There’s TWO races here that are REALLY exciting, and one is a sleeper that’s gathering SERIOUS momentum. It now ranks as my highest endorsement in any House race in the country.

The first exciting one, of course, is the Kerry race. As I noted this morning, Iowa is tied in the presidential polls, at 45%-45%. The Incumbent Rule would favor Kerry among those still undecided.

Senate: Charles Grassley (R) is a shoo-in.

House: There are two of note here.

IOWA 3 — Leonard L. Boswell, D is the incumbent, who won 53% of the vote in 2002. He’s in a politically competitive district that includes Des Moines, facing a rematch with GOP lawyer Stan Thompson. The district leans Democratic. I’ve seen no polling here, and no controversies.

IOWA 4th– Paul Johnson would be a pickup for the Dems in a race that he’s run beautifully against a 10-year incumbent. The district is about a 39-39 split in party registration and the Des Moines Register endorsement on his site is one of the strongest and most eloquent I’ve seen for anyone, and very notably, the paper endorsed Latham last time.

His blogger, Kirk, wrote to me today:

“93% of Paul’s money is from individual contributions - certainly not as much as Latham (who has taken in nearly a mil from PACS), but we’ve got ads running on tv, thousands of letters going out, and just this morning the endorsement from the Des Moines Register. Last week he got an
unexpected endorsement from the Ames Tribune, which has yet to endorse a democratic candidate (above sheriff). That was a true momentum shifter.

This is such a winnable race, we just need the exposure. Latham has done nothing but vote the Bush line, has defended his taking PAC monies by saying “I don’t take money from someone unless they come into my office with an Iowan.” Incredible stuff, the power of incumbency. We’re doing a last-push online drive for money to run more ads on television….. they’re simple but clever and have had a great reception in the district.

A recent poll had us only 3-4 points behind, which is wonderful news considering the recent endorsements and big slate of events coming up in the next few days. I’ve even got Paul on stage with Leonardo DiCaprio Thursday

I’d encourage you to read his bio, the Des Moines Register endorsement and the Ames Tribune endorsement (in the latter, I love the ‘man on the moon’ reference). Jon Bon Jovi will also be appearing with DiCaprio.

This is the type of committed progressive candidate with a serious successful record that’s rare to find and a joy to back: a true conservationist, a commitment to alternative energy that is bold, visionary and practical, who strikes the right tone in conversation that immediately appeals to people.

As well, ‘Democracy for Iowa’ just gave his blog a ‘best blog’ award. This part doesn’t surprise me, as Kirk is his blogger, and Kirk runs his own exceptional blog, ‘American Amnesia’ , which I was previously familiar with.

If you’re not tapped out from donating, this is one where your money is needed to keep the ads running. Check them out. Read his essays and editorials, too, like the one titled ‘Iowa — Portrait of the Land’.

Those who complain of a party that’s too centrist aren’t likely to find a better guy to back: a sensible progressive, not an extremist. I urge you to help him get elected.