Former Iowa first lady Vilsack won't challenge Grassley

Former Iowa first lady Christie Vilsack announced today she will not be a candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2010.

“I have decided not to run for the United States Senate in 2010,” Mrs. Vilsack said in a statement issued today.

“I will continue my work with the Iowa Initiative to Prevent Unintended Pregnancy and will be active in our party and across the state in issues that affect the quality of life for all Iowans,” she added. “While I will not be a candidate for office in 2010, never doubt I am committed to a life of service and to Iowa.”

Christie Vilsack served as Iowa's first lady from 1999 to 2007. Her husband, Tom, served two terms as governor and currently is U.S. agriculture secretary in the Obama administration after attempting a failed 2008 presidential bid.

Mrs. Vilsack's name had surfaced among the list of possible Democrats who could challenge GOP incumbent Charles Grassley in next year's election. Des Moines attorney Roxanne Conlin, former state Sen. Tom Fiegen and Fairfield Democrat Bob Krause has expressed interest in seeking their party's nomination to challenge Grassely in 2010.

“Committing to a campaign for the U.S. Senate next year requires more than the confidence that I have the right experience, the necessary support and the resources to be successful,” Mrs. Vilsack said. “It must come with an understanding that it is the best way for me serve our state and my fellow Iowans in the most effective way possible at this time.”

She added that she is “flattered and humbled” by the requests from Democrats, independents and even some Republicans to consider running. “My careful consideration of the opportunity to represent Iowa in the Senate was done with great respect for those who came to me and the office itself,” she said.