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Mike Franken achieved the rank of admiral in the U.S. Navy. He saw sea duty in four navy destroyers, a destroyer squadron, and an aircraft carrier. Franken also has significant Pentagon experience.Candidate profile:Democrat Mike Franken is running for a Senate seat that’s been held for more than 40 years by Republican Chuck Grassley.The three-star U.S. Navy Admiral says he wants to change the tide of polarized politics in the U.S. Senate.“Ensure the divisiveness that’s ripping so much of America apart doesn’t become something that’s terminal. And I believe I’ve got those skills to be helpful in that regard,” Franken said.A recent Des Moines Register-Mediacom poll shows Franken within striking distance of distance of unseating the seven-term Republican incumbent. Grassley leads with 46% compared to Franken's 43%. The poll also shows more independent voters are leaning towards Franken. “I believe that they want an altruistic, clear-minded individual who puts country over party and people over politics in everything we do. And that’s my record,” Franken said.But ����vlog Political Analyst Dennis Goldford says getting those independent voters to the polls is equally important.“In the past, Independents don’t turn out to vote at as high a number as partisan Democrats or Republicans tend to turn out to vote. So Grassley may be doing, for him, relatively poorly among independents this time around. The big question is, will those independents show up to vote?” Goldford said.Franken was criticized over an April police report. It was filed by a former campaign staffer who says Franken kissed her without consent. No charges were filed and Des Moines police closed the case as "unfounded."Franken was asked what he would say to voters that may have concerns about the report and about his position on harassment.“Our response to that report was I have zero tolerance my entire life for such matters. That event didn’t happen. And I’m proceeding apace,” Franken said. On the campaign trail, Franken advocates for immigration changes, health care reform and legalized abortion access while touting his military experience and outsider perspective.“We will lower the costs of working families. We will, at the federal level, legalize cannabis. We will finally, finally codify Roe,” Franken said. “I wouldn’t take a back seat role to anyone. And I certainly wouldn’t be putting party politics before people.”Watch: Senate candidates on inflationWatch: Senate candidates on abortionWatch: Senate candidates on crimeWatch: Senate candidates on education Watch: Senate candidates on health careWatch: Senate candidates make final pitch to votersPrevious coverage: Michael Franken profileWatch: Michael Franken on his top prioritiesWatch: Michael Franken on voting rights Watch: Mike Franken on the economyWatch: Mike Franken on immigrationWatch: Mike Franken on educationWatch: Mike Franken on firearms