In a switch from the last congressional election, Iowans went to the polls Tuesday and re-elected all six of their incumbent congressmen, sending Democratic U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin to another term and keeping the margin in the U.S. House at three Democrats and two Republicans.

The votes to keep the incumbents in office meant that it will be at least another two years before Iowa elects its first congresswoman. Dem challenger Becky Greenwald and GOP challenger Mariannette Miler-Meeks both lost their races and missed their chances to make Iowa history.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack, who picked up key support in Johnson County two years ago to defeat 30-year Republican incumbent Jim Leach, held on to office in his first re-election battle. He defeated Miller-Meeks, who could not overcome the significant voter turnout in the Iowa City/Coralville area.

Loebsack garnered 57 percent of the vote Tuesday to defeat Miller-Meeks, who was one of two congressional challengers fighting to become the first female elected to Congress. Miller-Meeks said she was caught up in a Democratic wave that began in 2006 and carried into the ballot boxes on Tuesday.

"I think we were positive and focused on the issues, and we came up short," Miller-Meeks said.

U.S. Rep. Steve King, acknowledged that Democratic wave as he discussed how he and 4th District Republican incumbent Tom Latham managed to hold their seats. Latham told supporters his campaign ran its race as if it were 10 points down throughout the general election process. Latham beat Democratic challenger Greenwald with 60 percent of the vote.

"Tom Latham and I swam against the tide," King said. In his fourth election, King accomplished a first in his congressional bids -- he won all 32 counties. "It gives me a sense of accomplishment. Our goal really was shooting for 60 percent and winning all 32 counties."

U.S. Rep. Leonard Boswell's race was the closest one of the night, but he still won easily. Boswell held off GOP challenger Kim Schmett in the 3rd District in capturing 56 percent of the vote.

"We've got a long list of things to do and we are going to get a lot done in the next two years," he said. "And in answer to the question that I am always asked: Yes -- without hesitation -- I will run again."

U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley, a first-term Democrat, won re-election Tuesday by defeating GOP state Sen. Dave Hartsuch with 64 percent of the vote. Republican insiders said Hartsuch lacked the campaign money, staff, infrastructure and party support to ever launch a legitimate challenge.

"He didn't have the money, staff, infrastructure or party support," a GOP insider said. "He didn't have a chance the day he filed his papers."

The sixth Iowa incumbent to claim victory Tuesday was long-time Democratic lawmaker U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin. He defeated GOP challenger Christopher Reed by a 62 percent to 38 percent margin.

"I just wanted to say .... I'm Tom Harkin and I approve this election for a fifth term in the United States Senate," Harkin said. "Indeed, this is a historic night for Iowa ... and it looks like it will be for our nation, as well.

My fellow Iowans, you have spoken. You have turned out in record numbers and you have once again placed your trust in me. For that, I am eternally grateful, humbled ... and ready to get back to work with a new president and a new congress focused on new priorities to bring our country together."

Labels: 2008_election