Latham Defeats Boswell in Congressional Faceoff

Tuesday’s matchup between Republican Congressman Tom Latham and Democratic Congressman Leonard Boswell was one of only two in the country in which redistricting pitted a pair of incumbents against one another.

With 93 percent of precincts reporting, news outlets are calling the race for Latham in the new 3rd District. He has a lead of 52 percent to 44 percent.

"Nothing has been called yet, but you guys are thinning out so I wanted to come down and thank each of you," Latham said as the crowd scattered from the GOP party at the Embassy Suites following the news that President Obama won re-election. 

"I want to continue to bring the voice of Iowa to Washington," Latham said. "We have great problems in this country. … The American dream is in jeopardy. I will continue to listen to each and every one of you no matter your background, or what your political beliefs are."

Boswell, who has faced challengers in previous elections and had less cash to spend than Latham, conceded defeated.

"It's been a privilege to serve my fellow Americans. Thank you," he told Democrat gathered at the Hotel Fort Des Moines to cheer Obama's win of Iowa. 

Boswell, 78, has served for 15 years and Latham, 64, has been in the House of Representatives for 17 years.

Latham had a slight edge in both party registration and fundraising.

Boswell is a traditionally tough campaigner with a reputation for surviving politically tough situations in the past.

“But this is a really tight spot,” the National Journal said earlier this fall. The independent Washington, D.C., political news organization has upgraded the race to the 16th from the 18th most competitive House race in the country.

“Boswell needs to hold onto nearly all of the district's Obama voters to win, and reports suggest Latham is winning enough to his side,” according to the report. “The seat is too evenly split for Republicans to feel comfortable, but Latham is in a good position.”