IA-04

Christie Vilsack Launches Exploratory House Bid Against Steve King

Eric Kleefeld | April 20, 2011, 1:09PM

Rep. Steve King (R-IA) and former Iowa First Lady Christie Vilsack (D)

Former Iowa First Lady Christie Vilsack, the wife of former governor and current Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, has announced that she is officially exploring a run for Congress -- against the Republican loose cannon Rep. Steve King.

The Des Moines Register reports:

"It's important to listen to Iowa families about the issues they want addressed in Congress," Christie Vilsack said in a statement. "Hearing directly from citizens about their concerns and ideas is very important to me. Too often in campaigns, it's the other way around."

Her "Christie Vilsack for Iowa's 4th Congressional District" website, with a V logo, invites people to give her a headstart on fundraising "as I consider running."

Read more »

IA-SEN

Christie Vilsack Not Running For Senate Against Grassley

Eric Kleefeld | October 26, 2009, 11:25AM

Fmr. Iowa First Lady Christie Vilsack (D)

Former Iowa First Lady Christie Vilsack has announced that she will not run for Senate against five-term incumbent republican Chuck Grassley in 2010, the Des Moines Register reports.

A recent Daily Kos/Research 2000 poll had shown Vilsack trailing Grassley by a margin of 51%-40% -- which was actually pretty good, considering that Grassley has never been re-elected with less than 66% of the vote.

Vilsack said in her statement: "Committing to a campaign for the US Senate next year requires more than the confidence that I have the right experience, the necessary support and the resources to be successful. It must come with an understanding that it is the best way for me serve our State and my fellow Iowans in the most effective way possible at this time."

IA-SEN

Christie Vilsack Considering Run For Senate Against Grassley

Eric Kleefeld | October 14, 2009, 3:48PM

Fmr. Iowa First Lady Christie Vilsack (D)

Former Iowa First Lady Christie Vilsack, wife of former Gov. Tom Vilsack, now says she's considering a run for Senate in 2010 against Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley.

"I think I'm qualified to serve, so time will tell." Vilsack told WHO-TV, the central Iowa NBC station.

"You know, I've spent the last 12 years traveling around the state, developing a relationship with the people of Iowa," she explained, "and I just really appreciate the fact that people have been so supportive in suggesting this. But, as I said, time will tell."

Grassley was first elected in the 1980 Reagan landslide, and has been re-elected by comfortable margins ever since, winning 70% of the vote in 2004.

(Via The Political Carnival.)