Rep. Bruce Braley (D-IA) announced in an email to supporters he will run in 2014 for the Senate seat left open by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA).
On Jan. 26th, Harkin announced he will retire at the end of this term.
"It's a big responsibility to represent the people of Iowa in the United States Senate, especially after Tom Harkin has shown us how for the last 30 years," Braley said in the email. "But, if you are willing to help me, I'm ready to go. That's why today, I'm setting up a committee to run for the U.S. Senate. Just as Sen. Harkin did when he first ran, I'll need to meet a lot of Iowans outside of my district. I'll pledge to them, just like the people of Eastern Iowa that I will listen, work hard, and get things done for Iowa's middle class.
"It's time to start a conversation with Iowans - about rebuilding the middle class, creating economic opportunity for everyone, and keeping America strong. I'm looking forward to the conversation and I'm looking forward to meeting with you. We will kick off the conversations with a Facebook chat in the next few weeks."
The top two Republicans mentioned in the race are uber-conservative Rep. Steve King and Rep. Tom Latham.
