Author Archive

Last fall, Iowa Democrats proclaimed that Senator Chuck Grassley would be in for the race of his life in 2010.  The Iowa Democratic Party then recruited Roxanne Conlin, a millionaire trial attorney, to run against him.  The Iowa news media also began to speculate about the serious challenge that Conlin would pose to Grassley. Everything went ... Full story

Terry Branstad’s record as a political candidate is about as impressive as any that you will ever find.  His record isn’t impressive just because he has never lost an election, it’s because he has been remarkably consistent throughout his political career. Despite having to endure two strong primary challenges in his political career, Branstad has ... Full story

Last Friday, Bob Vander Plaats put an end to the speculation that he might run for governor as an independent candidate when he announced that he will instead lead a statewide anti-retention campaign against three Iowa Supreme Court Justices.  The details regarding Vander Plaats’ new political organization are sparse, but he did indicate that he ... Full story

Former Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Vander Plaats announced today that he will not run as an independent candidate for governor this fall.  Vander Plaats made the announcement in the shadows of the Iowa Supreme Court building this morning. “I’m here today to say that I will not be seeking an independent run for ... Full story

Bob Vander Plaats has scheduled a 10:30 a.m. press conference for tomorrow at the State Capitol. Vander Plaats will make a statement then take questions from the media. It is likely that he will address the speculation that he is considering an independent run for governor this fall. The deadline for him ... Full story

Political newcomer Matt Schultz leads incumbent Secretary of State Mike Mauro in TheIowaRepublican.com Battleground Poll.  Schultz leads Mauro 33% to 30%, but the poll also shows that 35% of those surveyed have not made up their minds about the race. Schultz told TheIowaRepublican.com, “These numbers are encouraging, but it won't change what I'm doing. ... Full story

In a recent TIR Battleground Poll, Republican nominee for State Treasurer, Dave Jamison, trails his Democrat opponent by 12 points.  Current State Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald leads Jamison 42% to 30%, with 26% of respondents undecided about the race. As a 28-year incumbent, Fitzgerald is the clear frontrunner in the race.  While his 12-point lead over Jamison ... Full story

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty spent last weekend traveling the state and lending a hand to Republican candidates across the state. Pawlenty’s jam-packed itinerary included events in Dubuque, Waverly, Cedar Rapids, West Liberty, and Davenport. The focus of Pawlenty’s three-day get-a-way to Iowa was to help elect Republicans to the state legislature. Three of ... Full story

Yesterday, Terry Branstad’s campaign unleashed its toughest criticism of Culver to date in a new television ad. “Governor Culver’s I-Jobs program is the signature accomplishment of his term, and it’s amounted to higher unemployment and skyrocketing debt,” said Branstad 2010 campaign manager Jeff Boeyink. “If he intends to hang his hat on this sprawling debt ... Full story

Perhaps no statewide Republican candidate has energized the base of the party like Brenna Findley has with her campaign for Attorney General.  The enthusiasm towards her campaign was on display at the Republican state convention a month ago when people eagerly grabbed her yard signs and waited to speak to the fresh-faced candidate. Another ... Full story