From DesMoinesRegister.com:

Today marks the unofficial beginning of the true campaign season, when hundreds of candidates for Iowa’s House and Senate shift their efforts into high gear.

With Democratic Gov. Chet Culver trailing in double digits behind Republican Terry Branstad, Iowa GOP hopes are high that a Republican sweep in the Iowa Statehouse is on the political horizon.

Republicans would need to gain seven seats in the House and eight seats in the Senate to regain a majority.

“What we’re finding is that there are more races in play rather than fewer,” said House Minority Leader Kraig Paulsen, R-Hiawatha. “The environment is very favorable for conservatives and Republicans.”

Legislative races, however, tend to be more localized and personal – and less affected by voters’ reaction to the candidates at the top of the ticket.

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