http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_7bdd2810-73f1-11df-bc36-001cc4c002e0.htmlDES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- Michael Kiernan is resigning as chairman of the Iowa Democratic Party, citing health reasons.
Kiernan announced Wednesday he would resign effective Thursday, and in a memo to the party's Central Committee he explained that in January he had discovered a lump below his right ear. Testing showed Kiernan has a tumor in the deep lobe of his saliva gland.
The 35-year-old Kiernan says he's working with his doctor on a plan of treatment.
The Central Committee will begin meeting to pick a successor. In the interim, Vice Chairwoman Sue Dvorsky will act as head of the party.
Kiernan became chairman last year. He previously was a partner in a home renovation business and served on the Des Moines City Council. His wife, Erin, is a news anchor for WHO-TV.