Congressman Tom Latham
Republican Congressman Tom Latham announced today he will not seek the U.S. Senate seat now held by Democrat Tom Harkin, who plans to retire rather than run for reelection in 2014
“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 wrote 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.”
Congressman Bruce Braley, a Democrat from Waterloo, has already launched a campaign for the U.S. Senate. Republican Congressman Steve King of Kiron has said he is considering a bid for the Senate.
Late this afternoon King released a written statement on his website.
“A potential Senate race remains an analytical decision first and then one that requires deep conviction. Such a decision includes, of course, my family and the best interests of Iowans and Americans,” King said. “It is too big a decision to be rushed.”
(This story was updated at 4:30 p.m. with additional information.)