Senator Tom Harkin's move opens up a rare Senate seat in Iowa, and it has both Democrats and Republicans already speculating who will fill it.More >> Senator Tom Harkin's move opens up a rare Senate seat in Iowa, and it has both Democrats and Republicans already speculating who will fill it.More >> Rep. Bruce Braley is considering a run for U.S. Senate in 2014.More >> Rep. Bruce Braley is considering a run for U.S. Senate in 2014.More >> Senator Tom Harkin has released a statement regarding his decision to not seek re-election in 2014.More >> Senator Tom Harkin has released a statement regarding his decision to not seek re-election in 2014.More >> President Obama made this statement Saturday after learning of Senator Tom Harkin's decision not to run for re-election in 2014.More >> President Obama made this statement Saturday after learning of Senator Tom Harkin's decision not to run for re-election in 2014.More >> U.S. Representative Bruce Braley issued a statement on Sen. Tom Harkin's decision to not run for re-election in 2014.More >> U.S. Representative Bruce Braley issued a statement on Sen. Tom Harkin's decision to not run for re-election in 2014.More >>
Iowa Senator Tom Harkin said he will not seek re-election in 2014.
The 73-year-old told The Associated Press in an interview, "It's just time to step aside."
By the time Harkin would finish a sixth term, he would be 81 years old.
Harkin said it would also allow a new generation of Democrats to seek higher office.
The announcement comes as a surprise, considering he had $2.7 million in his campaign war chest and was planning a fundraiser next month.
Harkin played a lead role in urging the U.S. Senate's more liberal members to back the 2010 health care bill.
