I think he does sort of have this patina of independence. But I don't think he is all that independent from the White House.

Needless to say, in some of these districts it's extremely competitive . . . and it's hard to know what to do. What do you do, call these people again to apologize?

Do I agree with everything the governor does? No. But break down the things he has accomplished with education, healthcare and economic growth, and in a politically competitive state that has had wide Republican influence during his terms, and no one could argue that he's been out cutting ribbons.

It struck me that Chuck Grassley was like a guy with a bucket of water who runs up to a burning house only to run past it and throw a bucket of water on a house a block down because it might catch fire in 40 or 50 years.

It feels real good. I've wanted to be on this team since I was five years old. I've worked hard and I don't get nervous out there. I know I can play so I just go out and play like I always have. This team is great, I love em.

There's a larger field of candidates generating more interest among more voters. We've never had organizations on the ground like this.