CUMMING, Iowa (AP) -- U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin on Monday formally opened his bid for a fifth term as a "proud Democrat" but said he'll use his seniority in Congress to lessen the partisan gridlock in Washington that has frustrated voters.
Lacking a big-name Republican opponent and with his Democratic base firmly united, Harkin opened his campaign by reaching out to independents and Republicans.
"The changes we need in our country are going to require us to work together," Harkin said. "I've had my share of partisan battles in the past. I'm proud of the fact that I've worked together with Republicans to get things done and that's what we're going to have to do in the future."
Harkin said he expected a tough race given Iowa's history.
"Regardless of who my opponent finally will be, I know they're going to do everything they can to throw the kitchen sink at me," said Harkin. "Iowa is a very competitive state. It's always been a competitive state."
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Harkin announced his bid at a rally in his hometown of Cumming before about 200 cheering backers. He then planned to fly around the state to make similar announcements in Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Mason City, Sioux City and Council Bluffs.
Harkin, 68, is one of the most durable Democratic politicians in the state's history. After serving as a Navy pilot in the Vietnam era, Harkin returned to Iowa and lost a 1972 race for Congress. He ousted an incumbent Republican in the Watergate-driven 1974 election, and served for 10 years in Congress.
In 1984, he knocked off incumbent Republican Sen. Roger Jepsen in the same election in which Ronald Reagan swept to a second term in the White House and easily carried Iowa. Since then, Republicans have made Harkin a top target whenever he's run for re-election, and he has dispatched a string of GOP congressmen in bruising and expensive campaigns.
Although the race has just officially begun, Harking already has spent $1.5 million and has more than $3.3 million in the bank, according to Federal Election Commission reports.
