Narcisse bows out of Democratic primary, will run in November

By James Q. Lynch 

By James Q. Lynch 

The Gazette

DES MOINES – On the eve of the filing deadline for the primary election a potential opponent for Gov. Chet Culver decided to bypass the Democratic primary and run as an independent in November.

On the other side of the ballot, Rep. Rod Roberts of Carroll became the third candidate to file for the Republican gubernatorial nomination.

Des Moines businessman Jon Narcisse said Thursday he collected enough signatures to get his name on the Democratic primary ballot, but in visiting with Iowans learned they don't want a Democratic governor or a Republican governor, “but a real independent voice.”

“They're tired of the two parties,” Narcisse said. “Although I believe I could win as a Democrat, I don't believe I can unite the state as a Democratic governor.”

Running in November as an independent will be challenging, the former Des Moines school board member said.

“But I can win a three-way election and I can unite the state,” he said.

Like Narcisse, Roberts said he has learned more by listening to Iowans than talking to them.

“There's almost like a civics awakening that is taking place among citizens,” Roberts said. “People are aware of things going on in government at a level that they've never really paid attention to before.”

Roberts will face former Gov. Terry Branstad, who is seeking a fifth term, and Bob Vander Plaats, who is running for the nomination for a third time.

He thinks Iowans want new leadership and a new direction for the state.

“My support really wells up from the grass roots,” Roberts said. “No one approached me from a political establishment or interest group and said ‘Be our handpicked candidate.'”

Roberts believes he has the best chance of the three Republicans to beat Culver, a first-term Democrat.

He plans to be on the campaign trail every day as soon as the Legislature adjourns.