There will be a special election in Linn Co, IA, that will determine the balance of the state

[Skidmore]

senate on November 8. The Democratic Party candidate will likely be Liz Mathis.

http://wcfcourier.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/update-former-kwwl-kcrg-anchor-liz-mathis-said-to-be/article_5be4fb66-e3dd-11e0-b11a-001cc4c002e0.html

The Republican field will be crowded until a convention is held to weed them out.

http://easterniowagovernment.com/2011/09/22/conventions-mark-beginning-of-senate-seat-battle/

Branstad was successful in getting the Dem state senator from that district to accept an appointment to the Utilities Board.

He's creating gridlock and doing a Hail Mary pass so that Dems are neutralized in this state. Iowa could use some attention right now.