Iowa (6/23/06)

...and we're back! Hello to all two people who read my blog (but I hope that my predicted figure is way off). Anyway, onto the Senate! Senator Tom Harkin is beloved by the people of Iowa and is a perfect fit for them in the Senate. That being said, he probably isn't as safe for reelection as he ought to be. The GOP has some good candidates in this swing state, with current gubernatorial nominee Congressman Jim Nussle at the helm. He is currently locked in a dead heat with Secretary of State Chet Culver for that Democratically-held seat. If Nussle loses, look for him to run in 2008. If he wins this year, the GOP is in a bit more trouble than they would be otherwise. Congressman Steve King, looked at as a rising star in his party, could give Harkin a tough battle. But no matter who the Republicans put up, Harkin is probably safe (he has a 16% net approval rating). Nonetheless, this could get interesting.

Potential Dem Candidates: Senator Tom Harkin (http://harkin.senate.gov/)

Potential GOP Candidates: Congressman Steve King (http://www.kingforcongress.com/)
Congressman Jim Nussle (http://www.jimnussle.com/)

Current Rating: Weak Dem