Vander Plaats predicts victory that will shock Iowa, nation

CEDAR RAPIDS – On an election eve whirlwind tour of Iowa, Bob Vander Plaats predicted a surprise outcome in the Republican gubernatorial primary that will send shockwaves across Iowa and beyond.

“We're looking forward to a victory,” Vander Plaats said in a June 7 stop in Cedar Rapids before heading to the Quad Cities and then back to his home base in Sioux City.

Based on recent polls, that would be an upset, but Vander Plaats said the polls have been too narrowly focused to gauge his support from independents and, perhaps, some Democrats, who will cast votes for him June 8. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

A Sunday Iowa Poll showed that 55 percent of those surveyed could change their vote in the last two days of the primary election campaign.

“That is very, very good news for us because our supporters are locked in,” Vander Plaats said.

The three-way GOP primary with former Gov. Terry Branstad of Boone, the heavy favorite in polls, and Rep. Rod Roberts of Carroll is going to be all about turnout. He has campaign organizations in all 99 counties and his supporters will turn out.

“I don't think any thunderstorm, tornado watch or broken glass is going to stop them. They're going out to vote,” Vander Plaats said.

“I think things are setting up for a victory for us tomorrow night,” he said, because “People are tired of politics as usual, tired of political establishments, tired of political elites, even political experience even if it is 16 years of political experience.”

Iowa conservatives are looking for an opportunity to “elect someone who shares our core values and convictions, but who will lead by being a principled conservative with a compelling vision for the future of Iowa,” Vander Plaats said.

“I think we're in for a surprise tomorrow night. I think we're going to shock Iowa, we'll shock the country with victory over Branstad,” he said.