Chris Peters, a Coralville surgeon running for the 2nd Congressional District, will kick off his campaign this weekend.

Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, is the incumbent seeking his sixth term.

Peters will stop by Keokuk County Republican Spring Dinner in Sigourney on Friday, where he will speak alongside other GOP leaders.

On Saturday, the former Libertarian Party National Committee member will host events in Knoxville, Fairfield, Walcott, and Iowa City.

“Dave Loebsack is a good man, but he’s been in Congress for 10 years — I don’t think anyone needs to spend a decade in Washington, and I’ll fight to pass term limits for federal politicians,” Peters said in a statement. “I’m fed up with the elites in both parties, and I’ll be an independent voice for common sense in Washington.”

Peters was approved by Republican Paul Pate, the Iowa secretary of State, last week as a candidate after the campaign submitted a candidate affidavit by mail.

Campaign chairman Matthew Evans said Peters gathered 2,200 signatures on the affidavit.     “Southeast Iowa is tired of career politicians, and they’re fired up for a change in Washington,” Evans said.

— By Rebecca Morin