TERRY BRANSTAD’S TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD WEEK
Just days before he begins his attempt at a political comeback tour, Terry Branstad must be happy that it is Friday, an end to the worst week of his campaign so far.On Tuesday, the Iowa Family PAC not only endorses Vander Plaats in the primary but says that they will not, under any circumstances, support Branstad in the general election. And, after months of not-so-quiet chest beating about his fundraising prowess, candidate Branstad reveals he has half the cash on hand as the Chet Culver Committee.
“Branstad has half the cash and three times the primary,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan.
"This week has been very telling for how this campaign will go. Will the Republican party choose a true conservative or someone who will say anything to get elected? We’ll just have to wait and see. This Republican primary for governor seems to be the latest domino to fall in the battle for the heart and soul of the Republican party.”
Vander Plaats’ endorsement by the Iowa Family PAC, Iowa’s most influential conservative group, comes at a time when Terry Branstad faces increasing opposition from the Republican base. Terry Branstad has come under fire from many conservative activists for his endorsement of Ben Nelson and support from former Lieutenant Governor Joy Corning, an advocate for marriage equality in Iowa.
“This race is just getting started. The Republican candidates will have to spend the majority of their funds duking it out in a bruising primary this cycle. And, for candidate Branstad, trying to run a 21st century campaign against his 20th century record as Governor isn't going to be easy in the environment of this primary."
Governor Culver has twice as much cash-on hand than any other candidate in the race. And, his total is $1 million more than any incumbent governor has had for their campaign entering election year.