Ia_home

Osterberg is relying on free media and only budgeting $25,000 for what he calls a "David and Goliath" campaign. Grassley isn't taking anything for granted, though. He has visited all 99 counties in the state and participated in three debates. In a September poll, Grassley led Osterberg 65% to 21% with 18% still undecided (The Iowa Poll/Des Moines Register, 3.5% margin of error).

There has been little contact between the candidates. An early Grassley ad, running 60-seconds, didn't mention his opponent's name or any of the popular campaign issues. But that hasn't stopped Osterberg froattempting to engage the three-term Senior Senator in debate. Osterberg has attacked Grassley's support of the Freedom to Farm Act. Grassley defends his vote, to phase out the farming subsidies, arguing it end to federal restrictions on planting options.

Grassley refuses to comment on the Clinton investigation, saying only, "...I think even asking for resignation, to some extent, hurts my credibility as an impartial juror if we ever get articles of impeachment."

Barring the unexpected in Iowa, Grassley should ride his wave of popularity to re-election.

When longtime Republican Governor Terry Branstad announced his retirement, former GOP Congressman Jim Ross Lightfoot jumped into the race. He has been the frontrunner ever since and is favored to beat Democratic State Senator Tom Vilsack.

Lightfoot had a head start. Just two years ago, he carried 47% of the vote statewide and nearly unseated Senator Tom Harkin (D). He has Branstad's endorsement and former President Bush stumped for him earlier this year.

The centerpiece of Lightfoot's campaign this year is his "5 by 5" plan to cut taxes 5% in 5 years. Vilsack, who has the support of organized labor and the Iowa Farm Bureau, claims that Lightfoot's proposed tax cut is too deep and would cut into education funding. He ha proposed his own cut in property taxes and spending gambling profits on schools repairs.

The race seems to be on the right track for Lightfoot. Vilsack is inching upward in public polls, but Lightfoot has been holding above 50% all year, and he has a financial edge heading in to the final stretch. The Republicans should be able to hold this open seat.