Branstad Campaign breaks 11th commandment ... again
January 13, 2010
Just days after he first took the pledge not to attack other Republicans, Terry flip-flopped and attacked Bob Vander Plaats. He thought he could get away with it before by not mentioning Vander Plaats' name, and now he thinks he can get away with it by sending members of his campaign committee to attack Vander Plaats and his supporters. But after today, there's no question - Branstad has broken his promise before he's even officially announced his candidacy.
Today, Brent Oleson, a member of the Branstad campaign committee, attacked both the Iowa Values PAC and State Representative Kent Sorenson for endorsing Vander Plaats and refusing to support Branstad. He went so far as to call them a:
Jihadist sleeper cell of so-called GOP leaders
For the simple fact Branstad broke a campaign promise, he should apologize. But considering the egregious language Olested used - comparing Iowans who voice their political views to terrorists - he must apologize immediately and profusely. It's one thing to have a healthy debate of the issues, but this attack crosses the line.
Why did they do it? It seems like the Branstad campaign is spinning out of control after yesterday's bombshell. In the same interview, Oleson also said he was "stunned" and "mortified" over the endorsements that come just days before Terry Branstad attempts to launch his political 'comeback tour.'