Culver insists he's unconcerned with low polls numbers

Gov. Chet Culver insists he's not concerned about – or paying attention to -- polls showing he's in political trouble.

“You know, I get up every morning and I try to do all I can to fight for the citizens of this state,” Culver said when asked about another poll showing him trailing Republican gubernatorial hopefuls Terry Branstad and Bob Vander Plaats.

He attributed his low poll numbers to voter anxiety about the national economy and other challenges facing the county.

“We're dealing with an unprecedented economic situation,” he said. “People are anxious. I share their frustration.

“I understand exactly what Iowans are feeling and I'm out there fighting for them every day,” Culver said.

A Rasmussen Reports poll released Monday showed Culver trailing Branstad, who served four terms as governor from 1983 to 1999, 53 percent to 37 percent among likely Iowa voters. The poll, which showed little change in voter preferences since September, found Sioux City businessman Bob Vander Plaats leading Culver 46 percent to 40 percent.

The poll confirms that Culver is “dangerously out-of-touch” with Iowa voters, according to the Republican Party of Iowa.

The Rasmussen poll came on the heels of a Research 2000 poll Feb. 19 that showed Branstad leading Culver by 16 points.

Culver downplayed the polls and suggestions his party might be looking for a candidate to replace him. Republicans have suggested that given Culver's low poll numbers, Democrats are looking for a federal appointment for him.

“It's a long time between now and November and I just get up every single say and do all I can to help those Iowans who are struggling,” Culver said. “I feel good about the progress. We've got a lot of work to do and a lot of challenges that remain.

“So I'm not distracted by anything but getting up and doing my job everyday,” Culver said. “The politics will take care of themselves.”