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Delegates approve Branstad's running mate choice
Terry Branstad got his pick as a running mate at the Iowa Republican Party's convention, fending off a bid by conservatives to force a primary rival onto the ticket.
Delegates ratified state Sen. Kim Reynolds, of Osceola, to be Branstad's running mate Saturday in Des Moines. But supporters of Sioux City businessman Bob Vander Plaats pushed for him to join the ticket.
Vander Plaats asked delegates for their support to help unify the party, while Reynolds defended her conservative credentials, including her opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage.
More than 1,300 GOP delegates formally launched the party's fall campaign. Former Gov. Branstad faces Democratic incumbent Chet Culver in November.
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