In a surprise twist, national Republicans have begun to express more concern about King than neighboring GOP Rep. Tom Latham. Part of the reason is that with former Iowa First Lady Christie Vilsack running, this feels like Iowa's second incumbent vs. incumbent race. Another is that King doesn't seem to be doing much to reach out to independent voters, either in person or in his Fred Davis-produced ads. Vilsack has gained some ground by hitting King for failing to sign a discharge petition for the Farm Bill, and both sides' polling show a very close race. But this is still a slightly GOP-leaning seat, and GOP Gov. Terry Branstad (who hails from the more Democratic portion of the 4th CD) is now coming in to help King.
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