Nelson, Drahozal Lay Out Contrasting Visions in Dubuque County Attorney Race

DUBUQUE COUNTY, Iowa - With four days until Election Day, the two candidates for Dubuque County attorney are making their cases to voters. According to KCRG, incumbent Scott Nelson is seeking a second term against challenger Steve Drahozal, and the two differ on how the office should be run. Nelson, elected in 2022, said he stepped into a county attorney's office "in disarray" with high turnover. Citing 35 years of trial practice and 12 years of military experience, he said he stabilized the office by mentoring less experienced assistant county attorneys and improved its relationship with law enforcement. Nelson said his office's work convicting violent criminals helps the local economy. Drahozal, who has 25 years of legal practice, said he would take an active caseload as county attorney and assign assistant county attorneys to answer elected officials' legal questions, calling that a way to use taxpayer money wisely. He promised transparency and "a willingness to work with county officials." The candidates differed sharply on the Lovers Lane lawsuit, in which a judge declared the rural road private after Nelson conceded the case. The Dubuque County Board of Supervisors said it was not notified about the lawsuit and hired outside counsel to fight the decision. Drahozal said he would have discussed the lawsuit with the supervisors before taking action. Nelson defended his handling, calling the controversy a political issue and saying that defending the county in legal action is his duty as county attorney.