Very sad that Harkin is leaving, but he deserves to enjoy his retirement.

I think Bruce Braley is a great candidate for Harkin's seat. Very happy to hear this news.

date and his POV on the major issues of the day? Is he a personable fellow? Does he have a good shot at winning?

I've met him a few times. He is a liberal through and through. He started the Populist Caucus. He is the nicest guy and really cares about people. There is no better person to take Senator Harkin's place. He will do Iowa and this country proud. He has an excellant shot at winning. Especially against Steve King. I can't say enough good things about him.

It's very easy to like someone from afar, but if they love 'em at home, then they're usually a good bet and have staying power--which is important in the Senate.

and I am thrilled that he is running. I was hoping he would contend for Grassley's seat, but the speculation is that Harkin has been grooming him for awhile.

He is pretty middle of the road on politics (being from Iowa you would think so). He has really not stepped out on any issue, but he has run several budget discussions in his district with the voters, and I do like his approach (putting the situation on the table and discussing what needs to happen).

I think he has a pretty good shot. We have had some shifting in Congressional districts and he has still been able to win. He has good exposure in the eastern half of the state. He is young (or looks young) and very personable. I have not been around too many politicians besides him (and that was only at a couple of meetings). I know my favorite local band, Checker and Bluetones, will be 100% behind him. I think he has pretty good union support. He sister-in-law is a teacher (taught both of my kids).

He needs to define himself better (pick some issues and push them). I have proposed removing the cap on Social Security as an equity argument, but he has not bitten. Education could be another area (one of my other interests). Science could be another area (especially if looney toon fundamentalist Steve King runs - one who has never heard of a pregnancy resulting from a rape fame).

can step in and convince his constituents to vote for him/her?

I don't know how good our bench is in that regard. I am thinking through some of our state legislators around here, and I can't come up with a name. On the other hand I am not that politically aware, and I may be missing someone.

Especially if King is the GOP nominee.

will not play well in the eastern half of the state. Anybody got a read on how the western urban half will vote?

Is the best choice for Iowans. I forget which progressive group it was that mailed a solicitation letter for Democratic challengers a few years ago and Bruce Braley was one of those on the list. It looked like a long shot because this district was long represented by the likes of H. R. Gross and Chuck Grassley but he has proven to be a winner. I liked Braley then and I like him now. That is why I sent him a contribution in his first run for Congress.