Biography:

Charles Grassley was born in New Hartford, Iowa, and still lives there. He graduated from New Hartford Community High School in 1951, and received both bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Northern Iowa in 1955 and 1956, respectively.

He worked as a farmer and served in the Iowa House from 1958 to 1974. He was elected to the U.S. House in 1974 and was re-elected in 1976 and 1978.

He was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1980. Grassley and his wife, Barbara, have five children. His son, Robin, currently operates the family farm.

Past Campaigns:

Charles Grassley was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1980, with 54 percent of the vote, ousting incumbent Democratic Sen. John Culver.

Grassley was re-elected in 1986, with 66 percent of the vote, defeating Democrat John P. Roehrick.

He won a third term in 1992 with 70 percent of the vote over state Sen. Jean Lloyd-Jones. In 1998, Grassley won a fourth Senate term defeating Democrat David Osterberg with 68 percent of the vote.

Before coming to the Senate, Grassley was elected to the U.S. House in 1974 and was re-elected in 1976 and 1978. Earlier, Grassley served in the Iowa House.

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