Rep. Tom Latham (R-IA) announced Wednesday his intention not to run for the Senate seat currently held by retiring Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA).
“The opportunity to serve Iowa in the U.S. Senate is appealing to this farm kid who grew up here, raised a family here, and helped grow a family business in Iowa. I love Iowa,” Latham said in an email to supporters. “However, only 56 days ago I took an oath to ‘faithfully discharge the duties’ of an office with which the people of Iowa’s Third Congressional District entrusted to me. I cannot in good conscience launch a two-year statewide campaign that will detract from the commitment I made to the people who elected me, at a time when our nation desperately needs less campaigning and more leadership.”
Latham’s decision leaves the door wide open for Tea Party favorite Rep. Steve King (R-IA), who has not yet announced a run. On the Democratic side, Rep. Bruce Braley (D-IA) announced earlier this month that he is forming a campaign committee, adding that he is “ready” to run.