Not so long ago, Iowa was considered a solid Senate seat for the Democrats to retain following the retirement of hard-left Senator Tom Harkin.  But no more.  As an article on the latest Des Moines Register polling put it, “The ground under Bruce Braley has shifted.” Joni Ernst, who rose to prominence with a primary campaign ad touting her farming experience castrating hogs as good preparation for cutting pork in Washington, has opened a solid lead. Jennifer Jacobs writes: Ernst leads 44 percent to 38 percent in a race that has for months been considered deadlocked. She leads nearly 4-1 with rural voters, and is up double digits with independents. "Very interesting, and good news not just for Ernst but also for the GOP's chances of taking the U.S. Senate," said national political prognosticator Larry Sabato of "Sabato's Crystal Ball." The race is not in the bag with a month and a half remaining, but the trend is strong...(Read Full Post)