Republican candidate in Iowa sued for $275,000 in unpaid rent — by his parents

The suit from Wulf’s parents was reportedly an effort to protect their assets as a bank is pursuing a foreclosure case against Rep. Wulf for other unpaid debts.

A growing family feud?

Rep. Wulf did not reply to Moneywise’s request for comment, but in interviews with local media, he said his farming and ranching business was in the midst of financial troubles.

“So, first and foremost, I’m a farmer and rancher,” Wulf told KCCI. “I can tell you right now that our refinancing has been completed, and we’re working through that as a family, and it will not affect the campaign at all.”

The campaign’s response, however, was a bit more inflammatory.

“Sadly, Derek’s father has experienced serious health and memory issues in recent years,” campaign spokesperson Dan Capodilupo told the Des Moines Register. “It’s painful for Derek to admit, but his father’s understanding of the situation is simply incorrect.”

The Wulf family attorney, Matt Craft, told the Register that the representative’s parents are “incredibly hurt by those categorically false statements concerning Duane’s health.”

A tight race

Zach Lahn, the Republican candidate for governor, is facing an uphill battle even without this distraction. Current polling has him behind Democratic candidate Rob Sand by anywhere from four to eleven points. In fact, none of the polls currently project Lahn and Wulf to win.