(DES MOINES) – Former US Attorney Matt Whitaker shared his intentions to seek the Republican nomination for the open United States Senate seat in November 2014. Whitaker, who was a guest Monday afternoon on a Des Moines talk radio station, announced he is taking the necessary steps to run for the seat being vacated by Senator Tom Harkin’s retirement. Whitaker becomes the first Republican to officially state he will be a candidate in the Senate race.

“I am taking the steps to run for the United States Senate,” Whitaker said. “I will have the official campaign announcement on June 3.” Whitaker, who has been married for 20 years, said his wife and children support his Senate run. “They understand the challenges facing our country and state,” Whitaker said. “This is going to be a big election about big ideas.” The Republican Senate candidate said he is excited to travel across Iowa and meet with primary voters. “Let’s talk about the issues,” Whitaker said. “Common sense solutions are going to win in the primary election and November 2014.”

(Press Release)