Group hoping to draft Branstad into governor’s race launches ad

DES MOINES -- The group working to draft former GOP governor Terry Branstad into the 2010 gubernatorial race has launched a statewide radio ad.

The ad, entitled “Real Leadership,” begins today and is expected to run through the week.

It highlights Branstad's leadership during 16 years as governor, through the farm crisis of the 1980s and the recovery from historic floods in 1993.

“As governor, Branstad cut taxes and balanced the budget – displaying fiscal discipline sorely needed in Des Moines today,” the ad says. “He worked to grow our economy and helped make Iowa education among the world's best.”

Former state legislator Sandy Greiner of Keota formed the Draft Branstad political action committee sponsoring the ad. She said she has seen an outpouring of support from people who hope to bring Branstad back into politics.

“I'm just stunned that we've gotten the kind of reaction we have,” Greiner said, noting the number of people who have signed up on the PAC's Web site and Facebook account.

Branstad currently serves as president of Des Moines University, a medical school, and has set an October deadline for deciding if he will get in the race. He served four terms as governor between January 1983 and January 1999.

Six Republicans already have announced they plan to run for governor in 2010 or are seriously considering it. Democratic Gov. Chet Culver has started forming his campaign team as he seeks re-election to his second term.

ON THE WEB – The radio ad can be heard at www.DraftBranstad.com.