Congressman Bruce Braley’s trouble came before he ever opened his mouth at Thursday’s debate for U.S. Senate.
During the opening segment, the moderator read Braley’s bio, conveying him as a "rank-and-file" Democrat.
"Sites that track congressional voting records cite you as a rank-and-file Democrat, one that usually goes along party lines," the moderator said.
The moderator then noted that despite Braley’s eight years served in the U.S. House of Representatives, he only authored one bill.
"You have successfully authored and passed one bill during your time in Congress," the moderator said.
Braley, who received endorsements from high-profile Democrats including the Clintons and retiring Sen. Tom Harkin (D., Iowa), has been slammed repeatedly for failing to represent Iowa’s middle-class throughout his Senate campaign.
Braley trails his opponent, combat veteran Joni Ernst, by four points.