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Former Iowa Congressman Rod Blum, a Republican from Dubuque, has suspended his campaign for Iowa’s open 2nd District U.S. House seat, less than a month after announcing his candidacy.

Blum’s campaign made the announcement Monday.

“It has become clear to me that I can help President Trump in other ways that are more effective than being in the U.S. House,” Blum said in a statement. “I love our country, and despite our challenges I remain optimistic that under the President’s leadership, America’s best days are still to come.”

Blum, 70, announced his comeback bid Sept. 18 , pledging $250,000 of his own money to the campaign. He had sought the Republican nomination for the seat being vacated

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