Paul McKinley Throws Official Support Behind Zaun

Wednesday, May 19, 2010, 23:40
Iowa, News Center
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7 comments

Yesterday, Senator Paul McKinley, the Republican Leader in the Senate officially endorsed Brad Zaun for Congress in the 3rd District.

“Brad Zaun is exactly what we need in Washington. His experience as a mainstreet small business owner coupled with his common sense conservative values is what we need more of in Washington. I’m honored to support Brad in the upcoming Republican primary,” said McKinley.

McKinley continued, “With Brad Zaun you know what you get. He’s honest; you can trust him and know he’ll keep his word. I strongly encourage the people of the 3rd District to support Brad, not only because he represents our values, but because he’s the best chance we have to defeat Congressman Boswell this fall.”

Zaun welcomed Senator McKinley’s support. “Paul is a friend and a good man, I’m grateful for his support. Paul’s support will help me across Marion, Lucas, Monroe, Mahaska and Jasper counties.”

Currently Zaun is a State Senator representing all of Urbandale and portions of northwest Des Moines. Brad’s business experience includes 18 years as owner of Zaun’s Trustworthy Hardware in Urbandale. He is married and the father of five children.

Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District includes the counties of Polk, Marion, Jasper, Mahaska, Benton, Grundy, Poweshiek, Tama, Iowa, Lucas, Keokuk and Monroe.

Tags: 3rd CD, Brad Zaun, Congressional district, Des Moines Iowa, Iowa, Republican, United States, United States Congress, United States Senate, Washington

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7 Comments on “Paul McKinley Throws Official Support Behind Zaun”

Timmy wrote on 20 May, 2010, 5:09
None of you are really surprised by this, are you? They have worked together in the State Senate for some time now, so it’s only natural to expect this. However, I don’t think it’s wise for an ELECTED Republican to pick winners and losers in the Primary.
theload wrote on 20 May, 2010, 7:37
Timmy – good call. McKinley will look like an idiot if Zaun doesn’t win. Why stick your neck out when it’s still up for grabs? This is what is wrong with Iowa. We have idiots like this who lead this state.
TheIgnorant wrote on 20 May, 2010, 7:45
McKinley is the one that introduced Brad Zaun at his announcement that he is running for congress. Did he really think we didn’t know he was supporting him? That was official enough for me.
Polk Hawkeye wrote on 20 May, 2010, 7:48
I think this bodes well for Zaun. Those who know him and work with him seem to support him the most. I’m sure if McKinley supported the carpetbagger with zero experience in elective office, the Gibbons folks would be touting it as if it were an endorsement from the Pope or something. Nice job Sen. Zaun!
belikebunce wrote on 20 May, 2010, 8:56
I also think it is a bad idea for McKinley, as elected Republican State Senator, Senate Minority Leader, and one of the ranking Republican Leaders in the state to be endorsing in a race that is this contested. I also find it strange that he has waited this long make the endorsement. He has been a Zaun supporter since before Christmas so why wait until 2 weeks before the election to make this Public Endorsement? Smells fishy to me. Glad that Zaun is a real maverick that marches to the beat of his own drum.
chris wrote on 20 May, 2010, 9:23
from belikebunce above: “He has been a Zaun supporter since before Christmas so why wait until 2 weeks before the election to make this Public Endorsement? Smells fishy to me.”

The announcement gives a chance to have a press conference, send out press releases and get some mention in the news. That free advertising is more valuable close to the election, and is the main value of the endorsement, unless Mr McKinley has a pac that can accompany the endorsement with cash.
CVN 76 wrote on 20 May, 2010, 9:26
Its not big news to see a guy that served in the Senate with Zaun to endorse him.

That being said, McKinley needs to be focused on picking up seats in the Iowa Senate, not getting involved in a Congressional primary. If I were a candidate running for Iowa Senate right now, I’d be more than a little ticked off that McKinley is spending his time working on behalf of Zaun’s efforts, rather than on supporting current Senate candidates efforts to regain lost ground.