On the Campaign Trail with Ed Tibbetts

Democrat Roxanne Conlin jumped into the U.S. Senate race with both feet today. She not only filed papers with the Federal Election Commission, but also unveiled a 2 minute web video that seeks to introduce her to the electorate.

It’s heavy on biography, particularly pointing to meager beginnings as a child and at the start of her married life.

Now, of course, Conlin is a successful attorney.

The video hits on what are likely to be themes of her campaign. Taking on special interests. Washington, D.C. has lost its way and forgotten real people. There’s also an emphasis on creating jobs and on renewable energy.

Interesting: No mention of her groundbreaking 1982 run for Iowa governor.

Conlin was the first woman to be nominated by a major party. She lost to Republican Terry Branstad.

(UPDATE: 11:59 a.m.) Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Matt Strawn responds to Conlin’s announcement.

“Roxanne is out of touch with Iowa. She rails on special interests, yet she was president of one of the biggest special interests known – the American Trial Lawyers Association. As a trial lawyer, Roxanne got the lion’s share of $75 million from a class-action lawsuit that left regular Iowans with $16-29 apiece, according to news reports.  Instead of fighting against special interests, the reality is, Roxanne Conlin is one of them. Roxanne thinks you can just sue your way to economic prosperity, but Iowans know that’s just not the case.  We need solutions to cure our economic woes, not lawsuits.”

Des Moines lawyer Roxanne Conlin apparently is getting ready to join the Democratic field wanting to run against U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa.

Tom Beaumont of the Des Moines Register has the story here.

Conlin tells the Register it’s “more likely than not” she’ll run.

Already, Bob Krause of Fairfield and Tom Fiegen of Clarence are seeking the Democratic nomination.

There’s been growing speculation a well known Democrat would join the race ever since party chair Michael Kiernan said a high powered “first round draft pick” was waiting to run.

Not sure if Conlin was the person Kiernan was speaking of, but she’s certainly a well known Democrat in political circles, and she does bring an ability to raise money.

Of course, it’s been 27 years since she’s been on a statewide ballot. She ran for governor in 1982 against another familiar pol who appears to be looking to make a comeback next year, Terry Branstad.