Iowa Race Getting National Attention
Something to pass along from the recently convened governor's convention in Des Moines: the national scene is looking closely at Iowa's race for governor – particularly from the national Republican Party:
The
upcoming race for governor is getting an increasing amount of national
attention with Republicans viewing it as their best shot at taking a
seat away from Democrats.
‘‘You can assume that Iowa will be
our top race,’’ said Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, the No. 2 man in
the Republican Governors Association.
‘‘The Iowa governors race is the only
one where a Democratic incumbent is stepping aside and leaving an open
seat,’’ Romney said. ‘‘Obviously it’s a targeted race for us.’’
…
Vilsack’s decision leaves the race wide open for a growing field of contenders.
On the Republican side, U.S. Rep. Jim Nussle and Sioux City businessman Bob Vander Plaats are seeking the nomination.
On the Democratic side, state Rep. Ed
Fallon, of Des Moines, and Agriculture Secretary Patty Judge have both
announced their intention to run. Senate Democratic Leader Michael
Gronstal, of Council Bluffs, Secretary of State Chet Culver and former
Department of Economic Development Director Michael Blouin have all
said they are exploring a run for the Democratic nomination.
There is one thing the Iowa Democrats should definitely be playing up,
no matter what the outcome of the primary is: the Democratic
slate of candidates is a very deep bench.
I can guarantee that the Democratic primary will be a hard-fought
contest, with a lot of discussion about the issues that effect Iowa and
the future direction of the state. (Radio Iowa also adds State Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald to the list of Democrats considering a run.)
The Republican primary, however, looks like a contest between the Beltway Man versus the One Trick Pony.
I only hope that Iowans will be active and engaged in the race,
inspired by the obvious differences of opinion between Democratic
candidates – not just a political mudslinging fest that the Republican
candidates have to bank on.
On
another note – yesterday's (and Sunday's) posts about ethanol production
jumpstarted a few comments. Be sure to check the “Comments” link
below each post – sometimes the content there is far, far better than
the original posts!
As always – we're always very interested in hearing the opinions of the
people who take the time to read the things we put on the blog.
One
last item: I would like to echo John's thanks from yesterday to
all of those who read and contribute to posts and comments – as well as
my own thank you to Linda for her work in keeping all of us in line!
Blog For Iowa 