Vander Plaats threatens to push against Gronstal’s re-election

IOWA CITY - Conservative leader Bob Vander Plaats made his pro-family pitch to the bluest county in the state on Wednesday.

Even though Democrats far outnumber Republicans here - and even the Republicans tend to lean away from Vander Plaats' brand of social conservatism - the politician delivered remarks to a mostly friendly audience at the Iowa City Pizza Ranch. Only a handful of protesters gathered outside the event and they were far outnumbered by about 25 apparent supporters inside.

“We're not going to stay away from Johnson County,” Vander Plaats said, also pointing out that the University of Iowa campus is included on his group's presidential lecture series. “We're going to try to engage Johnson County because we believe there are more pro-family people here than you might think.”

Wednesday's event marked the 90th stop on a 99 county tour for the Family Leader - a Christian conservative group that Vander Plaats heads.

Although the group has been careful not to declare any partisan affiliation, Vander Plaats and friends show no sign of retreating from politics.

“We're very much interested in promoting good public policies that align with reality,” said Matt Reisetter, a development director the the Family Leader.

Vander Plaats once again this week called for resignations from the four remaining justices from the Iowa Supreme Court's 2009 same-sex marriage decision. He also mentioned that state Sen. Mike Gronstal, D-Council Bluffs, the senate majority leader who is blocking a Republican-sponsored same-sex marriage ban, will be up for re-election in 2012.

“We really wish Gronstal would realize part of his job is hearing the voice of the people,” Vander Plaats said. He later continued, “Our number one priority will be to take him out so we can have our voices heard.”