Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin’s decision to retire at the end of this Congress after serving five terms has created an opening for Republicans in this swing state. With the primary behind them, Republicans are positioned to make the most of that opportunity. State Sen. Joni Ernst took 56 percent to win the nomination on June 3. If no candidate had gotten 35 percent of the vote, the nomination would have gone to a convention, which was something Republican strategists wanted to avoid. The party has now united around Ernst’s candidacy. Democrats settled on their nominee, U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley, early. Braley is a solid recruit, but he has taken several missteps, including insulting Sen. Chuck Grassley, who is very popular in the state. He will also to defend his voting record, including his vote for the Affordable Care Act, at a time when President Obama’s job approval ratings are upside down. While the state is competitive, Republicans have struggled here in recent years. Ernst ran a very strong primary race, and strategists hope that the prospect of electing the state’s
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