Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) will not run for re-election in 2014. Harkin, now 73, first ran for a Senate seat in 1984, but despite his tenure, Harkin is junior to Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA). Sen. Harkin said in a statement, "When the current Congress is over, I will have served in the United States House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate for a total of 40 years. After 40 years, I just feel it's somebody else's turn."

This leaves the field open to candidates from both parties. Politico is reporting that Republican State Chairman A.J. Spiker said, "'Iowa is so purple. It's just a really purple state. Our nominee will be well positioned."' 

Politico is also reporting that Rep. Bruce Braley (D-IA) is likely expected to put his name in as the Democratic candidate. The same news organization is reporting that Rep. Tom Latham (R-IA) and Rep. Steve King (R-IA) are likely Republican candidates.

President Obama also released a statement about the senator's decision. The president said, "During his tenure, he has fought passionately to improve quality of life for Americans with disabilities and their families, to reform our education system and ensure that every American has access to affordable health care."

Harkin has two years left in the Senate. According to the senator's release, he plans on tackling various issues, including education and employment of disabled Americans.

 

Read the full Politico article here.

Read the senator's release here.

View the senator's website here.

 

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