Branstad: 2010 not a referendum on the past

By James Q. Lynch

The Gazette

WILTON – Former Gov. Terry Branstad all but announced himself a candidate for a return to the Statehouse Saturday.

“It's been a while since I've been on the campaign trail, but this is a great place to start,” the four-term Republican said in remarks at a Cedar County fundraiser.

Branstad laid out an attack on Gov. Chet Culver's “self-made crisis” and sounded what is likely to be the theme of his campaign:

“We've done it before, we can do it again and I believe we can do it better,” Branstad said several times at a fundraiser for Rep. Jeff Kaufmann, R-Wilton, who enthusiastically endorsed Branstad as “the best man for the job.”

That sentiment was shared by many in the crowd.

“He did a great job last time,” Marie Kohrt of Clarence said about Branstad who faces six other Republicans seeking the nomination to challenge first-term Gov. Culver..

However, “2010 is a new era and not a referendum on the past, Branstad said. Instead, it's about “how can we build a bright and prosperous future.”

“If we can learn from the past, we can avoid the mistakes of the present and once again make Iowa an attractive and competitive place to create those desperately needed, new, quality private-sector jobs,” Branstad said.

Branstad was applauded frequently and received a standing ovation. The most enthusiastic response was when he said he believes strongly that Iowans should be given the opportunity to vote on a constitutional amendment defining marriage.

“We shouldn't let any single legislator get by with this dictatorship,” he said referring to Democratic leaders who have promised to block efforts to overturn an Iowa Supreme Court decision striking down a ban on same-sex marriage.

Branstad, who is Iowa's longest serving governor – held the office from 1983-1999 – retired earlier this month after six years as president of Des Moines University. At that time he said he would explore running for governor next year.

However, he left little doubt where that exploration will lead. Still wearing a University of Iowa Hawkeyes sweatshirt and joking that he hadn't lost his voice cheering his alma mater to a come-from behind win in Iowa City, Branstad said it was a memorable day.

“This is a Saturday we'll always remember, the day the Hawkeyes set a record nine straight wins … and the day I had the opportunity re-enter the political fray,” he said.

Branstad, who has not said he will announce his candidacy, is scheduled to appear with other Republicans seeking the nomination at a Republican Party of Iowa fall fundraiser in Des Moines Nov. 7.

If the Kaufmann fundraiser was any indication, Branstad plans to ignore his fellow Republicans. He did not mention them, but focused his remarks on what he sees as the failure of the Culver administration.

Mike Shuger of Clarence voted for Branstad four times and is ready to vote for him again. It's more than “he got the job done and he can do it again,” Shuger said.

“There's nothing wrong with the others. They all good men and they're all good Republicans,” Shuger said. “But Branstad's the only one who can beat Culver and in politics, that's what counts.”