Rob Hogg (file photo)

Rob Hogg (file photo)

There are now three Democrats seeking the party’s nomination to challenge U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley next year. State Senator Rob Hogg of Cedar Rapids officially entered the race today.

Former state lawmakers Bob Krause of Fairfield and Tom Fiegen of Clarence are also running for the Democratic nomination, as they did in 2010.

“So, I’m the underdog in that (primary) race,” Hogg said. “I’m also the underdog if I get the nomination in the general election. Senator Grassley has a 42-year head start on me. So, I’m going to do my best to try and catch up and get out and meet as many Iowans as I can.” The 82-year-old Grassley is seeking his seventh term in the U.S. Senate. Hogg launched his campaign at a city park in Callendar, located in Webster County.

The 48-year-old Hogg said one reason he’s running is because he wants to address climate change. “None of us asked for this problem, but we cannot afford to ignore it. Climate change has real costs and real consequences for real people. And the science tells us it will get worse until we take significant action,” Hogg said. Hogg is a lawyer in Cedar Rapids and has spent 13 years in the Iowa Legislature. If elected to the U.S. Senate, Hogg plans to fight for campaign finance reform.

“We need to reduce the influence of big money and renew the power of citizens in our campaign process,” Hogg said. Hogg will be making several campaign stops around the state on Wednesday and Thursday.

(Thanks to Sarah Boden, Iowa Public Radio)