As expected, Chuck Grassley successfully fended off a Republican primary challenge from state Sen. Jim Carlin of Sioux City on Tuesday to secure his name on the ballot for Iowa’s US Senate Election in November.
Grassley, 88, will be seeking his eighth term in the US Senate and will face former US Navy Admiral Mike Franken, who won the Democratic primary. Multiple news outlets called it for the long-time legislator who faced his first contested primary since he initially sought the seat in 1980.
The incumbent had a sizable war chest going into the race.
According to the latest Federal Election Commission filings, Grassley had about $4.3 million in cash on hand while Carlin had about $9,800. Grassley also has a fundraising edge over Franken. Franken reported about $250,000 in his last report.
Carlin ran to the right of Grassley and attacked Iowa’s senior senator for certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election, which he falsely believes was stolen from former President Donald Trump.
Although Carlin positioned himself as a pro-Trump conservative; however, the former reality TV star and casino magnate threw his support to Grassley on Sunday—two days before Tuesday’s primary.
“Senator Chuck Grassley is doing a tremendous job representing the Great State of Iowa! During my Administration, Chuck worked closely with me to Appoint and Confirm Judges who Uphold the Rule of Law and Interpret the Constitution as our Founders Intended.
“A Courageous Patriot, Chuck fights to Support our Farmers, Empower Ethanol Producers, Restore American Energy Independence, and Protect Life. Please Get Out and Vote For Chuck Grassley on June 7th—he has my Complete and Total Endorsement!”
by Ty Rushing
06/07/22