Report: Bruce Braley Considering Run for Iowa Governor in 2014

Iowa first-district congressman Bruce Braley is consulting leaders around the state as he considers running for Iowa governorship in 2014, the Des Moines Register reports in an exclusive story.

It could make an interesting match-up if Gov. Terry Branstad, a Republican, seeks re-election, which he is considering but hasn't committed. Branstad is Iowa's longest serving governor, while Braley, a 55-year-old attorney, is an up-and-comer on the Democratic side.

Braley is fresh off a convincing 15 percentage point win in November against Ben Lange, a businessman from Independence, to earn a fourth term in Congress.

Former Iowa Gov. Chet Culver, a Democrat, is also considering a run for governor.

The Register has spoken with several leaders who say they have spoken with Braley about the possibility, including Bill Dotzler, a Democratic state senator from Waterloo. The Register reports Braley has several more meetings scheduled.

“I think he’s looking at his future and the inability of Congress to accomplish anything,” Dotzler, who was approached by Braley for his thoughts, told the Des Moines Register.

“I think it would be a great move for him, and I think he could win,” Dotzler said, while emphasizing he is still open to supporting other Democrats who might run.

Braley, however, dismissed the notion that he may run for Iowa governor, telling the Register “Not today."