Former SNL cast member running for Congress in Iowa

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DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A former Saturday Night Live cast member is running for Congress in Iowa, and he says it isn't a laughing matter.

Gary Kroeger said he will run in the 2016 Democratic primary for Iowa's 1st District. The 57-year-old Iowa native says he wants to focus on progressive policies, such as investing in education and protecting the environment.

"I'm a lion of liberalism. I truly embrace these policies of civil rights, economic equity, economic prosperity and upward mobility," Kroeger said Tuesday.

Kroeger appeared on Saturday Night Live from 1982 through 1985, and is perhaps best known for portraying Donny Osmond in a sketch with Julia Louis-Dreyfus. After a long entertainment career, he moved back to Iowa 12 years ago to raise his two sons. He now works for an advertising agency and lives in Waterloo.

Freshman Republican Rep. Rod Blum currently represents the district, which covers the northeastern part of the state. Two other Democrats are already in the primary race: Cedar Rapids Councilwoman Monica Vernon and Cedar Rapids businessman Ravi Patel.

Kroeger said he hasn't spoken about running for Congress with a fellow SNL alumnus, Minnesota Sen. Al Franken.

Kroger said his run for office is no joke, but he hopes to enjoy the process.

"Nothing is funny about it, per se. It's very difficult," Kroeger said. He later added: "I am a person who is nearly 58 years old who has spent his life having a good time. Everything has to have an element of fun. There has to be a sense of joy."