Campaign Digest

An occasional update on news about campaign activities in races for governor and other statewide offices, and Congress as well as campaign items of broad interest.

More air time for Branstad ad

The Draft Branstad PAC has extended and expanded its statewide radio ad “Real Leadership.” The ad, which debuted last week, encourages former GOP Gov. Terry Branstad to run for governor in 2010.

The ad will debut in the Dubuque radio market this week and continue in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Quad Cities, Sioux City, and Waterloo/Cedar Falls.

People responding to the ad are “tired of wasteful spending, budget deficits, and high unemployment, said Sandy Greiner, a former state representative from Keota.

For more, visit: www.DraftBranstad.com.

 Rants issues veto challenge

Former House Speaker

Chris Rants of Sioux City has challenged the other GOP gubernatorial hopefuls to pledge to veto any attempt to raise the sales tax, expand its base, or redirect the school infrastructure tax into the general fund.

“We should not repeat the mistakes of the past, but live within our means,” Rants said in issuing the challenge to the field, which could include former Gov. Terry Branstad, who presided over increases and expansions of the sales tax.

Budget cuts may be painful, Rants said, but closing the budget gap with tax hikes would only make economic conditions worse.

For more, visit: www.rants2010.com.

Fong on 17-city tour

Cedar Rapids businessman Christian Fong, who is seeking the Republican nomination for governor, has kicked off a tour of 17 Iowa communities.

The events are structured as intimate gatherings where activists can have detailed discussions with Christian,” said Fong campaign manager Marlys Popma.

Stops include: Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Creston, Davenport, Decorah, Denison, Des Moines, Dubuque, Fort Dodge, Marshalltown, Mason City, Mount Pleasant, Muscatine, Ottumwa, Sioux City, Spencer and Waterloo.

For more, visit: www.christianfong.com.

 Roberts campaign raises $50,000

GOP gubernatorial hopeful Rep. Rod Roberts of Carroll raised more than $50,000 recently at a fundraiser in Carroll. More than 100 individual supporters contributed at the fundraiser for the five-term representative.

As governor, Roberts has pledged not only to proactively address the state's budget crisis by reigning in spending, but also to make sure Iowans can vote on a constitutional amendment to define marriage.

For more, visit: www.RobertsForGov.com.

Kaufmann joins Draft Branstad effort

The Draft Branstad PAC has announced the endorsement of Rep. Jeff Kaufmann, R-Wilton, who represents the 79

^th

District in Cedar, Johnson and Muscatine counties.

 “Iowa needs and deserves real, proven leadership once again,” Kaufmann said. “We need Terry Branstad's experience and leadership once again.”