Iowa GOP governor candidates trade shots in opening debate

Sioux City businessman Bob Vander Plaats focused his criticism at former Gov. Terry Branstad as the Republican gubernatorial candidates conducted their first debate.

Vander Plaats says he won't need three or four terms to carry out his promises. Branstad served four terms as governor before leaving office in 1998.

While Vander Plaats targeted Branstad, the former governor focused on Gov. Chet Culver, saying he came out of retirement because of what he sees as a mess at the Statehouse.

State Rep. Rod Roberts of Carroll is lesser know than Vander Plaats and Branstad but says he's a plain spoken, reliable conservative.

Wednesday's debate was conducted at television station KTIV in Sioux City. It's the first of three GOP debates that are planned.

-- Associated Press