Grassley not taking sides in 2016 GOP presidential race

Sen. Chuck Grassley wants Iowa to pick the next president, but the Iowa Republican hasn't picked a candidate to back in the first-in-the-nation precinct caucuses that begin the 2016 nomination process.

None of the people being mentioned as GOP standard-bearers – including Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Utah Sen. Mike Lee, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, all who will be in Iowa this month -- has asked for his support. and Grassley said Wednesday his “inclination right now, like it was last time, is to stay out” of the caucus race.

However, Grassley said he will be open to all potential candidates “because I want to make Iowa make the next president like we did for Obama and Carter – two people I didn't want to get elected.”

Some of the folks being talked about as 2016 candidates have asked him about the political situation in Iowa and his assessment of one group or another.

“But nobody has come to me and said they are running for president,” he said.

He was encouraged by the success of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who was re-elected Tuesday. His support from African Americans and Hispanics shows that Republicans can win their backing if they reach out, Grassley said during a conference call with reporters.

“When Republicans are a minority party, you should make every effort you can to appeal to every group you can” without compromising principles, Grassley said. “If you believe in the Republican Party, you got to believe in it enough you want to see your people in office so they can carry out what you believe in.”

Although it's about two years too early to know who will do well in the 2016 caucuses, Grassley said Christie's re-election “gives him a big boost.”

How much of a boost is not certain, Grassley added.

“You get out there at the grassroots and try to sell your platform to the people who will vote in the caucuses,” he said, “but you have to be cognizant of the fact that winning the caucuses isn't going to get you into the White House. You have to appeal to other people.”