Branstad, Culver build campaign war chests

DES MOINES – The two leading political contenders heading into the 2010 governor's race flexed their fundraising muscles on Thursday.

First, former Gov. Terry Branstad opened the bidding by announcing that he had come out of the fundraising chute fast in his bid to land the Republican gubernatorial nomination – raising more than $1.5 million since mid-October.

Not to be outdone in a game of political one-upsmanship, the Culver/Judge Campaign announced it had raised $2.145 million in the past year and Democratic incumbent Gov. Chet Culver enters the election year with $2.59 million on hand.

"We are excited and energized that so many Iowans have faith in our ability to govern and keep our state moving forward," Culver said in a statement. "Iowans have shown that they share our goals and our values -- investing in job creation to ensure a brighter economic future, providing funding for preschool education, keeping the promise to our veterans, and investing in green-collar jobs and renewable energy."

Officials with the Governor Branstad 2010 Committee released a summary of its fundraising progress through Dec. 31 that indicated he has garnered support from more than 3,000 contributors in all 99 counties. His campaign reported having $1.36 million cash on hand.

“In just over two months, Gov. Branstad 2010 has raised unprecedented resources as Terry Branstad has explored a potential run for governor in 2010,” said Jeff Boeyink, Branstad's committee manager. “By every conceivable measure, the fundraising success of this campaign shows Iowans are ready and willing to help Gov. Branstad lead Iowa's comeback.”

Preliminary figures indicate Branstad raised money from 3,044 contributors statewide, with 94 percent of the funds coming from Iowans and 96 percent of his $1.5 million coming from individuals donors.

Abby Curran, the Culver/Judge campaign manager, said the report the campaign will file on Tuesday with the Iowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board will show broad and deep base of support throughout Iowa. The campaign received contributors from more than 1,000 donors – 85 percent of which are Iowa residents – and more than half the contributions were for $250 or less.   

One difference in the numbers, Curran said, is that “Branstad is going to have to spend all his money down in a divisive primary before he could reach the general election.”

Branstad, who served four terms as Iowa governor from 1983 to 1999, is slated to formally announce his 2010 bid next Tuesday before embarking on a 17-city tour to tout his candidacy.

Also seeking the 2010 GOP gubernatorial nomination to challenge Culver in the November general election are Sioux City business consultant Bob Vander Plaats and state Reps. Christopher Rants of Sioux City and Rod Roberts of Carroll.

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