Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
LANGE, Otto F.
LANGE, Otto F. (Dubuque, IA, Feb. 16. 1869--Dubuque, IA, Feb. 21, 1937). State senator. Lange, head of LANG'S INSURANCE AGENCY in Dubuque, began his political service in 1926 with his election to the Iowa Senate from Dubuque County. The first Republican elected to that office from Dubuque County, Lange listed among his legislative initiatives the Iowa Preference Law. This required the Iowa Board of Control to give preference to products manufactured in Iowa when purchases were made for state institutions.
Lange also authored the Chain Store Bill that provided for a tax of $50.00 annually on every business maintaining six or more stores in the State of Iowa. Of great interest to river cities like Dubuque was Lange's bill which would have made it possible for the state to build grain elevators at river cities. In 1930 and 1932 Lange lost primary races for governor of Iowa.