Report: No 2014 Senate run for Vilsack

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will not run for retiring Sen. Tom Harkin's (D-Iowa) seat in 2014, easing one potential obstacle in Rep. Bruce Braley's (D) pursuit of the nomination.

“He will not seek the open seat" Vilsack aide Matt Paul told The Des Moines Register.

A recent poll showed Vilsack with the highest level of support of all potential contenders tested, with 56 percent of those surveyed saying they saw him as an appealing candidate.

But Paul said Vilsack will focus on his job as Agriculture secretary, instead of making a run for Senate.

Braley is currently the only announced contender for the seat on the Democratic side, and Vilsack's decision not to run makes him the front-runner. 

Republicans will see a fierce primary fight, likely between Reps. Steve King and Tom Latham, though neither has officially launched a campaign.

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