The Des Moines Register reports on accusations by Iowa Democratic Chairwoman Sally Pederson that Republican gubernatorial hopeful Jim Nussle has shifted his position on abortion:

"Jim would sign a law that bans second- and third-trimester abortions because it saves lives," Nussle campaign manager Nick Ryan said in a prepared statement. Campaign spokeswoman Maria Comella declined to discuss whether Nussle would insist on exceptions to such a ban, such for victims of rape or incest or to protect the life of the mother.

This year, Nussle's response to the Project Vote Smart questionnaire said he supported the position that abortions should be legal only within the first trimester of pregnancy. During the past four congressional campaigns, he did not support that position, according to copies of questionnaires provided by the nonpartisan voter information service.

The change prompted Lt. Gov. Sally Pederson, chairwoman of the Iowa Democratic Party, to accuse Nussle of attempting to shift his position. On none of the surveys did Nussle indicate he supported the position that abortions should always be illegal.

"He's inconsistent in what he's saying. I don't know what his position is, and I think voters need to know," Pederson said.

Culver, Iowa's secretary of state, did not complete the questionnaire.

This doesn't seem like a very big deal, but in a race this close every little advantage helps. No doubt it's only the beginning of the sort of thing we can expect over the next two months.