Doland declined to talk to CRI on camera in response to Rozenboom's remarks and formal endorsement of Tom Rielly. Doland told CRI's coverage partner, Osky News, he thinks Rozenboom used his right as any American can to endorse a candidate. Doland also told Osky News he does not think voters are swayed by endorsements in general. Earlier in the week, conservative political activist and former gubernatorial candidate Bob Vander Plaats endorsed Doland for the local supervisor seat.

Watch Rozenboom's endorsement below: