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Iowa Republicans seek to seize Senate control

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August 10th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Just two more seats in the state Senate could give Iowa Republicans complete legislative control for the first time in nearly 20 years, kicking off a new era for conservative policies like tax cuts or abortion restrictions.

But capturing those seats could be a challenge for the GOP, given that there are limited competitive races and Democrats have staved off similar attempts in the past. Currently Democrats hold a 26 to 24 majority in the Senate chamber. Republicans have a solid majority in the state House, with 53 seats to the Democratic 47. That chamber is viewed as likely to remain in GOP hands.

Still, Senate Republican leaders say they’re optimistic about their chances this fall, when half the seats in the 50-member Senate are up.