IA: Quinnipiac: Branstad popular, favored for 2014

[LeBron]

We still need to wait for more clear standings in this race before this is safe R, but this can be shifted for now to likely R. Branstad is more likely to run than isn't, but in a sort of surprising scenario where he wouldn't run, Republicans are stuck with either Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds or Tom Hoefling leaving Democrats to have a good chance at this race if Culver decides for another run.

[LeBron]

Olson is dropping out of the Democratic primary reportedly due to family issues while Bob Krause declines a run in an effort to avoid a brutal primary and rally around State Sen. Jack Hatch.

So all of those legislators and unions that endorsed Olson might be coming around for Hatch, but they might hold it out for awhile longer in case Culver decides for a run at the last minute. And although Branstad is still fundraising for a likely run, Iowa Democrats can still hope for the best.

[LeBron]

Huge news, but Branstad's entry into the race was expected.

Branstad himself has already raised $4.1 million for the race with Hatch's numbers still unsure, but would surely need A LOT to be competitive against Branstad. Branstad is facing the 2012 America's Party candidate, Tom Hoefling, in the GOP primary and Jack Hatch is facing a bus driver who's name isn't even worth mentioning in the Democratic primary. I'm still a bit edgy calling this safe R, but I think it's that time, unfortunately.