Vander Plaats supporters head to Texas

More than three dozen Iowans are heading to Texas to rub elbows with action movie star Chuck Norris Friday evening.

They'll also be contributing $5,000 per couple to Bob Vander Plaats' campaign for the Republican nomination for governor.

Norris, who has endorsed Vander Plaats, offered to host an event for the Sioux City businessman at his ranch at Navasota, Texas, about 30 miles south of College Station. Vander Plaats spokesman Eric Woolson said about 40 people are expected to attend.

Vander Plaats is one of six Republicans seeking the party's nomination to challenge first-term Democrat Gov. Chet Culver in 2010. Vander Plaats is one of three gubernatorial candidates around the country who have been endorsed by Norris. The actor and martial arts teacher and competitor campaigned for former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee during the Iowa precinct caucus campaign. Vander Plaats worked for Huckabee and has the former governor's backing in his bid for governor.