Iowa Democrat Turek Sidesteps Trump, Focuses on Fiddle-Playing Rival

Iowa Democrat Josh Turek, vying for a U.S. Senate seat in one of the nation's closest races, is employing a strategy that largely omits Donald Trump's name, despite the former president's past success in the state. Turek, who previously won a state legislature seat by a narrow margin, believes his race could be pivotal in determining control of the Senate.

Turek stated at the University of Northern Iowa that his campaign is focused on appealing to young people, union workers, rural communities, and farmers. He has publicly agreed with Trump on certain issues, such as the need to address private equity's role in housing and securing borders, expressing a willingness to collaborate with anyone, including Trump, on these matters. In debates, Turek has mentioned Trump primarily to identify common ground and has indicated a forward-looking approach, expressing no interest in impeachment proceedings.

When asked about his Republican opponent Ashley Hinson's greatest asset, Turek responded, "she plays the fiddle well." Hinson, a three-term Congresswoman, is known for her fiddle-playing, which she often showcases at political fundraisers. Her campaign, through communications director Billy Fuerst, retorted that she "plays a mean fiddle, but she's even better at beating liberals like Josh Turek. Undefeated actually."

Recent polling indicates a close contest. A Marist University poll released this week shows Turek leading Hinson 48 percent to 45 percent, although 59 percent of likely voters anticipate Hinson's victory in November. Hinson, speaking earlier in the week, emphasized her consistent campaign approach, stating she always campaigns as if trailing by ten points and does not alter her strategy based on poll numbers.

Former President Trump has announced two upcoming visits to Iowa, scheduled for October 22 and November 1. Hinson's campaign had not immediately responded when asked if she plans to attend these rallies.