Iowa gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn has issued a statement in response to the tragic death of Walter Lauridsen II, the brother-in-law of Lahn's opponent, Rob Sand. Lauridsen was killed in a crash in Iowa on Thursday night.
“This is truly a tragedy," Lahn told Newsweek on Friday. "There is nothing more important than family and Rob is a family man. We join all Iowans in praying for Rob, Christine, and their whole family. Our hearts are with them.”
Lahn is the Republican candidate for governor. Sand is the Democratic candidate and currently serves as Iowa State Auditor.
Newsweek reached out to Sand's campaign by email for comment on Friday.
...
Who was Rob Sand's Brother-in-Law, Walter Lauridsen II?
Lauridsen was the brother of Sand's wife, Christine Lauridsen. He was a Des Moines businessman and philanthropist who invested in small business and real estate. He also had an interest in woodworking and restoring classic cars.
According to his website, he graduated from Cornell University with a degree in applied economics and management. He was active in the community and was a member of the National Advisory Council for the Character Counts project and also supported the nonprofit Harvest Academy. He was 42 years old.
Lauridsen was killed on Thursday night when he was struck by a car on Highway 34, according to a crash report from the Iowa State Patrol. Lauridsen's Mercedes was parked on the side of the road. He had gotten out of the vehicle and was crossing the street when he was struck by a Honda Pilot. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Who is Rob Sand's Wife, Christine Lauridsen?
According to Iowa State Media, Christine Lauridsen is the CEO of the Lauridsen Group, which is described on its website as "a collection of six independent companies each dedicated to discovering and producing products to enhance health and nutrition."
Christine Lauridsen also has a degree from Cornell University, and she later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. She and Sand married in 2012 and share two sons.
Tributes for Walter Lauridsen II
Several politicians have issued statements after Lauridsen's death.
"My heart breaks for Rob, Christine, and the entire Lauridsen family," Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek posted on X. "I am keeping all of you in my prayers as you grieve this tragic loss."
"This is absolutely heartbreaking news," Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ashley Hinson posted on X. "Please keep the Lauridsen and Sand families in your prayers as they grieve this unimaginable loss."
U.S. Representative Zach Nunn also said he was heartbroken for Sand and his family.
"Kelly and I are heartbroken for Christine and Rob Sand and the entire Lauridsen family after this tragic loss," Nunn posted on X. "To lose Walter so suddenly, in a season that already asks so much of their whole family, is devastating. We’re praying for them, and for everyone who knew and loved Walter."
Rob Sand Vs. Zach Lahn: What Latest Polls Show
According to a round-up of polls compiled by the New York Times, Sand leads Lahn in every poll taken since at least the primaries in June and even before. In several cases, Sand has a double-digit lead over Lahn.
Six polls have come out in October, all showing Sand in the lead. They are:
YouGov: A YouGov poll conducted between October 6 and 12 of 2,244 likely voters gave Sand a six-point lead over Lahn at 50 percent to Lahn's 44 percent, with 6 percent of those surveyed still undecided.
Marist University: The Marist poll was held between October 8 and 11 and surveyed 1,100 likely voters, giving Sand a seven-point lead over Lahn at 52 percent to 45 percent, with 3 percent of poll takers undecided.
Emerson College: This poll surveyed 650 likely voters between October 5 and 6, giving Sand a narrower lead over Lahn at 49 percent to 45 percent, with 6 percent undecided.
CNN/SSRS: This poll was held between September 29 and October 5 and surveyed 801 likely voters, giving Sand a nine-point lead at 51 percent to 42 percent, with 5 percent saying "neither" and 2 percent saying "someone else."
Suffolk University: This poll surveyed 500 likely voters between October 1 and 4 and gave Sand an impressive 12-point lead over Lahn at 55 percent to 43 percent, with 2 percent undecided.
New York Times/Siena University: This poll was held between September 22 and October 1 and surveyed 606 likely voters. Sand had an impressive lead here too, at 52 percent to Lahn's 41 percent. Seven percent of poll takers were unsure.
Newsweek’s reporters and editors used Martyn, our AI assistant, to produce this story. Learn more about Martyn here. Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Jason Lemon and Gray R. Thomas