Hello,

I’m running against Chuck Grassley for Senate here in Iowa because when it comes to Donald Trump and democracy, we vehemently disagree.

I served our nation across the globe as a member of the US Navy, under every President since Carter. But Trump’s election soured me. It was time to do something else, move on, make a difference in other ways.

One learns how to read people as a military leader. It was clear that Donald Trump was going to be hurtful to the office of the presidency. Trump and his inner circle were more nefarious than thoughtful for America. It was time to retire.

When Donald Trump came to Iowa for a rally last month, Chuck Grassley got on stage and gave him a big bear hug within sight of Iowa’s golden dome capitol.

Days after the January 6th insurrection, Chuck Grassley said Trump “must take responsibility” for the attack that he provoked on our democracy.

But now that he’s up for re-election, Chuck Grassley is suddenly singing a different tune. Asked by a reporter if Trump had any responsibility for the insurrection, Grassley said, “We'll just have to wait and see…” Is he the last to know?

Politicians of convenience like Chuck Grassley, who stand by as Donald Trump tells his Big Lie and undermines our democracy, aren’t patriots. They’re hypocrites. They are nothing short of an affront on democracy.

I’m running for Senate to defeat Chuck Grassley, turn Iowa blue, and protect our Democratic majority because Grassley is done. He is not the person to confront the climate crisis, take on Big Pharma, or rein in Wall Street special interests.

Mitch McConnell and his billionaire-funded Super PACs will spend millions trying to stop me because they know control of the Senate is at stake in my race. But with your help now, I can fight back, turn Iowa blue, and expand our Senate majority.

Please, will you join my campaign today with a donation of $5, $25, or whatever you can afford to help me defeat Chuck Grassley and expand our Democratic Senate majority?

Any amount you can chip in to help me end Grassley’s 46-year career in Washington would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Michael Franken, VADM, U.S. Navy (ret.)