http://www.governorbranstad2010.com

Des Moines Register Blogs: Culver files (Monday), Branstad Tuesday

The formal pieces of the 2010 campaign for Iowa governor are falling into place, as Democratic Gov. Chet Culver filed nominating papers to seek re-election today.

Republican Terry Branstad plans to formally become a candidate for the first time in 16 years Tuesday. His campaign aides says they will file the former governor’s papers at the Iowa Secretary of State’s office today…full post HERE.

KAY HENDERSON: Branstad touts his legislative backers

Earlier this week Republican gubernatorial candidate Rod Roberts announced he’s been endorsed by nine current or former state legislators.  Roberts, who is from Carroll, is currently serving his 10th year in the Iowa House of Representatives.

This afternoon, former Governor Terry Branstad’s 2010 campaign announced Branstad now has the backing of twice as many legislators as Roberts has.  Branstad served 16  years as Iowa governor, from January of 1983 through January of 1999 (the reference below to 1991-1999 is to the legislator’s time of service which coincided with Branstad’s tenure as governor). Read the Branstad news release below…full post HERE.

The Iowa Republican: With 3 debates set, GOP primary is about to heat up

In 85 days, Iowa Republicans will head out to the polls and select the candidate that they want to see go head-to-head with Governor Chet Culver in the general election this fall. Various public and private polls show that Governor Culver is in serious trouble, meaning that Republicans stand a great chance at winning the office.

Since last July, Terry Branstad has led Culver the polls by anywhere from 16 to 29 percent…full post HERE.

KRUSTY KONSERVATIVE: Biennial budgets a power grab? Absolutely not

Earlier this week, former Governor Terry Branstad proposed changing the state’s budget process from the current annual process to biennial budgets.  Kathie Obradovich of the Des Moines Register says that both Rod Roberts and Bob Vander Plaats agree that it’s a good idea.

For all those “Branstad is Evil” folks out there, I find it telling that Branstad’s first detailed proposal won acceptance by his opponents.  More telling is the fact that this is something he waned to do when he was Governor but the Republican legislature said no…full post HERE.

OBRADOVICH: Branstad accepts three primary debates

Former Gov. Terry Branstad’s campaign announced today that it is accepting invitations for three debates during the GOP gubernatorial primary campaign.

His release is below. The Republican gubernatorial candidate says he will accept invitations to debate in Sioux City, Cedar Rapids, and Des Moines. The first debate, to be sponsored by KTIV TV in Sioux City, is April 7. The Iowa Broadcasters Association is sponsoring the Cedar Rapids debate on May 1. The date of the Des Moines Register’s debate has not yet been announced.

I’m pleasantly surprised that Branstad is agreeing to three primary debates. He could have limited himself to one or two as a way to keep his GOP opponents at arm’s length. It will serve voters well to have an opportunity to see all three candidates together in several different formats…full post HERE.

The Iowa Republican: Branstad accepts three debate opportunities

URBANDALE, Iowa) – The Governor Branstad 2010 campaign today announced that former Gov. Terry Branstad will compete in three Republican gubernatorial primary debates.

“We welcome the opportunity to discuss the future of Iowa with our primary opponents,” said campaign manager Jeff Boeyink. “The governor looks forward to sharing his message of job creation, family income growth and restoring fiscal responsibility to the state’s budget.”…full post HERE.