Why Is Grassley Running for a Seventh Term?

[PAK Man]

Even if Grassley did retire, I highly doubt the field would be clear for his grandson. The rumors I keep hearing are that Bill Northey, state ag secretary, really wants the seat, and will probably go for it once it gets open.

The theory I most believe is that Northey will run for senate once Grassley retires and Pat Grassley will then run for state ag secretary.

Among the other prominent Republicans in the state, I don't see King running for it (I think even he knows he can't win statewide in Iowa, plus he knows he'd never get support from the national party). Latham's probably done with politics. Reynolds is clearly being groomed as Branstad's successor (she's the most active lieutenant governor the state has ever seen). And I don't really think Paul Pate (SoS) or Mary Mosiman (Auditor) are really interested in the promotion. Ditto for David Young.