It sounds like Christie Vilsack may have been the mystery candidate who was poised to give Chuck Grassley the race of his life. Vilsack, wife to former Governor and current Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, told WHO-TV that she's strongly considering the race, although not fully committed yet:
"I am honored that people would think of me in that way and would talk to me about running for any office and I think I'm well-qualified to run," Vilsack said. "I think I'm qualified to serve, so time will tell."
Vilsack isn't ready to jump in the race just yet - and she's giving herself enough room to decide not to run.
Although Vilsack hasn't held office herself before, she'd bring name recognition and Beltway connections to the race, putting it squarely on the map for next year -- especially in view of the nosedive in Grassley's approvals in the wake of his health care obstructionism. (H/t Taegan.)
Senator Chuck Grassley is seeking a sixth term in 2010, and Iowa Democrats have never managed to give him a tough re-election race before. However, today Iowa Democratic Party chair Michael Kiernan spoke confidently about a "first-round draft pick" who is ready to run against Grassley, Kay Henderson reported for Radio Iowa.
