The Weekly Stampede

Culver, Burt play ‘fast and loose’ with election law

(Waterloo) – Governor Chet Culver’s planned endorsement of democratic state house candidate Kerry Burt will take place just outside of a satellite polling place on the campus of Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo today. The location of the press conference skirts the edge of a state law that forbids campaigning within a 300 foot radius of polling places says Stewart Iverson, Chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa.

“Governor Culver may be adhering to the letter of the law but is playing fast and loose with its spirit,” Iverson said. “Planning a campaign event to coincide with satellite voting on a college campus reeks of the kind of politics that most Iowans are tired of.”

Last week, former presidential candidates Howard Dean and John Kerry stumped for Barack Obama in Davenport and Ames respectively. Both events took place on college campuses near satellite voting locations.

“These campaign events centered around polling places are exactly the type of activity this law was meant to stop,” Iverson said.

Senator Grassley touts ‘strong’ McCain economic program

(Des Moines) – Today Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley joined McCain-Palin advisor Doug Holtz-Eakin and Dave McCartney, an Iowa “Joe the Plumber”, to discuss why John McCain’s pro-growth economic policies are best for small business owners.

Senator Grassley: “I feel that John McCain will help Iowa and America in the coming years because of his strong economic program.”

On the economy and national defense:

Senator Grassley: “I don’t think there’s any doubt or any concern in anybody’s mind that the experience that John McCain had in the military as well as what he’s had as a United States Senator makes him the number one choice of people for looking out for national defense. Obviously a strong domestic economy is the best bulwark for a strong national defense.”

On the economy and energy:

Senator Grassley: “John McCain is for drilling and I heard speeches all through July where Obama was saying the he was not for drilling. Well, (Obama) may be a born again driller now, but I want to make sure that I have as president someone who wants to make use of our own national resources.”

On Obama’s recent remarks to, “spread the wealth around”:

Senator Grassley: “It’s a disincentive for growth, and I will point to my own life even though I’m 75 years old now. You name any number of jobs I had and every person that hired me invested money to create jobs. I’ve never had a poor person or a low income person offer me a job, and that’s why we can’t kill the goose that laid the golden egg, and that’s the small business of America that creates jobs. That’s why we can’t have wealth redistribution added to the attitude that Obama’s got, that you take money away from people just to make other people feel good.”

David McCartney: “What I really strongly believe is that John McCain knows what we need and that is more jobs. We need good paying jobs. Obama’s plan to raise taxes on the small business owners is keeping us down, the employer mandates that he’s proposing to enact on us is really going to hurt us. Personally, if (Obama’s) going to enforce mandates on me then I’ll have to trim my workforce and rethink my whole strategy. The economy is already starting to slow and we’re feeling it. For (Obama) to propose a few mandates and tax increases on us is preposterous. We’re already paying more than our share in taxes.”

Election Day is almost here, RPI needs your help!

The Republican Party of Iowa is looking for individuals to serve as poll watchers for the general election, November 4, 2008. Poll Watching is an incredibly rewarding experience that enables individuals to see the election process in action.

For further information or to sign up please contact Director of Election Day Operations Danny McNamara at dmcnamara@iowagop.org or by phone at (515) 864-6127. In Jackson County, you can contact Jean Davidsaver at chairman@jacksoncountygop.net .

McCain Draws Even With Obama After Debate in AP Poll

By Catherine Dodge

October, 22, 2008

(Bloomberg) -- Republican John McCain erased Democrat Barack Obama's lead in the presidential race less than two weeks before Election Day in an Associated Press-GfK poll, as two other surveys put Obama ahead by 10 points or more.

The AP poll, taken over five days following the candidates' final debate Oct. 15, shows Obama with 44 percent support and McCain with 43 percent backing among likely voters. Similarly, an Investors Business Daily/TIPP poll shows the race tightening to a 4-point Obama lead.

Click Here to read more.

Paid for by the Republican Party of Iowa

The Weekly Stampede

Iowa GOP leaders respond to second presidential debate

DES MOINES, IA -- McCain-Palin 2008 today released the following statements from Dave Roederer, Iowa State Chair for McCain, Stewart Iverson, Chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa and Christopher Rants, House Republican Leader, on tonight's presidential debate in Nashville.

Dave Roederer, McCain Iowa State Chair: "Tonight's town hall debate worked well for John McCain. Americans were able to ask him direct questions and he responded with direct answers showing the kind of leadership our country needs right now. Obama played to the crowd yet again in hopes of being rewarded with a free pass from the media. It's a strategy his campaign has used repeatedly during this election, but it doesn't do anything to help everyday Americans with the problems they face."

Stewart Iverson, Chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa: "John McCain was the clear winner of tonight's debate and he didn't need spin from the media or pollsters to do it. He engaged Americans with real solutions for the economy, energy independence, and the war on terror. Barack Obama could only offer more of the same: catchy buzz words and empty rhetoric that in no way matches his record of raising taxes and expanding government."

House Republican Leader Christopher Rants: "Voters are looking for straight talk and substance during these uncertain times. John McCain delivered that tonight and proved that he is the only candidate with the experience and background necessary to get our country back on track. Barack Obama continued to distort not only his own record, but John McCain's as well. It is very troubling to me that after hundreds of speeches and now two debates, we're all still left wondering, who is the real Barack Obama?"

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Volunteers needed for campaign mail program

RPI is seeking volunteers to assist with a special campaign mail program to help elect Iowa Republican candidates. Volunteer tasks include sorting, bagging, and transporting mail pieces in Central Iowa. This program is a great way for Republicans of all ages and abilities to take part in this historic campaign!

Interested volunteers should contact Nathan Treloar at 515-282-8105 or Nathan@iowagop.org.

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Ronald Reagan Dinner is October 25^th, RSVP today!

WHO:

State Chairman Stewart Iverson

Honorary Dinner Chair: Steve Roberts

Co-Chairs: Senator Chuck Grassley, Congressman Tom Latham, Congressman Steve King

Honorary Dinner Co-Chairs: Governors Bob Ray & Terry Branstad

WHEN:

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Reception: 6 p.m.

Host Committee Reception: 6:30 p.m.

Dinner: 7 p.m.

WHERE:

Hy-Vee Hall

730 3^rd St

Des Moines, Iowa

RSVP:

Host: $1000 (Host Reception, Photo & Table of Ten)

Sponsor: $500 (Host Reception & Dinner for Three)

Individual: $100 (Reception & Dinner)

***Contact Wes Peterson for reservations or more information at wpeterson@iowagop.org or call 515-282-8105.

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Election Day is approaching, RPI needs your help!

The Republican Party of Iowa is looking for individuals to serve as poll watchers for the general election, November 4, 2008. Poll Watching is an incredibly rewarding experience that enables individuals to see the election process in action.

For further information or to sign up please contact Director of Election Day Operations Danny McNamara at dmcnamara@iowagop.org or by phone at (515) 864-6127.

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Paid for by the Republican Party of Iowa

The Weekly Stampede

In their own words: Christopher Reed, candidate for U.S. Senate

Many Iowans are asking who is Christopher Reed and what is he doing?

I’m Christopher Reed and I am a father, a husband, a veteran and a small business owner – and I am traveling Iowa campaigning to be your next U.S. Senator

I was born and raised in Solon, Iowa. I joined the Navy after high school and served my country for 5 years. After that, I came back to Iowa to raise my family and started a small business. I now live in Marion with my wife and 3 children.

As your Senator I will work to return to you your Constitutional rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Everyone is throwing the word “change” around during this election cycle. Change is definitely needed in Washington, but along with that you also need reform. Without reform change is just business as usual, but with different players. I want to be that Senator who forces reform in our U.S. government and the way it conducts its own business.

I am a pro-life candidate who will defend marriage between one man and one woman and will strongly promote family values.

As your Senator, I will defend your right to bear arms as granted in the Second Amendment. I will support the war on terror until the battle is won. The surge has worked and we are winning. The U.S. is training the most professional military forces in history. We need to let them do their job until the battle is won. If we surrender now, we are sending a message to the world that we are weak – enabling them to strike at any time without any notice.

Iowa also needs a Farm Bill that is not full of wasteful spending. I will be that Senator who will work to pass a farm bill that will enable Iowa to continue to feed and fuel the world. I will work to protect our precious agriculture commodity and make it grow.

As your Senator, I will work to defend our borders and keep Iowans safe from illegal immigrants. I want to punish employers who are hiring illegal immigrants and enforce the laws which have been enacted by Congress. Illegal immigrants should not be able to receive better health care than most Iowans, and they should not be entitled to the same social security benefits as hard working Iowans. Our liberties are precious and we must protect them to the fullest extent for each U.S. citizen.

It is important that you know that I am going to push for the drilling of oil in the United States and ANWR. Four dollar gas is unacceptable in a country where millions of gallons of oil lie beneath our soil. There are many capped wells in the United States that are just waiting to be re-opened. This will send a strong message to the oil “powers that be” that the United States is back and we are back better than ever. By drilling in the United States, we will become dependent on ourselves while creating many new jobs at the many new oil sites across the United States. DRILL HERE – DRILL NOW – DRILL OFTEN!

And finally I will work to cut your taxes. By cutting taxes I will be returning your hard earned dollars to your pocket – you will be able to provide for your families and pursue your own happiness. Besides, you know how to spend your money better than the government does. I think our current financial crisis is evidence of the reform that is needed in Washington, D.C.

Our founding fathers did not have career politicians in mind when they developed the two houses of Congress. It is time for change in Washington. Iowa – you have the chance to stand up and say “we’re not going to take it any more – we want our country back!!” Now is the time for change. I am not looking to become a career politician. Once again, it is my turn to stand and serve my country.

Iowans’ deserve a United States Senator who will return their rights to them. You have worked hard for what you have. Enjoy life – enjoy your liberties – and enjoy your pursuit of happiness. Your founding fathers extended that right to you – so embrace it and live life to its fullest. This is your country so fight for it and take it back!!

I am Christopher Reed. I am running for the United States Senator and I am asking for your vote on November 4th.

Respectfully Submitted,

Christopher Reed

www.christopherreed2008.com

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Culver turns blind eye to Iowa’s economic concerns

(Des Moines) – Governor Chet Culver told reporters Tuesday that Iowa’s “fiscal house is in order” despite current economic data that paints a different picture.

Speaking at his own homeland security conference in downtown Des Moines, Culver said that Iowa, “is actually much better positioned than most states,” to deal with the nation’s financial crisis.

Stewart Iverson, chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa, said that the $1 billion in new spending that Culver and his accomplices in the legislature have passed since 2006 would now be, “handy to have around,” to help with recovery efforts.

Iverson also pointed to reports from the office of State Auditor David Vaudt showing that lawmakers will already be dealing with a budget that is over $500 million in the red when they reconvene in January.

“No one ever expects to be hit by tornadoes, floods, and a financial crisis all in the same summer,” Iverson said. “But the fact remains that the state’s ability to respond to crises like these has been diminished due to a complete lack of fiscal restraint by Governor Culver’s office and the Democrat controlled legislature.”

At Tuesday’s press conference Culver also touted Iowa’s 4.6% unemployment rate, which is below the national average of 6.1%, but failed to mention that the number of unemployed jumped 7% from the previous month and is now at its highest level since 2005.

“A lot of people lost jobs and businesses in this summer’s floods, so an increase is understandable,” Iverson said. “It surprises me that the Governor would use rising unemployment to highlight Iowa’s good economic health.”

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Paid for by the Republican Party of Iowa

News From RPI Chairman Stewart Iverson

Harkin Spews Hate Against Veterans

…Harkin, who has a history of embellishing his own military record, told Iowa reporters last week that McCain’s background as the son and grandson of Navy admirals creates a “dangerous” situation because he can only view the world through the prism of the military.

“He has a hard time thinking beyond that,” Harkin said, according to The Des Moines Register. “I think he’s trapped in that. Everything is looked at from his life experiences, from always having been in the military, and I think that can be pretty dangerous.”

The paper also quotes Iowa’s junior senator telling reporters, “It’s one thing to have been drafted and served, but another thing when you come from generations of military people and that’s just how you’re steeped, how you’ve learned, how you’ve grown up.”

Military service is not a foreign concept to U.S. presidents. In the post-War War II era, Bill Clinton is the only president to have not served in some branch of the military.

Read the entire article.

…Iverson also called on Obama to "denounce" fellow Democratic Senator Tom Harkin's recent comments about Republican presidential candidate John McCain. Last week Harkin said McCain's worldview is "trapped" because of his military career, and the military careers of his father and grandfather.

"First of all, we have to have a strong military in the United States. We have to take care of not only ourselves, but help allied nations," Iverson said. "With an all-volunteer Army and Air Force, Marines and Navy -- all the branches of service, I think it's absolutely ridiculous to say that John McCain is 'too military.'"

Read the entire article.

California Supreme Court Looses its Moral Compass

In an era where our nations moral compass is being tested daily, last weeks ruling by the California Supreme Court to legalize same-sex marriage is particularly disturbing. The 4-3 decision, which overturned a ban enacted by the California legislature, is yet another example of power hungry justices legislating from the bench. This is just one of the many reasons why this year’s election is so important. The next president may have the opportunity to nominate as many as four justices to the Supreme Court. John McCain will stand up for our Republican beliefs and nominate justices who hold the same jurisprudence as Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alito.

…Highlighting an issue he plans to use aggressively in the general election campaign, Sen. John McCain on Tuesday decried "the common and systematic abuse of our federal courts by the people we entrust with judicial power" and pledged to nominate judges similar to the ones President Bush has placed on the bench.

The presumptive Republican presidential nominee said that Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. "would serve as the model for my own nominees, if that responsibility falls to me," highlighting the gap between Republicans and Democrats on the question of who should sit on the Supreme Court. Both justices have established strong conservative records since Bush appointed them, and the appointment of one more conservative to the nation's highest court could tip the balance on issues such as abortion, discrimination, civil liberties and private property.

Read the entire article.

News From RPI Chairman Stewart Iverson

South Dakota Senator John Thune to headline Lincoln Dinner

John Thune will keynote the annual Lincoln Day Dinner fundraising event. The event begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, and will be held at Embassy Suites in Des Moines.

Thune, who defeated Sen. Tom Daschle in 2004, is considered one of the party’s rising stars.

“We are extremely excited that Sen. Thune agreed to keynote our event,” said Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Stewart Iverson. “He is a dynamic and passionate legislator, and we look forward to welcoming our Midwestern neighbor.”

Individual tickets are available from the Republican Party of Iowa for $75. Individuals may host a table for $750

All contributions will be deposited in the Iowa Republican Party’s Federal Account. Funds received in response to this solicitation will be subject to Federal contribution limits. The maximum an individual can contribute to the Iowa Republican Party’s Federal Account is $10,000 per year. Contributions to the Iowa Republican Party are not tax deductible. Corporate and foreign national contributions are prohibited under federal law. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year.

For more information, please call Wes Peterson at (515) 282-8105 or e-mail wpeterson@iowagop.org.

McCain Gaining Ground in Election

…And now Democrats, who had been expecting a banner year, are fighting among themselves as the nomination contest between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama becomes increasingly bitter.

That’s giving McCain a head start on making his case to voters while Obama sees his candidacy tarnished with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright distraction…

Read the entire article.

State Auditor Vaudt Continues His Vigilance:

State officials paid an out-of-state contractor $882,260 to help Iowa save $50,325 a year, according to an audit released Monday.

A spokesman for the contractor disputes the conclusions, but State Auditor David Vaudt stands behind the report.

"I think when you look at it, we obviously didn't accomplish the savings that were projected in the contract, but yet we still had to pay the fee," Vaudt said Monday…

Read the entire article.

News From RPI Chairman Stewart Iverson

$32 million tax increase

Newspapers across the state blared the above headline Thursday morning, as taxes will again be raised in Iowa. That’s right – over $400 million in total tax increases, and counting, so far.

The latest measure would eliminate the local option sales tax for schools, and replace it with a statewide penny sales tax that, for now, is devoted to schools.

Two aspects of this bill are troubling. As we have seen time and time and time again, all too often when the governor and Legislature get their hands on funding, it gets “scooped” for other pet projects, especially in times of economic slowdown.

Second, this tax increase now raises the state’s use tax as well. The use tax is applied when businesses purchase goods from out of the state to use here in Iowa. Businesses often do not pay the sales tax in that state, and instead pay the Iowa use tax, which was exempt from local option sales taxes.

That is, until this bill went on its way.

Republicans offered two amendments that would have protected your tax dollars.

The first amendment would have provided constitutional protection to prevent the sales tax revenue from being scooped, or shifted, for other uses. It also provided that this bill would only take effect upon the ratification of an amendment to the Iowa Constitution to protect all revenues received from the state sales and use tax.

The second amendment would have helped to offset any future property tax increases by stating that if the state’s estimate of general fund revenues exceeds original estimates, the excess revenue would go to the Property Tax Equity and Relief Fund.

Remember – the sole intent of the original local option sales tax was for local residents to approve it themselves, and to only last 10 years.

Now, however, this is a permanent tax on the people of Iowa and a $32 million tax increase on Iowa businesses.

News From RPI Chairman Stewart Iverson

Filing Deadline is Today

Literally hundreds of Republicans have filed for U.S. Senate and House, and Iowa Senate and House. Our Republican leadership has recruited tremendous candidates for these positions. In all, we have 24 candidates for the Iowa Senate and more than 80 running for the Iowa House.

These candidates will need your help in order to be successful this fall. Please take the time to contact them and offer your assistance. A full roster can be found here: http://www.sos.state.ia.us/pdfs/staff/primcandlist.pdf.

If you would like to run for a county office, it’s not too late. The deadline for filing is March 26. Please contact your county auditor for more information!


Senate Republicans’ Stimulus Proposal

Senate Republicans this week enacted a key provision of their economic stimulus plan by passing legislation that allows federal rebate checks to be accepted tax-free. Senate Republicans are currently working on other portions of their stimulus package as well.

One component of their plan is a proposal that extends Iowa’s tax-free weekend through Sunday, and lifts the restriction of only clothes being tax free during these days. For example, a family of four will receive a stimulus check of $1,800 from the federal government. Allowing this money to be spent tax-free adds 6 percent, or an extra $108, to spend on clothes, school supplies or a new computer.

Additionally, over the next five years Iowa is expected to see a skilled workforce training deficit of 150,000 workers. In their plan, Senate Republicans call for a job training program that will address the projected shortage.

Finally, Senate Republicans want Iowans to improve the value of their homes by exempting any improvements made to an Iowan’s home for the next five years from taxation.

Unfortunately, Senate Democrats continue to stand in the way on these last three provisions.

Have a great weekend -
Stew

Update from RPI Chairman Stewart Iverson

Dear Friends,

I wanted to update you on some of the key issues in the state:

Marriage Debate

This week, House Republicans called up a vote on the marriage amendment. The bipartisan amendment was drafted due to an August 31, 2007 ruling by Polk County Judge Robert Hanson, which threw out Iowa’s Defense of Marriage Act and thereby made Iowa the only state in the nation to allow same-sex marriage.

The measure was defeated, 50 to 46. All Republicans voted to bring up the bill, and it was all Democrats voting against it. Unfortunately, because the Democrats will not bring up the amendment for a vote, the issue of marriage has been ripped from the hands of Iowans, and instead placed in the hands of the courts.

Be sure to contact your GOP House members and let them know you appreciate their support of this measure.

Culver Slipping in Latest Poll

Apparently, Iowans are none too keen on Culver’s performance. The latest SurveyUSA poll shows him with an approval rating below 50 percent. See for yourself by clicking here.

Gambling with our Veterans’ Trust

House Democrats this week voted down an amendment that would have taken $5 million out of Iowa’s general fund – which exceeds $6 billion – for the Veterans Trust Fund. The measure failed on a 51 to 45 vote.

Democrats instead favored the creation of a new lottery game to fund the program.

The bill, House File 2359, establishes a new series of lottery games to fund the Veterans Trust Fund – which assists low-income Iowa veterans, spouses and their dependents with travel for wounded veterans, job training or college tuition assistance, and certain health care services.

With this bill, the Iowa Lottery would offer one $1 scratch game and one $2 dollar scratch game, as well as one 25-cent and one 50-cent pull-tab game, with post-overhead and marketing expenses going to the Veterans Trust Fund.

The amendment, H-8045, would have allocated $5 million of the state’s $6 billion budget for the Veterans Trust Fund.

Our veterans deserve a sound, reliable funding stream rather than pull-tabs.

Watch Chairman Iverson on “The Insiders”

Those of you in the WHO-TV Channel 13 viewing area will have the opportunity to watch Chairman Iverson take on the Iowa Democratic Party Chair this Sunday, March 9, at 9:30 a.m. Be sure to tune in!

Keep Your Party Strong

Our efforts are in full gear at the Republican Party of Iowa. But we need your help. Please make sure we can fully fund our efforts in November by donating here.

News From RPI Chairman Stewart Iverson

The following was sent in an e-mail recently by Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Stewart Iverson:


Getting Down to Business

Floor debate in the Iowa House had an interesting turn this week, when House Democrats admitted that without a tax increase on Iowa businesses, they will be unable to balance the state budget this session.

Prompting the comment was an amendment put forth by House Republicans that would have mirrored the federal economic stimulus package by allowing an accelerated write-off for businesses for certain assets they own, called bonus depreciation.

The Democrats defeated this amendment on a partisan vote, 53 to 47, with every single Democrat casting a vote against the bill.

This was a great opportunity to stand up for hometown Iowa businesses, who will be hit with a tax increase of up to $30 million. The reason the Democrats gave for voting down the amendment, as stated above, is that the additional revenue generated through the tax increase was needed to help them balance their budget.

This is a sad statement – when state revenues are coming in at record levels – that Democrats need to raise taxes just to balance the budget.

Recently, the Legislature gave Microsoft a big tax break to land a server farm in central Iowa. Tax incentives are an effective way to lure new businesses to the state. Shouldn’t our hard-working, existing businesses in Iowa be offered some tax relief as well?

The Democrats, with their runaway spending, don’t think so.

The Heritage Foundation had this to say about bonus depreciation:

“The best part of the agreement is tax cuts for businesses. "Bonus depreciation," which allows companies to rapidly deduct qualified investment from their tax liability, makes new investment opportunities more profitable and attractive. This provision would increase business investment, which would create jobs and strengthen the economy.”

Republicans will continue to offer real tax relief to stimulate the economy and help Iowa’s businesses.

Stewart Iverson

Chairman, The Republican Party of Iowa

From the Desk of RPI Chairman Stewart Iverson

The following is a message from Stewart Iverson:

"Thank you for your comments from last week’s email. I certainly caused a stir when I used the term Big Tent. Many assumed that my thoughts meant we will let anyone in the door and do whatever they wanted regardless of what we, the majority, desired. This is not the case. I invite everyone to come in and have discussions. We cannot get our point across about limited government and fiscal responsibility if we don’t talk to people. So in other words, we can bring people into our Party while maintaining our core principles.

We can work with many people and point out what makes us unique, not by pandering but by having discussions. Each of us can learn by listening to others but sticking to our principles of limited government and fiscal responsibility. Did you realize that the state legislature led by Governor Culver and the Democrats spent or committed a billion dollars more than the previous budget? The Democrats spent more in two years than the eight years under Governor Vilsack’s leadership. They can get by this year but after the November election, there will have to be a very large tax increase. We must stop this now if we have any desire to improve our future in our great state.

The Democrats want the government to care for us from cradle to the grave. Where is our personal responsibility in all of this? They feel the government is better able to care for us than we are. We must stand up for ourselves. We can care for ourselves.

Are you willing to stand up and fight for our own independence? I am."

A Message From RPI Chairman Stewart Iverson

From the Desk of Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Stewart Iverson

As some of you know, I recently took the reigns of the Republican Party of Iowa. When this opportunity came before me, it was a no-brainer because I love, respect, care for and am honored to be a part of the Republican Party. For these reasons, I knew I had to step up to the plate because in this next year, the Republican Party will witness one of the most defining, critical and telling years of our time.

Over time, the Republican Party has evolved. It has evolved for the better as we have truly become a “Big Tent Party.” People within the Party are Republicans for many different reasons. Some are more concerned with the business climate. Some are passionate about a quality school system. Some care deeply about their faith and family. Some are worried about the economy. But regardless of all of our insignificant differences, we ultimately are all Republicans for the same fundamental reasons that lie in our core principles.

We need to bear in mind why we have been Republicans from day one. We are Republicans because we chose the Party that stands for limited government and lower taxes, the Party of personal responsibility and fiscal responsibility, the Party of opportunity and not dependence.

I want to make all Republicans feel wanted, welcomed and appreciated. More importantly, I want the Party to bring these core principles back to the forefront of our conservatism, while at the same time embracing all of the other ideas, issues and beliefs that have become a crucial part of our identity. As Chairman, I will bring all Republicans into our big tent and we will unite to ensure Iowa remains red in November and so will the White House.

To hear Chairman Stew Iverson, tune into Jan Mickelson on WHO 1040 at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 14.