The Weekly Stampede - July 23, 2008

House Republicans Lead Opponents in Campaign Cash

Republican candidates for the Iowa House are leading their Democrat opponents in cash reserves according to financial reports filed this week with the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board. Reports due Monday, July 21st, show Republican candidates hold a $12,500 advantage in cash on hand, a key indicator of campaign strength heading into the November elections.

“We are in a very solid position right now,” said House Republican Leader Christopher Rants, R-Sioux City. “If fundraising stays at the pace we expect, then our chances look very good to win the seats necessary to take back the majority in the Iowa House.”

During the reporting period, ending on July 14^th, Republicans running for the Iowa House had $1,177,107 cash on hand compared to the Democrat candidates having banked $1,164,602. Republicans in leadership positions out raised the Democrat leaders by nearly two to one and reported twice as much cash on hand.

“The candidates running under the Republican banner this year are the most qualified, aggressive, and effective campaigners that I’ve ever worked with,” said Kraig Paulsen, R-Hiawatha. “They’re fundraising hard, knocking on doors, and doing all the things it takes to win their elections.”

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Iowa Veterans Unite Behind John McCain

DES MOINES, IA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign announced the launch of the Iowa Veterans for McCain Leadership with a gathering at the state capitol to pledge their support for John McCain and to screen the campaign video entitled, "The Obama Iraq Documentary: Whatever the Politics Demand."

"Whether as a soldier, a leader or a citizen, John McCain has always put his country first," said Curly Hultman, Chair of Iowa Veterans for McCain. "He has been a tireless advocate for our troops who are currently serving, as well as all the soldiers from different generations who have returned to civilian life. Unlike his opponent, John McCain doesn't need to make campaign stops overseas in an attempt to beef up his foreign policy credentials. He already has the credentials, the experience and the judgment we need. That is why veterans throughout Iowa are eager to give our support to John McCain."

Chuck Larson Sr., Vice Chair of the Iowa Veterans for McCain, added, "My son and I have both spent time in the combat zone in Iraq, and I can say that in these dangerous times we cannot afford to have an inexperienced commander in chief. We need a leader with strong foreign policy and national security experience and that is Senator John McCain.

Featured speakers included Iowa Veterans for McCain Chairman Major General (Ret.) Evan (Curly) Hultman and Vice Chairman Colonel (Ret.) Charles (Chuck) Larson Sr.

Click Here to see the entire Iowa Veterans for John McCain Leadership Team.

The Weekly Stampede - July 16

Karl Rove to speak at Victory 2008 Luncheon

(Des Moines) – Karl Rove, the former deputy chief of staff to President George W. Bush, will keynote a luncheon fundraiser for Iowa Victory 2008 next week.

The luncheon will be held at Des Moines’ Wakonda Club, 3915 Fleur Drive, beginning at Noon on Friday, July 25^th. Iowa Republicans can attend the luncheon for a donation of $100. A photo reception with Mr. Rove is being held for those donating $1000.

Funds raised by Iowa Victory 2008 will go towards implementing the Republican Party of Iowa’s get-out-the-vote (GOTV) efforts leading up to the November 4^th General Election. These efforts include door-knocking, phone banks, and canvassing across the state.

Reservations for the luncheon can be made by contacting Wes Peterson at RPI Headquarters, 515-282-8105 or email wpeterson@iowagop.org.

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2008 RPI State Convention Recap

(Des Moines) – The road to the 2008 General Election passed one more milestone as the final gavel fell on the Republican Party of Iowa State Convention Saturday, July 12. The convention, held at Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines, was attended by an energetic crowd of more than 1600 delegates, alternates, and visitors from all of Iowa’s 99 counties.

“Impressive is the word I would use to describe it,” said RPI Chairman Stewart Iverson. “The venue was excellent, our candidates were superb, and the delegates all came enthused and prepared to conduct the business of the Republican Party.”

Iowa will send 40 delegates and 37 alternates to St. Paul, Minnesota for the Republican National Convention September 1-4. Twenty-two of the national delegates and their alternates were approved as a slate by the 1,347 voting delegates at Saturday’s convention. Fifteen delegates and alternates were chosen the night before at the District Presidential Caucuses with three delegates and alternates elected from each of Iowa’s five Congressional Districts.

The final three members of Iowa’s delegation will be RPI Chairman Stewart Iverson, National Committeeman Steve Roberts, and National Committeewoman Phyllis Kelly.

Newly-elected National Committeeman Steve Scheffler and National Committeewoman Kim Lehman will begin their terms following September's convention.

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2008 Republican National Convention Preview

The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event.