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Iowa GOP optimistic they could regain majority in Senate

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November 6th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Republicans say they’ll have the pieces in place on Election Day to again take control of the state Legislature. The long-standing goal, if achieved, would enable the party to alter the state’s legislative priorities next year and move unhindered on a conservative agenda.

State GOP leaders are pointing to their party’s voter registration numbers in key district races as a sign of possible success on Tuesday to flip the Senate. Democrats currently have a narrow 25-23 majority in the chamber, and Republicans hold a 57-43 lead in the Iowa House.

Data does show an uptick in voter registration for Republicans this year. Early voting is also down for Democrats compared to 2012. Senate Democrats argue Republicans made similar predictions in 2010, 2012 and 2014, only to fall short.