A second Democrat has entered the race for the right to challenge Republican U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley next year, setting the stage for primary campaign.

Tom Fiegen, a bankruptcy attorney from Clarence, has yet to “formally” announce his candidacy, but he has made no secret of his intentions on his Twitter page. Last week, he launched a rough version of a campaign Web site.

In 2000, Fiegen upset five-term incumbent state Sen. Jack Rife, R-Durant, a former GOP minority leader, for a seat in the Iowa legislature.

Fiegen was only able to hold his seat for two years. Redistricting put him and another incumbent state senator, Richard Drake, R-Muscatine, into the same district, creating the need for another election in 2002. Fiegen was defeated.

Fiegen ran again for Senate District 40 in 2005, losing this time to Republican James Hahn.

Fiegen will face off with Bob Krause of Fairfield, who declared his plans to challenge Grassley in March. Krause was elected to the Iowa House in 1972, and left office after making an unsuccessful run for state treasurer in 1978. He serves as chairman of the Iowa Democratic Party’s veterans caucus.

Also in the race is Democrat and perenial candidate Sal Muhammad of Sioux City.