The primary field for Iowa’s U.S. Senate primary is now officially set and candidate Michael Franken is starting to catch fire in the primary election to defeat Senator Charles Grassley.
Franken outraised Finkenauer by almost $250,000 during the first quarter of fundraising this year with only 2% reserved for the general election. More importantly, Franken shows over $200,000 more in cash on hand to spend on paid communications a little over six weeks out from the primary election. Franken’s campaign is currently the only candidate on the airwaves with an ad called, “Lifetime.”
Last week, Pulitzer Prize winner and Storm Lake Times Pilot editor, Art Cullen, offered an assessment of the race after the field was set.
Editorial: Finkenauer survives
Art Cullen // Storm Lake Times Pilot
April 22nd, 2022
“Franken has suddenly become the front-runner. He has TV ads going up. The primary is weeks away and, as Finkenauer has learned, things can change overnight. Franken has picked up a lot of momentum after Finkenauer in the early going won widespread labor support.”
“The other leading Democratic challenger, Mike Franken of Sioux City, is a retired admiral who apparently has things buttoned down. He also outraised Finkenauer $1.4 million to $1.15 million in the quarter ending March 31. Dr. Glenn Hurst of Menlo raised $33,974.”
