The potential list for Republican Senate candidates just got a little smaller. Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds in an email to supporters this afternoon said that she will not be running for the U.S. Senate seat that will be vacant after Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) retires. I’m not surprised by this decision. The Republican field is still pretty uncertain. Congressman Steve King (R-IA) is mulling it over, Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz could still be a contender. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey (though I don’t think he’ll run) and former U.S. District Attorney Matt Whitaker also could be in the mix. So they haven’t ruled it out, but haven’t jumped either. You can read the email below:
Dear Friends,
When Governor Branstad chose me as his Lieutenant Governor in 2010, I was honored to be a part of a team that would put our state back on track with a focus on job creation, making our schools the best in the nation, and restoring stability and predictability within Iowa’s budget.
Thanks to your support and your help, we are well on our way.
We inherited a $900 million budget gap and turned it around into a significant ending balance. Our innovative education reform measures continue advancing through the Legislature, and once signed into law, our students will receive the world-class education they deserve. This year, we expect to enact major property tax reforms that will reduce property taxes for all classes of property.
I am proud to Chair the Governor’s Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) initiative, where thousands of Iowa students are gaining the knowledge and skills they need to compete in a 21st Century economy.
And just today – the Governor and I attended a groundbreaking for a new Facebook facility, while Google announced another multi-million-dollar expansion. Since the governor and I were elected, we have seen more than $6 billion in capital investments in Iowa – and we are just getting started!
Governor Branstad and I still have a lot we want to accomplish on behalf you, the people of Iowa.
That’s why, after serious and thoughtful discussions with family, friends, supporters and constituents, I have decided to remain as Lieutenant Governor and will not seek a seat in the United States Senate.
I appreciate all the support, prayers and well-wishes you have given me as I have considered a run for U.S. Senate. I truly believe that my focus needs to remain on being Lieutenant Governor and working with Governor Branstad as we continue to move Iowa forward.
Thanks, and I look forward to visiting with you in your community soon.
Sincerely,
Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds
Photo credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr (CC-By-SA 2.0)