Posted at: 10/15/2012 12:09 PM

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Iowa State Sen. Pat Ward Dies After Cancer Battle

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Iowa Sen. Pat Ward has died after a three-year battle with breast cancer.

Ward's daughter Chelsea Reynolds says the 55-year-old senator died Monday morning at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been made.

Ward is survived by her husband John Ward, 22-year-old son Ethan Reynolds, and her 25-year-old daughter.

Ward was a Republican from Clive who was seeking re-election.

Her death leaves Democrat Desmund Adams on the November ballot.

A special election will be held Dec. 11 between Adams and a Republican nominee.

Gov. Terry Branstad says Ward was a caring and passionate person who had a wonderful career in public service.

She was first elected to the Senate in 2004 and in June won her primary race, advancing to the November general election.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
 

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