Vander Plaats hits Back on Branstad
Just days after Branstad broke his promise about the not attacking Republicans
Just two days after Branstad broke his promise, Bob Vander Plaats hits him back by claiming Branstad is to "blame" for helping Democrats in Congress get closer than ever before to comprehensive health reform. Vander Plaats, who has made it clear moderates are not allowed in his Republican Party, cited donations that Terry Branstad made to Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) as evidence of Branstad's assistance in passing health reform.
According to Radio Iowa, Vander Plaats said:
"(Branstad) went out of his way to say, ‘I’m going to endorse the Democrats’ agenda and I want to put Ben Nelson out there in front,’ versus a Republican with conservative principles who would have been voting along the lines of Senator Chuck Grassley,"
There is no question -- Vander Plaats and other right-wing conservatives are trying "Scozzafava" Branstad. For reference, Scozzafava, was the Republican nominee who was forced out of special election in New York State for being too moderate. One of the reasons Republican leaders pushed her out: her ties to Democrats, including donations.
Laughably, Branstad's campaign spokesman, Tim Albrecht, then tried to attack Vander Plaats by saying:
"Bob would do well to keep the focus on that and not violate Ronald Reagan’s 11th commandment."
Tim is new to the campaign, having joined from a 527 group, but even he should know Terry Branstad just broke "11th commandment" two days ago. Iowa knows better than to get in the middle of this fight -- especially while there is real work to be done. Like, expanding health care coverage to kids throughout Iowa or bringing health care costs down.