Iowa Third District Congressman Tom Latham says he will not seek Iowa’s open U.S. Senate seat in 2014. Various polls showed Latham as the Republicans best candidate in a general election campaign. Political observers, including Governor Branstad, backed up that data. However, polls also showed fellow Iowa Congressman Steve King with an advantage over Latham in a Republican primary.

Below is the email Latham sent to supporters on Wednesday afternoon:

Dear Friend:

I want to thank you for your continued and faithful friendship and support. I also want to thank you and the many Iowans who have reached out to me with their support and encouragement to enter the race for Iowa’s open U.S. Senate seat in 2014. I cannot tell you how much I appreciated the calls, conversations, emails and notes. I feel truly blessed and humbled to represent in Congress the greatest state and people.

My service to Iowa has never been motivated by titles, accolades or a drive to secure a place for my name in history or on a building. I have always been motivated by a responsibility and commitment to the people of Iowa, who elected me to faithfully work for an America that provides greater freedom and more opportunity for our children and grandchildren.

The opportunity to serve Iowa in the U.S. Senate is appealing to this farm kid who grew up here, raised a family here, and helped grow a family business in Iowa. I love Iowa.

However, only 56 days ago I took an oath to “faithfully discharge the duties” of an office with which the people of Iowa’s Third Congressional District entrusted to me. I cannot in good conscience launch a two-year statewide campaign that will detract from the commitment I made to the people who elected me, at a time when our nation desperately needs less campaigning and more leadership.

Again, thank you for your continued friendship. I ask for your continued support and guidance as we work together for this great nation and her people.

Best-

Tom

Photo by Dave Davidson