Iowa Congressman Leonard Boswell, a Democrat from Des Moines, wants a 9th term. Congressman Tom Latham, a Republican from Ames, wants a 10th term. But they would have to battle each other to get it. Redistricting brings a rarity next year: 2 Iowa incumbent heavyweights fighting for a seat. Iowa's stagnant population, based on the 2010 U.S. Census results, caused the state to lose one of its 5 Congressional districts. The newly configured boundaries would put Latham in the same district as the current 5th District congressman and fellow Republican, Steve King. Instead of running in a primary, Latham announced last Friday he would move to the 3rd District.

"Can you hear me alright?", Boswell asked a room of several dozen senior citizens at the Polk County Senior Center in West Des Moines Monday near the lunch hour. Iowans have been listening to Boswell's voice in Congress for 16 years. And he wants them to listen a little while longer.

Boswell wouldn't say next year's matchup with Latham would be his toughest yet. He responded, "I don't know. Well, I've had several very contested races, as you well know."

But he has never had to run against another incumbent congressman. Latham's website shows what could be a head. It shows a picture of Latham with Speaker of the House John Boehner. Boehner is one of Latham's closest friends, who also has the connections to help steer millions of dollars to Iowa to help Latham in the next election. Boswell said, "Oh, I'm sure. That's factor. Are they tight? I don't know. They're friends and we'll just have to see."

But Boswell adds, "I have some friends, too."

Latham released an email Friday that explained his decision to run in the 3rd District next year but he declined to discuss the race with WHO-HD News Monday.