There are signs of Democratic fatigue in Iowa, a state viewed for decades as a true political battleground.

DES MOINES, Iowa Four relatively unknown Iowa Democrats are competing in a primary Tuesday to take on Republican Sen. Joni Ernst, an endeavor viewed as a long shot when better-known prospects last year took a pass on running. But as Democrats are increasingly bullish about their prospects in places such as Arizona and Colorado, the Iowa race is getting renewed attention as a potential battleground that could help the party regain the Senate majority. Greenfield's fundraising prowess reflects a broad array of support among Iowa Democrats. As of a week ago, nearly 500,000 Iowa voters, about one-quarter of the states electorate, had requested absentee ballots, the highest number of absentee ballot requests for any Iowa election, primary or general. The influx of primary-voting Democrats, including those who have been less active in recent cycles, could signal a resurgence of Iowa Democrats.

More Republican women than ever are seeking House seats this year after the 2018 election further diminished their limited ranks in Congress. The next test comes Tuesday in states such as Indiana, where Republican Rep. Susan Brooks one of 13 Republican women in the House is retiring. Republican women have always had a tougher time winning office. Groups that back GOP women have nowhere near the resources of organizations such as EMILYs List, which has existed much longer and has been a game changer for Democratic women. Hinson is running in the district represented by Democratic Rep. Abby Finkenauer, who is seeking a second term, and Miller-Meeks is seeking a seat vacated by Democratic Rep. Dave Loebsack.

For some candidates, surrogates help keep their hands clean of controversy by acting as an attack dog. He called out her rivals by name during a recent campaign swing through Iowa, saying neither Sanders nor Joe Biden are as widely acceptable to Democrats. Surrogates also offer reassurance to voters that the candidate understands and will pay attention to local issues. Jane O'Meara Sanders will campaign on behalf of her husband next weekend in Nevada while he is likely stuck in Washington. Surrogates can also bring a dash of star power to the campaign trail to keep voters engaged.