Rep. Tom Latham Opts Against Iowa Senate Run

U.S. Rep. Tom Latham, R-Iowa, speaks to supporters during an election night rally after defeating U.S. Rep. Leonard Boswell, D-Iowa, in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in Des Moines, Iowa.... U.S. Rep. Tom Latham, R-Iowa, speaks to supporters during an election night rally after defeating U.S. Rep. Leonard Boswell, D-Iowa, in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in Des Moines, Iowa. Latham moved into the 3rd district after the once-a-decade redrawing of boundaries left him in a district with another Republican incumbent. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) MORE LESS
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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.

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