Branstad says he will let party handle straw poll

DES MOINES - Gov. Terry Branstad said Monday that although he has made clear his position on the Iowa straw poll, he will not attempt to unduly influence the Republican Party of Iowa when and if it makes any changes to its presidential straw poll.

Branstad told the Lee/Gazette Des Moines Bureau last week that he supports eliminating the Iowa GOP straw poll and replacing it with a series of regional fundraisers and one big event in Ames. Branstad said he wants to protect Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucuses and fears the straw poll may run afoul of national party rules.

Branstad said Monday at his weekly news conference that he will respect the state party's decision-making process.

'I have not tried to influence them other than I have made statements as to my interest in making sure we have a level playing field and we treat all candidates fairly. But I do respect the (Republican Party of Iowa) Central Committee's responsibility to make decisions like this,” Branstad said. 'And I have confidence that they will do what they think is in the best interest of the party. Certainly, to date, I think they've had a great track record.”

In the straw poll, which was first held in 1979, Republican activists gather during the summer at satellite locations statewide to cast votes in support of presidential hopefuls. The event has become a large fundraiser for the state party and has garnered extensive media attention, but it also has drawn criticism for the results not being representative of all Republican voters.

Branstad told the Bureau he would support a statewide Republican fundraising event in Ames next summer where GOP presidential hopefuls are invited to speak, as long as no vote is taken.

Branstad said he has discussed the straw poll not only with state GOP leaders but also with Reince Priebus, chairman of the national Republican Party.

Branstad said although he feels strongly about protecting Iowa's first-in-the-nation status, he will respect the state party's work on the issue.

'I respect the fact that it's the central committee, not the governor, that makes these decisions,” Branstad said. 'So, I'm very aware of their independence and their responsibility. And I want to work with them. I'm very complimentary of what they've done.”