Cook Moves Iowa to Toss-Up

The Cook Political Report has moved the Iowa Senate race pitting Republican Joni Ernst against liberal Democrat Bruce Braley to the Toss Up category.

With Tom Harkin retiring, Republicans appear to be united behind a surging Ernst, while Braley has stumbled. “Braley is a solid recruit, but he has taken several missteps, including insulting Sen. Chuck Grassley, who is very popular in the state.”

Polling has the race tied, the Republican Governor Terry Branstad will also be on the ballot – which is thought to be a plus for Ernst.

Democrats are looking to portray Ernst as too conservative for Iowa and have called her “the Sarah Palin of Iowa.” The result has been a rise in her polling numbers.