First lady will campaign in Iowa for Bruce Braley

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — First Lady Michelle Obama will campaign in Iowa next month for Democratic Senate candidate Bruce Braley, his campaign said Wednesday.

Obama will appear at an event in October, but the Braley campaign said details on the date and location have not been worked out.

Braley, a four-term congressman from Waterloo, is locked in a tight race with Republican Joni Ernst. They are vying for retiring Sen. Tom Harkin’s seat. Harkin, a Democrat, has held the office for 30 years.

Republicans are hoping to win in Iowa in their drive for the six-seat gain they need to grab the Senate majority.

The popular first lady appeared for the first time on the 2014 campaign trail earlier this week in Georgia on behalf of Democratic Senate candidate Michelle Nunn. That seat is also considered critical in the battle over Senate control. During a speech in Atlanta, Obama encouraged voter turnout and said the last two years of her husband’s presidency would be a struggle with a Republican Senate.

Braley, 56, has argued that he’s the candidate to carry on Harkin’s agenda in Washington, touting his experience advocating for seniors and veterans. Ernst, 44, of Red Oak, has promoted her farm upbringing and her role serving in the Iowa National Guard.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up