Breaking: Tom Harkin to retire

[Miles]

I was expecting him to run again, but I can see why he's retiring. He was very frustrated that the Senate leadership punted on filibuster reform.

Is there even a Democratic bench in Iowa?

I've heard rumors that Bruce Braley wanted to run for something statewide. This could probably be his best opening.

Dave Loebsack is also possible, as is ex-Gov. Chet Culver.

[justfollowingtheelections]

I was expecting him to run again, but I can see why he's retiring. He was very frustrated that the Senate leadership punted on filibuster reform.

Yep.  That's what I was planning to say too.  I am not surprised at all to hear this.
Harkin is a good guy and he will be missed.  I am however optimistic that the Democrats can keep the seat.

[Landslide Lyndon]

Dave Loebsack is also possible, as is ex-Gov. Chet Culver.

Culver left office very unpopular.

[Brittain33]

Steve King is the best representative of the Republican brand in the state and should be the candidate.

[Mad Deadly Worldwide Communist Gangster Computer God]

Dave Loebsack is also possible, as is ex-Gov. Chet Culver.

Culver left office very unpopular.

Does anyone know why?

[Mr.Phips]

I was expecting him to run again, but I can see why he's retiring. He was very frustrated that the Senate leadership punted on filibuster reform.

Is there even a Democratic bench in Iowa?

I've heard rumors that Bruce Braley wanted to run for something statewide. This could probably be his best opening.

Dave Loebsack is also possible, as is ex-Gov. Chet Culver.

Loebsack is too old, a poor compaigner and has struggled to win big even in a heavily Democratic district.  

[Miles]

Dave Loebsack is also possible, as is ex-Gov. Chet Culver.

Culver left office very unpopular.

Branstad was also unpopular at the start of his current term. PPP actually had  Culver winning a rematch in an April 2011 poll.

Dave Loebsack is also possible, as is ex-Gov. Chet Culver.

Culver left office very unpopular.

Does anyone know why?

Eh, he was basically in over his head; the recession didn't help, either.

[Gass3268]

How much do you guys think his decision was made over not getting the bigger filibuster reforms that he was helping to push?

Also Steve King really fits the Republican electorate of Iowa better then Latham. If King runs I don't see him losing in a primary. 

[Miles]

How much do you guys think his decision was made over not getting the bigger filibuster reforms that he was helping to push?

He also voted against the fiscal cliff deal from the left. It just seems like he's been on the losing end of too many things lately.

[RogueBeaver]

Per Twitter Latham is interested, ditto former US Attorney Matt Whitaker. Could be a messy primary.

[Talleyrand]

I don't see Latham giving up ten terms of seniority in a relatively comfortable House seat at the age of sixty-six to run in an election which he would probably have an even shot of winning (then again Ed Markey is running despite being in a similar situation...). I'm also guessing Steve King is blowing hot air rather than actually being serious about a run.

I think Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds may run, or possibly Matt Shultz, the Secretary of State. He's only thirty-three and could have a long future in Iowa politics.

As for the Democrats, I think Braley will run and clear the field.

[DrScholl]

The GOP nomination belongs to Steve King, the only real question is who will be the Democrat to face him.

[Talleyrand]

The GOP nomination belongs to Steve King, the only real question is who will be the Democrat to face him.

I really don't think we should take for granted that this Tea Party phenomenon of nominating radical loudmouths over mainstream establishment types will continue. Otherwise, we'll get caught napping in the same situation Republicans were the last two cycles. 

[Gass3268]

The GOP nomination belongs to Steve King, the only real question is who will be the Democrat to face him.

I really don't think we should take for granted that this Tea Party phenomenon of nominating radical loudmouths over mainstream establishment types will continue. Otherwise, we'll get caught napping in the same situation Republicans were the last two cycles. 

Until it stops happening I think we have to assume it will happen. Also Steve King fits the Republican electorate in Iowa. He probably wouldn't struggle to win.

[Antonio the Sixth]

That's really sad.

[wan]

Sen. Harkin has been a progressive warrior from day one. He will be missed. I hope the citizens of Iowa elect someone worthy of his seat.

[NewYorkExpress]

Anyone think that Tom or Christie Vilsack would run? (espcially Christie)

[DrScholl]

I really don't think we should take for granted that this Tea Party phenomenon of nominating radical loudmouths over mainstream establishment types will continue. Otherwise, we'll get caught napping in the same situation Republicans were the last two cycles.  

Steve King represents Western Iowa, which is where the bulk of the primary electorate will come from. Rather the Tea Party is relevant or not, he has a regional advantage in the primary.

[Gass3268]

Anyone think that Tom or Christie Vilsack would run? (espcially Christie)

A statewide Christie Vilsack vs Steve King rematch would be nice to see!

[Iosif]

I've met Steve King. He was thoroughly pleasant.

[Stranger in a strange land]

Ideally, I'd rather Branstead go for this and give up the Governor's seat.

You're just worried about some untested GOPer saying something stupid about rape 3 weeks before the election.

Don't be bitter.

I didn't pull that out of nowhere. It cost you 2 seats that should have been in the bag last year.

Yeah, I know to what you're referring. That wasn't the point.

Guys, truth be told, if I were a Republican I'd be more worried about Steve King saying something stupid about rape right before the election than some random teabagger state legislator.

[Zioneer]

Is Braley progressive? The DailyKos crowd doesn't seem to like him, but browsing through his Wiki page, he seems fine, if not as much of a left-populist as Harkin.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

So Harkin will serve out his 30 years without becoming senior Senator. Exactly like Fulbright (though I believe Hollings is a record holder, being junior Senator for all but two of his 38 years in the Senate, but at least he got these two years.)

[CatoMinor]

Dave Loebsack is also possible, as is ex-Gov. Chet Culver.

Culver left office very unpopular.

Does anyone know why?

One Iowa Dem who voted Brandstad that I know once mentioned "Culver has his head too far up union asses".

[Tayya]

A loss for Iowa and the United States.