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IowaPolitics.com: War on Terror a Centerpiece of State GOP Convention
6/17/2006

By Chris Dorsey
IowaPolitics.com
DES MOINES -- Continuing the fight against terrorism was a common theme of Saturday's state Republican Convention, and one that was echoed by national politicians visiting in hopes of sparking enthusiasm for potential 2008 presidential bids.

New York Gov. George Pataki, speaking at a GOP picnic on Friday, stressed the importance of unity in this country as it wages a lengthy battle against terrorism.

"Even though we are fighting a war against terror, we are not going to live in fear," Pataki said. "We are not going to cower. We are going to stand tall."

Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney, the guest of honor at a Saturday morning pancake breakfast, praised the country's philosophy as troops work to implement democracy in Iraq.
Potential '08 Prez
Candidates Woo Iowans

"We are a very special place," Romney said. "The prime minister of Israel said, 'in the history of the world, America is unique. In past wars the winner always takes land, with the exception of America.' This is a land who loves life, liberty and the pursuit of dreams."

Along with Pataki and Romney, the other presidential hopefuls to make Iowa appearances Friday and Saturday were Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback and Virginia Sen. George Allen.

Allen touched on the importance of border security during his address to a Federation of Republican Women luncheon on Saturday.

"A country that cannot secure its borders cannot secure its destiny," Allen said.

State Republicans repeatedly backed President George W. Bush's position on not pulling out of Iraq too early.

"You can't be for the troops and against their mission," Fifth District Congressman Steve King said.

In the last two decades, Americans have fallen under attack by terrorists on U.S. soil and military and embassies around the world. President Bill Clinton and George W. Bush have each taken action, U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley said.

"Clinton shot a cruise missle at a factory in the Sudan and declared victory," Grassley said. "This president is committed that this country will not be attacked again."

Grassley stressed the importance of staying the course in Iraq and the war against terror.

SPEAKER PELOSI?

Grassley and 4th District Congressman Tom Latham urged Republicans to support their Iowan delegation, including 1st Congressional District newcomer Mike Whalen and state Sen. Jeff Lamberti, who is running against incumbent Leonard Boswell in the 3rd District.

"The opposition is looking at a House speaker named Pelosi for the next two years," Grassley said of California Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, the current minority leader. "I want to make sure Nancy Pelosi will not be speaker of the of House."

Latham agreed, "If we lose the majority, you can see the left-wing nut jobs she is going to take with her."

PERSONAL ATTACKS

Accepting the lieutenant governor nomination, Sioux City businessman Bob Vander Plaats discussed recent attacks made by Secretary of State Chet Culver, who claimed the Democratic gubernatorial nomination earlier this month.

"My dad said if the best thing you can do is tear someone down to build yourself up, then you have nothing to offer," Vander Plaats said.

KEEPING AN OPEN MIND

Despite presidential candidate John Cox's heavy lobbying at Saturday's convention and Friday night's picnic, conversation outside the convention focused on New York Gov. George Pataki, Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney and Virginia Sen. George Allen, who all spoke at Republican events this weekend.

Romney has made a handful of visits to Iowa and was the featured speaker at a breakfast Saturday morning, Allen headlined the Iowa Republican Women's luncheon. Pataki was the main speaker at Friday night's GOP picnic.

Following the speeches of all three national GOP potential presidential candidates, delegates who talked to IowaPolitics.com had mixed feelings about who emerged as the early favorite. It was divided almost evenly in thirds.

NATIONAL MEDIA CONVERGES IN DES MOINES

The state convention drew media interest from outside Iowa. Media staff from the Los Angeles Times was on hand to cover Romney's visit. Fox News was also represented as well as staff from the Newport Daily News.

LUGGAGE NOT JOBS

Third District Congressional candidate Jeff Lamberti, who is the Iowa Senate co-president, said his opponent, incumbent Leonard Boswell, has stated he wants to make lost luggage by the airlines a priority. Lamberti, R-Ankeny, scoffed at such a remark.

"I'm sure many of you will agree lost luggage is a nuisance, I think lost jobs is more important than lost luggage," Lamberti said.

MR. GRASSLEY GOES TO WASHINGTON

Virginia Sen. George Allen recognized all of Iowa's elected delegation in Washington, D.C. at Saturday's luncheon. He saved Sen. Charles Grassley for last, stating he was well respected in the Beltway. He called Grassley the Jimmy Stewart of the U.S. Senate, drawing a comparison to how well the famed actor was respected and liked.

BLOGS AT THE CONVENTION

Johnson County Republican bloggers were on hand at today's convention, filing a series of quick updates.

See the blog

Radio Iowa's blog also presented an unfiltered look at the note-taking process behind the news.

See the blog

***FRIDAY***

NY GOV. PATAKI HEADLINES GOP PICNIC

New York Gov. George Pataki and Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback received positive feedback from a crowd of 300 people Friday night at a GOP picnic in Des Moines.

The large crowd braved the 90-degree heat to listen to Pataki, the event's featured speaker, address Iowa Republicans. Brownback was one of many elected Republicans to attend the event.

Brownback talked about the work that would be involved in having a strong showing in Iowa.

"It is a long courtship in Iowa," he said. "Iowa is a place where people want to kick the tires, talk with you and get a sense of who you are."

Pataki stressed the importance of unity in the battle against terrorism.

"Even though we are fighting a war against terror, we are not going to live in fear," Pataki said. "We are not going to cower. We are going to stand tall."

Pataki, who is considering a run for the White House in 2008, spoke with Bill Northey, the GOP candidate for secretary of agriculture, following his speech. He explained to the candidate the significance of giving Americans the power of choices.

Two choices Pataki reminded Iowans of Friday night were electing Congressman Jim Nussle, R-Manchester, as governor and electing Mike Whalen in the First Congressional District. Nussle is vacating his First District seat to run for governor.

Pataki also talked about two state residents with lengthy political backgrounds.

"We had a high-profile couple move to our state in 2000," Pataki said. "They could have gone to Hollywood to hang out with Barbara Streistand, or went home to Arkansas. They could have gone to her home in Illinois, but they chose to move where taxes are low...They went to New York."

Pataki closed out the evening attending an event for Nussle. He left the picnic with staff and was accompanied by members of Iowans for Tax Relief.

PHOTO OP

Brownback is another Republican testing the presidential waters in Iowa. He introduced himself at the picnic and to delegates and guests at Saturday morning's convention at the Hy-Vee Hall.

Pataki and Brownback met among the middle of the crowd following the dinner and governor's speech. Pataki extended a welcoming hand to the Kansas senator. The handshake created a media frenzy as photographers seized the moment to captured the photo opportunity.

ON THE JOB

Just four days after announcing his decision to retire from the Iowa Senate, former Senate Majority Leader Stew Iverson attended Friday's picnic with Pataki.

The day after Iverson said he would retire from the Legislature, Pataki's PAC named Iverson as its state chairman. It is a post Iverson welcomes.

"The biggest thing I enjoy is staying active in campaigning," Iverson said. "I am working with someone I have great admiration for."

Pataki's PAC is working to help elect and re-election Republicans in Iowa.

IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE?

Dr. Mark I. Klein attended Saturday's convention and Friday's picnic. He told anyone who would listen that he feels it is time for a change in this country.

The California doctor is considering making his first run at political office -- and he's setting his sights high, aiming for the White House.

Klein's exploratory committee volunteers and staff handed out brochures and lapel stickers to attendees at the picnic and convention.

"I am testing the waters because I think this country is a little nuts," Klein said.

MAKING ANOTHER VISIT

Chicago Republican John Cox is the lone candidate to announce he IS running for president. Many speculate some of the larger names attending the convention Saturday such as Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts, Virginia Sen. George Allen, Kansas Sen. Sam Bronwback and New York Gov. George Pataki are toying with the notion of running, Cox's signs posted outside the Hy-Vee Hall said he is running for the Oval Office.

Cox has visited all 99 counties, South Carolina and New Hampshire. He also spoke at Friday's GOP picnic.

"This country is looking for another Ronald Reagan," Cox said. He added he is such a candidate.

500 JOBS LOST

The Rubbermaid plant closing in Centerville was a topic of conversation bandied about at Friday night's event. GOP Executive Director Cullen Sheehan said Gov. Tom Vilsack was in New Hampshire running for president when corporate officials announced Rubbermaid would move its operation to Kansas. That decision cost Centerville and that area 500 jobs.

State Sen. Paul McKinley said the Iowa Legislature must do more for Iowa businesses.

"We haven't passed laws conducive to small businesses," said McKinley, R-Chariton.

PROUD AMERICANS

U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley closed out the event reminding Iowans that they have a lot in which to be proud.

"We have an economy we can be proud of," Grassley said. He added for those who have taken issue with some of the negatives aspects facing the country, that they need to "suck it up because we have a lot to be proud of as Americans."


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