Longtime Iowa Senator Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, announced Saturday that he will not seek a sixth term in the Senate in 2014.
Harkin, who has represented Iowa in the Senate since 1985, attributed his decision not to seek re-election to his desire to spend more time with his wife and to pass the torch to a younger generation of lawmakers.
“More than 40 years ago, I came to Washington with a simple goal: help people,” Harkin said. “It was that goal that has inspired me throughout my career and one that will continue to inspire my work.”
He added, “Iowans entrusted me with a great responsibility when they first elected me to public office in 1974. It is a responsibility I have never forgotten as I represented them in both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate.”
Harkin said his priorities over the next two years include moving forward with bills to ensure that all Americans are able to achieve the promise of a quality education, working to increase the employment of individuals with disabilities, and ensuring the successful implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
In a statement responding to the announcement, President Barack Obama noted that Harkin has served in the Senate longer than any Democrat in Iowa’s history.
“During his tenure, he has fought passionately to improve quality of life for Americans with disabilities and their families, to reform our education system and ensure that every American has access to affordable health care,” Obama said.
He added, “Senator Harkin will be missed, and Michelle and I join Iowans in thanking him for his long-standing service and wish him and his wife, Ruth, all the best in the future.”
Harkin’s decision potentially puts his Iowa Senate seat in play for Republicans, who will be looking to pick up six seats to retake the majority in the Senate in 2014.
Rob Collins, Executive Director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said the announcement immediately vaults Iowa into the top tier of competitive Senate races.
“With Democrats already on defense in a number of key states such as West Virginia, Louisiana, South Dakota and others, there is no question that this is very troubling news for Harry Reid and his liberal friends in Washington,” Collins said.
Meanwhile, Senator Michael Bennet, D-Col., Chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, said the fact that Harkin has made his decision so early in the cycle gives the party ample time to recruit a strong Democratic candidate for this seat.
“Iowa has a strong record of electing great Democrats, and I’m confident that we will elect a new Democratic senator next November,” Bennet said.
Rep. Bruce Braley, D-Iowa, is seen as the early frontrunner for the Democratic nomination, while Reps. Tom Latham, R-Iowa, and Steve King, R-Iowa, are seen as possible candidates on the Republican side.
Harkin’s announcement came a day after Georgia Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., announced that he would not seek re-election in 2014 amid dissatisfaction with the gridlock in Washington.
Earlier this month, West Virginia Senator Jay Rockefeller, D-W.V., announced that he will not run for re-election in 2014, potentially opening the seat to Republicans.
by RTT Staff Writer
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