Iowa’s democratic senator should stay put. Tom Harkin reigns over his opponent, Republican candidate Jim Ross Lightfoot, in more ways than recent polls have indicated.

Experience is certainly an advantage for Harkin. It has made him popular. It has made him visible in Washington.

It has made him able to make connections.

As an incumbent, Harkin has made a commitment to improve what Iowa is best known for — its education. He has shown support for federal student loans and wants yearly tax deductions for college students up to $10,000.

Harkin also holds a positive outlook on Iowa’s youth as he has proposed a fully refundable child-care tax credit for all families.

His political power has also helped him make Washington aware of what is best for Iowa farmers.

Harkin is probably best known for his work on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which established rights for the disabled that cater to their needs over the costs of changing services.

Despite his experience, Harkin needs to use his political power to expand his focus on issues important to all Iowans.

For starters, he must take risks. Harkin’s stances on issues have appeared to be undebatable for the most part. Like many politicians, he is “playing it safe,” but he needs to do what is right for all Iowans, not just some.