Branstad: “Why not once again serve the state I love with every ounce of my being.”
- Monday, October 19, 2009, 4:30
- Iowa, News Center, Top Story
- 1,838 views
- 31 comments
Former governor Terry Branstad held a press conference last Friday announcing his decision to retire as Des Moines University’s President. Branstad told the media that the reason for his retirement was so that he could fully explore the possibility of running for governor in 2010. Branstad didn’t say anything out of the ordinary in his press conference, but it did allow us a glimpse of what kind of candidate he will be in the Republican primary and the general election should he be successful next June.
Unlike his lesser-known rivals, Branstad remains well-known all across the state. While it’s obvious that he has aged since leaving office over ten years ago, his voice is uniquely identifiable, his quick wit holds your attention, and his story telling abilities equal that of some of our greatest politicians. Branstad was his strongest last Friday when taking questions from the media. His remarks before taking questions were solid, but Branstad shined when pressed by the Iowa media corps. If there is any question whether he is still a gifted politician, he passed the test with flying colors.
A number of people, including his main primary opponent Bob Vander Plaats, believe that Branstad’s return to politics has some Republicans looking back to the past, not to the future. In a press release sent out following Branstad’s press conference, Vander Plaats said, “While those who have encouraged Governor Branstad to run have been focused firmly on Iowa’s past, I look forward to continuing my conversation with Iowans about our future.”
One could argue that it is his opponents who have been stuck in the past. Branstad’s record has already been under attack for months from his Republican primary opponents and some Democrats. When answering a question about the sales tax increases that occurred while he was governor, Branstad said, “I will be glad to debate anybody on my record on taxes, but this isn’t about the past, it’s about the future.”
Branstad’s press conference wasn’t as backwards looking as his opponents might have hoped it would be. Yes, Branstad touted the $900 million surplus that was in place when he left office and the ten percent across-the-board tax cut, but he didn’t spend the majority of his time reminiscencing. Branstad was most interested in tackling the current problems the state is facing. He also stated that he wants to visit the campuses of Iowa’s colleges and universities to talk to young people about the future of the state.
What went under-reported by the news media were the remarks Branstad delivered to the students, faculty, and board members of Des Moines University before Friday’s press conference. That speech was closed to the media, but his remarks were provided to the media following his press conference. Buried on page five, Branstad addressed why he’s leaving Des Moines University, and why he would even consider running for governor again.
The following is a section of Branstad’s remarks to Des Moines University.
“I suppose a few of you have heard that many Iowans have asked me to use my experience here and my knowledge of state government to, once again, lead our state. You may wonder why I would even consider it: I love it here.
And, why would I want to run for something that would result in a 50% pay cut, and work on holidays like Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day? That is a good question: Why? But my answer to any challenge that I have ever faced in my life is: Why not?
Why not help the State of Iowa recover from the present budget debacle to once again restore fiscal soundness to our public finances?
Why not use my experience to attract good paying jobs in Iowa?
Why not make sure our kids get the best education in the world?
Why not use what I have learned here at Des Moines University to make sure all Iowans, young and old, get the health care they need?
But most of all, why not once again serve the state I love with every ounce of my being?
You see, my heart aches to see our state in trouble when I know we have it in our power to make it better. These are unprecedented times in our state’s history. They call for unprecedented action.
Thousands of Iowans have asked me to run for governor again, because they believe that this critical time calls for an experienced leader who is willing to make a personal sacrifice, restore stability, and lead by example. They want someone to restore fiscal responsibility and focus on quality jobs, education and health care to achieve a prosperous future for Iowa.”
The above text provides much greater insight into Branstad’s perspective and motivation for seeking office once again. It’s shocking that the traditional media ignored what he had to say to the school in which he has served for six years.
Branstad is currently at the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants convention. He returns early this week and will devote his full attention to his gubernatorial run. Branstad says that he only has one speed, “overdrive.” Not only is Branstad a skilled politician, he loves to be out on the campaign trail talking to people. You could see that he enjoyed the press conference last Friday. It’s probably safe to say that Terry Branstad will be in a town near you very soon.
About the Author
Craig Robinson has written 502 stories on this site.
Craig Robinson serves as the founder and Editor-in-Chief of TheIowaRepublican.com. Prior to founding Iowa's largest conservative news site, Robinson served as the Political Director of the Republican Party of Iowa during the 2008 Iowa Caucuses. In that capacity, Robinson planned and organized the largest political event in 2007, the Iowa Straw Poll, in Ames, Iowa. Robinson also organized the 2008 Republican caucuses in Iowa, and was later dispatched to Nevada to help with the caucuses there. Robinson cut his teeth in Iowa politics during the 2000 caucus campaign of businessman Steve Forbes and has been involved with most major campaigns in the state since then. His extensive political background and rolodex give him a unique perspective from which to monitor the political pulse of Iowa.
31 Comments on “Branstad: “Why not once again serve the state I love with every ounce of my being.””
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“BVP believes some Republicans are looking to the past”. Yeah Bob, they are looking back to a time when Republicans actually WON elections!!!
Excellent article. Certainly we didn’t hear that part of his remarks anywhere else. I noted BVP did not once mention gay marriage by name in his prepared remarks on Governor Branstad’s announcements (just conservative values) … wonder what that means, coming on the heels of his cover on the Focus on the Family.
Terry’s record speaks for itself….. and not in a good way. it’s sad to see that the Democrats are able to run a site like terrylovestaxes.com and pretend that they hate taxes… but its true.
if terry wins the nomination we should change the RPI slogan to “the party of yesterday” or maybe “we’re out of ideas, lets go back to 1984″….
this is really sad for the GOP….
Lobo..
Be honest with everyone here..You’ve already stated before you vote third-party…so we’ll take your criticism of Branstad with a grain of salt.
Branstad’s record DOES speak for itself. When Branstad left office in 1998…Iowa had a 2 BILLION dollar budget surplus…a surplus that Vilsack promptly blew out…and then Culver and the Democrats put the state in a deficit to the tune of 1.4 BILLION dollars. That says it all right there what Democratic Governors in Iowa have done the past 10-11 years.
I need to start a site, terrylovesloweringtaxes.com! 10% income tax cut, lower property taxes (judiciary no longer covered by property taxes under terry), through out inheritance tax, the list goes on and on. I did a little research and the 2 sales tax raises included a democrat legislature and brought the state’s sales tax from 3% to 4% and then 4% to 5%, comparable to surrounding states. Who was the last Iowa governor to give an across the board tax cut? I don’t know but could probably figure it out.
> Vander Plaats said, “While those who have encouraged Governor Branstad to run have been focused firmly on Iowa’s past, I look forward to continuing my conversation with Iowans about our future.”
Ya, if I were BVP I wouldn’t want to remember the past either….because people might remember how I keep running for, and keep losing, a bid to be Governor.
@HawkCR1
hell yes i will vote 3rd party if the republicans try to run another fake conservative candidate like McCain. I’m conservative 1st republican 2nd. how many times did Terry raise taxes during his terms ? too many.
LoboSolo Hoorah!!
Good call about the 1998 date. I notice this very disingenuous slur to always go back his FIRST election date and not the end date. 1998! That was just a couple years shy of the 2000’s. Just one other poor Governor past. 1998 was not “30″ years ago. If you are going to be a “hater” be an honest one please.
LS sez:”I’m conservative 1st republican 2nd.”
See? I keep telling you guys that the old-liners and the churchies don’t fit well together in one party and need to each go your own way
CD..
First off..no one has ever accused Terry Branstad of being a “churchie” as you put it..or a “old-liner” either.
Like I said..it wasn’t THAT long ago, that people claimed that Terry Branstad was this hard line conservative…now you hear him accused of being a “mushy moderate”.
Lobo…I see you have no response to the facts that when Branstad left office…we had a 2 billion dollar deficit….and we now have a 1.4 billion dollar DEFICIT.
We also had the 3rd LOWEST rate of unemployment in the country when Branstad left office (at 2.8%).
Now, we have an unemployment rate of nearly 7%…we’ve lost over 34,000 manufacturing jobs since 2000…and have areas of Iowa that are in an economic DEPRESSION…
But please..go vote for your 3rd Party candidate…that just makes it that much easier for a Culver 2nd term, Lobo.
HCR1 leads with:”CD..
First off..no one has ever accused Terry Branstad of being a “churchie” as you put it..or a “old-liner” either.”
Well I’ll be dipped, here I thought it was reasonably plain that my comment referred to LS’ “Conservative 1st” statement.
Lobo – do some research. Terry lowered taxes time and time again.
That’s the $64,000 question. Can the party make up the loss of “Lobo Solos” with what it gains in “Branstad Democrats”. I think yes.
Sharp,
Dems don’t care about issues. If they did, they wouldn’t be Dems. Chet Culver could murder his own children on live television while simultaneously setting fire to piles of Iowans’ tax dollars and the Dems will still vote for him. You’re dealing with a group of largely unprincipaled people so why pander to them?
Pardonnez moi: unprincipled
Good girl there Peglet, one of my principles is knowing proper spelling.
I don’t think any Republican will pick up many Democrats. You’re forgetting that there are more independents in Iowa than Republicans OR Democrats. And that’s where the battle is, and has been increasingly so. Could Branstad be the guy to do that? The DailyKos poll says so, and his results through 1998 would appear to confirm that.
If Branstad is all about the future, then why isn’t he letting any younger candidates be governor? The GOP should be about recruiting young candidates so the future can have strong leadership. I don’t care if Branstad or even if Reagan was resurrected and would again. We need term-limits in Iowa like many states.
Might as well change the title of The Iowa Republican to The Branstad Republican. If you support Chris Rants, Bob Vander Plaats, Christian Fong, Jerry Behn, or Rod Roberts, you better demand equal coverage and nonbiased reporting. I think some writers on this site will probably favor Branstad and that is sad. Yes, it is okay to have positive articles on the candidates as well as negative ones. Just don’t have positive articles on one candidate. The problem with many writers on this site is that they think they might get a job within the Branstad administration and don’t want to blow that chance at fair reporting (AKA–negative and positive).
Stacia,
Was the article about Bob Vander Plaats that I wrote on Friday negative?
How about the articles that I’ve written about Chris Rants?
Dave Davidson who writes from this site is a Vander Plaats supporter.
Ted Sporer who is a writer on this site is not a Branstad supporter.
Myself, I’m not a supporter of any campaign and don’t plan to be. I have good working relationships with most of the campaigns.
Today’s article is about Branstad’s press conference. I’m sorry if you think I should have written about something else. It was staewide news, and sadly the traditional news media missed Branstad’s remarks to DMU. I thought I would point it out.
Stacia…
Oh..so we’re supposed to “let” people be Governor now? I guess those little things called primaries or general elections really shouldn’t matter…. Do you realize how silly you sound?
Craig Robinson has always stated that if any of the governor candidates wants to submit articles or inform the public about events, etc they’re doing…he’ll be more than happy to put them up on TIR.
TIR hosts a number of the leading Iowa conservative bloggers now..and if they choose to support a particular candidate or they want to criticize them…that’s their choice to do so…
Stacia..this is also Craig’s BUSINESS. So, if campaigns or organizations that support a particular candidate want to advertise on TIR…he’ll happily accept their business as well.
So..if you dont think you’re hearing from other candidates….tell them to submit whatever they want to Craig… Craig also covers MANY GOP candidates and GOP centered events across the state..and not just from one candidate or GOP effort over another….
Well said HawkCR1!!!
A few comments:
Peggy: Ever hear of “Reagan Democrats”? You know, there was a time when both parties considered their opponents to be people (wrong people, but still people) and not some kind of brainless idiot bunch of zombies.
Stacia: Branstad is the 800 lb. gorilla in the room. The heavyweight. The big name. Of course he’s going to get some coverage. My sports analogy probably won’t work here, but it’s like talking about pre-season baseball and not mentioning the Yanks. And, for what it’s worth, I think TIR has been doing a very good job of equal coverage lately.
The comments have really degenerated on this site today. I have accused Craig more than once of being overly supportive of BVP,even though I sense that he tries to be impartial. Today, there wasn’t even any editorializing – just some verbatim reporting of Branstad’s remarks that certainly didn’t make it into the “mainstream” media. We should all thank Craig for this report and forget the sour grapes.
“You know, there was a time when both parties considered their opponents to be people (wrong people, but still people) and not some kind of brainless idiot bunch of zombies.”
No, SharpHawkeye, only the Republicans believe that, and when we have the majority we capitulate and never advance our platform. When the Democrats have the majority, they steamroll us. We’re sick of Republicans pols never getting anything accomplished because they’d rather be liked by lib dems and get invited to power-broker cocktail parties.
SharpHawkeye,
If you’re genuinely concerned about the feelings of Democrats, why don’t you meander over to the thread about Culver and castigate Krusty for making fun of the governor’s weight, which is really so childish it’s inexcusable.
Peggy chides: “If you’re genuinely concerned about the feelings of Democrats, why don’t you meander over to the thread about Culver and castigate Krusty for making fun of the governor’s weight, which is really so childish it’s inexcusable.”
Krusty really is boorish isn’t he!
And doggone you Peglet, I’m liking you more all the time. Better be careful or you’ll wake up some morning and see a moderate in your mirror.
“Good girl there Peglet, one of my principles is knowing proper spelling.” — ConDem
Now, if you could just work on proper names.
@Hawkcr
“Lobo…I see you have no response to the facts that when Branstad left office…we had a 2 billion dollar deficit….and we now have a 1.4 billion dollar DEFICIT.”
??? two wrongs dont make a right. i agree that we need a constitutional amendment to keep a balanced budget.
We also had the 3rd LOWEST rate of unemployment in the country when Branstad left office (at 2.8%).
“Now, we have an unemployment rate of nearly 7%…we’ve lost over 34,000 manufacturing jobs since 2000…and have areas of Iowa that are in an economic DEPRESSION…”
I agree, but unless Terry is willing to slash the corporate tax rate to compete with neighboring states i dont see anything he can do.
“But please..go vote for your 3rd Party candidate…that just makes it that much easier for a Culver 2nd term, Lobo.”
i just dont believe Terry is a fiscal conservative. he raised the sales tax twice, In his first year in office,raised the gas tax and proposed a state income tax on Social Security recipients. these are not conservative values. i see very little difference between Terry and Chet.