Christie Vilsack Moves Toward King Challenge
By Shira Toeplitz
Roll Call Staff
April 20, 2011, 1:05 p.m.
Rep. Steve King is likely to face a costly showdown with former Iowa first lady Christie Vilsack in 2012.
Less than 24 hours after Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad (R) signed off on the state’s new redistricting plan, Christie Vilsack (D) announced she's exploring a Congressional campaign in the redrawn 4th district — taking the first step of an expected candidacy.
In a statement, Vilsack said she will move to the district next month to begin exploring running. She launched a campaign website on Wednesday.
“The decision to run for Congress deserves serious consideration," she said. "It’s important to listen to Iowa families about the issues they want addressed in Congress. ... Input from fellow Iowans will help me make the best decision and will give our state a campaign focused on collaboration and results, encouraging a new way to do business in Washington.”
The contest between Vilsack, the wife of former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack (D), and Rep. Steve King, a five-term conservative Republican, sets up a clash of political titans in in northwest Iowa and a race that will likely draw a great deal of interest — and dollars — from national groups.
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