Archive for the ‘2010 Iowa governor’s race’ tag
Dems borrow Branstad attack
Iowa Democrats are striking back at former Gov. Terry Branstad for criticizing Gov. Chet Culver’s I-JOBS initiative, the $830 million bonding plan the Legislature approved last session.
Branstad said at a Republican fundraiser over the weekend that too much debt is bad and the borrower “ought to be thrown out of office.”
The Iowa Democratic Party issued a news release today saying Branstad borrowed $994 million (in today’s dollars) between 1989 and 1994.
“Branstad appears to be joining the chorus of Republicans who would have done nothing to help our state through this recession,” IDP Chairman Michael Kiernan said. “And in Branstad’s case, that’s not only wrong, it’s disingenuous given his past decisions.”
McKinley is out
Senate Minority Leader Paul McKinley of Chariton is out of the running for the GOP gubernatorial nomination.
This is not unexpected, with ex-Gov. Terry Branstad entering the race.
“As I’ve traveled extensively to all corners of this state in the past few months and visited with taxpayers, business owners and community leaders, I am confident that we are witnessing a real political sea change in Iowa. Senate Republicans will continue to play a major role in renewing Iowa and getting our state back on the right track,” McKinley said in a news release.
Branstad’s campaign signs another veteran hand
Former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad’s campaign has signed veteran communications hand Tim Albrecht.
The Branstad committee made the announcement this morning.
“We are excited to have Tim join this campaign,” said Branstad committee leader Jeff Boeyink. “His extraordinary experience in both traditional and new media will be beneficial as we move forward in our efforts. His addition shows growing momentum as Governor Branstad explores a possible gubernatorial bid.”
Albrecht, who ran the Iowa communications shop for 2008 presidential candidate Mitt Romney, also was the top spokesman for Rep. Christopher Rants when he was the speaker of the House.
Lately, Albrecht has run TheBeanWalker.com, a Drudge-like web site devoted to Iowa politics. The release quotes Albrecht saying a new publisher will run the site and will maintain its “integrity and independence.”