Christie Vilsack to Run Against Steve King in 2012

Democrat Christie Vilsack, the wife of Secretary of Agriculture (and former Iowa governor) Tom Vilsack, announced today that she is running for the newly created Fourth Congressional District in Iowa:

Vilsack, a Democrat, has been weighing a challenge to Republican Steve King. He's represented the former 5th Congressional District for five terms.

In her announcement Tuesday, Vilsack said her campaign will focus on the small cities and rural communities that make up her district. She says those areas are "the future of our state."

The 4th District covers north-central and northwest Iowa, including Sioux City, Mason City and Ames.

The National Republican Campaign Committee is already out with an ad attacking Vilsack for her "liberal agenda," connecting her with Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama: