Rob Sand withdraws from Wednesday debate after brother-in-law’s death

Rob Sand, the Democratic nominee for governor, has withdrawn from a debate scheduled for Wednesday with Republican candidate Zach Lahn following the death of his brother-in-law.

Sand and Lahn were scheduled to meet for a debate on “Iowa Press” on Iowa PBS Oct. 21, the third of four planned debates between the two candidates competing to become Iowa’s next governor. However, the Sand campaign announced it was withdrawing from the debate Monday as the candidate focuses on his family.

“Rob Sand is focused on his family during this difficult time,” Emma O’Brien, Sand’s deputy campaign manager, said in a statement. “… We are in contact with the Lahn campaign on rescheduling, and appreciate their willingness to work with us. We will have more updates soon.”

Walter E. Lauridsen II, 42, died Thursday in a traffic incident near Lucas, according to the Iowa State Patrol. A vehicle going east on U.S. Highway 34 moved into the westbound lane to pass Lauridsen’s vehicle, which was parked on the east side of the highway. Lauridsen had walked into the westbound lane and was struck by the SUV. He was the brother of Sand’s wife, Christine Sand, the CEO at Lauridsen Group, Inc.

Sand said Friday in a statement on social media, “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Walter, who died last night. This is an extremely sad and devastating time for all who knew and loved him.”

“Walter lived with mental health complexities. While this is a difficult and painful time for all of us, we know he is now at peace,” Sand wrote. “As we begin the difficult task of making funeral arrangements, we ask that you keep all of us in your prayers and respect our privacy as we grieve. We will share additional information when plans are finalized.”

Lahn’s campaign released a statement Monday announcing the change to the planned debate and calling for Iowans to pray for Sand and his family.

“We have been informed by Iowa PBS that Rob Sand has withdrawn from Wednesday’s debate,” a campaign spokesperson said in a statement. “We completely understand and are supportive of his decision. We will work with the station on rescheduling.

“We urge all Iowans to join us in continued prayer for Rob and his family at this difficult time. Some things are bigger than politics.”

In addition to a potential rescheduled debate on “Iowa Press,” the two gubernatorial candidates are set to debate at 6:30 p.m., Oct. 27 in Cedar Rapids at an event hosted by KCRG-TV9 and the Cedar Rapids Gazette.