The Eye

Fiegen - who criticized Grassley as being too soft on the financial services industry - also supports increased consumer protections for credit card and mortgage holders.

After serving as a Democratic state senator in 2001 and 2002, he made two more unsuccessful attempts at a state legislative seat.

Fiegen faces a tough race iagainst the well-funded five-term incumbent. Grassley had more than $3.8 million in campaign funds as of the end of June.

But Fiegen thinks voters might be feeling a disconnect from Grassley because of statements during the past few months that have attracted controversy, such as suggestions that AIG executives either “resign or go commit suicide” or that people who want quality health care should “go work for the federal government.”

“They’re wondering if this is the same Chuck Grassley that has represented them in Washington since 1975,” he said.

Another Democrat, Bob Krause, chairman of the Iowa Democratic Veterans Caucus and also a former state legislator, also announced an exploratory committee to challenge Grassley in March. He has raised $5,175 in the 2009-2010 election cycle as of the end of June.

CQ Politics currently rates the general election race as Safe Republican.

To see how the 2010 Senate races are shaping up, check out the CQ Politics’ election map.

— Anne L. Kim