DES MOINES- Ed Fallon, a former Democratic state legislator known for bucking party establishment, kicked off a congressional campaign on Wednesday that pits him against 3rd District Rep. Leonard Boswell in the June primary.

Fallon said he’s running to change Washington, and accused Boswell, a six-term Democratic congressman, of voting too often with President Bush and against the priorities of Americans.

“Even though I have a lot of respect for the congressman, I think he’s a man of dignity, he has served well for this country and our state, but we disagree on many, many issues,” Fallon said at a news conference in Des Moines.

He ticked off what he said were some of the biggest differences, including Boswell’s vote to authorize the use of force in Iraq and to enact the Patriot Act. Fallon also said he and Boswell disagree on fuel economy standards and bankruptcy law.

Fallon said many Democrats are taking a more populist view and aren’t happy with “a lot of the initiatives that Leonard Boswell and a lot of so-called ‘Blue Dog’ Democrats have voted for.”

“It became really clear in this last election that folks want change, they are tired of the status quo. They want a government they can believe in again,” Fallon said.

“This is the best time ever for me to run. I’ve been talking about change since 1992 when I first ran” for office.

The 49-year-old vowed that he would lead on issues including campaign finance reform, global warming and universal health care. Fallon said he’ll take his 23 years of public service experience and use it to help give working families and the poor representation in Washington.

Boswell said in a statement that he’d put his work ethic and record of standing up for working families up against anyone. The 74-year-old appeared to chide Fallon, saying that he’s always believed elections are about “bringing people together to improve the lives of working families.

“Now, more than ever, we need to focus our energy on solving problems – not trying to tear each other apart,” Boswell said.

On Wednesday, Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, announced his support of Boswell, praising his record and predicting that the incumbent would win re-election.

“As a tried and true fighter, Boswell has fought off tough Republican opponents in the past and will win again this November,” Harkin said.

Fallon said he wasn’t surprised by the endorsement, but noted that in the last election Boswell only won by half of the margin that Iowa Gov. Chet Culver achieved in the 3rd District. Boswell’s margin of victory also was much smaller than Harkin’s in 2002.

“It says that maybe his style is not resonating,” Fallon said. “We need a Democrat who can win bigger in this district.”

He said that’s especially important before Iowa possibly loses a congressional seat.

“This is a really good year to put somebody new in this seat who can begin to build a base and make sure that this seat remains Democratic in 2012,” Fallon said.

Campaign finance records show that Boswell has already raised more than $600,000, while

Fallon has just opened his campaign account. But, he noted that more than 70 percent of the money Boswell raised is from political action committees.

“That should be a huge red flag for anyone,” said Fallon, who wants to raise about $700,000 for his bid and pledges not take any money from PACs or lobbyists. “I think we are going to impress you. I think we’re going to have a very good showing in terms of fundraising.”

Fallon lost his 2006 bid for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, but he defeated Democratic rivals Michael Blouin and Culver in the 3rd District.

He has remained active in Democratic politics since losing the gubernatorial race. He helped Culver with his gubernatorial bid after the primary, and endorsed Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards in the just-completed precinct caucuses.

Fallon said he thinks his campaign has already put some heat on Boswell’s voting record when it comes to war funding and the climate.

“If we’re having the effect of getting him to do what he should have done all along that’s great,” he said.