Gov. Culver on his re-election bid: Iowans love underdogs

DES MOINES – Gov. Chet Culver brushed aside claims Friday he could be one of the country's most endangered incumbents when asked about it at a news conference.

“I think Iowans love underdogs,” Culver said, drawing laughs.

Throwing in a sports analogy, Culver pointed to underdog University of Northern Iowa's recent upset of No. 1 seed

Kansas in the NCAA basketball tournament.

Culver, a Democrat seeking his second term, has faced low poll numbers recently. Three Republicans are vying in the June 8 primary for a chance to take him on in the general election.

Culver insisted the race hasn't started yet.

“I'm looking forward to getting out there and telling our story, talking about my vision for the future of this great state, talking about our record of accomplishment when it comes to veterans' services, health care for kids, teacher pay increase,” Culver said.