Des Moines businessman to challenge Culver in primary

DES MOINES - Des Moines Democrat Jonathan Narcisse announced Saturday he is challenging Gov. Chet Culver in the Democratic primary, arguing the governor is vulnerable as he seeks his second term.

Narcisse, 46, is a publisher or editor of various independent newspapers and is a radio host on KBBG in Waterloo.

He plans on kicking off a four-day tour of the state Monday. Narcisse is the first candidate to challenge a sitting governor in a primary since 1994.

If he doesn't win the primary, Narcisse said, he plans to run as an independent in the general election.

Narcisse said he supported Culver when he first ran for the governor's office in 2006, but said Culver has betrayed the constituencies that got him there.

“His leadership of the state has been reckless and irresponsible, and he continues to fail to provide leadership in the state,” Narcisse said in an interview. “We have a billion-dollar deficit on his watch; we have an academic crisis. Our economy is stagnant. The state is continuing to decline in growth and population.”

Narcisse is a former Des Moines school board member who has been a vocal critic of Iowa's educational system.

He said what was once the best education system in the world has taken a massive plunge under Culver's administration and said not enough focus is placed on failing schools. He said he wants to make it the world-class educational system it once was.

Narcisse, who has recently dropped at least 10 inches off his waist, also wants to lead a campaign to get Iowans healthy. He said obesity costs the state, and the next governor needs to lead by example.

Culver's campaign reported $2.5 million on hand in the last finance report, but Narcisse said he believes he will be able to raise enough to wage a competitive campaign.

Culver campaign officials could not immediately be reached for comment.