This morning, I saw a glimpse into the future of the Iowa GOP and I loved what I saw.
A large group of central Iowa conservatives gathered this morning to talk Republican politics, the upcoming 2009 legislative session, and yes, even a little about the Gene Chizik debacle up in Ames.
This group ranged from longtime leaders like Governor Terry Branstad to our newest state representatives Kent Sorenson and Kevin Koester. It was great to see a few of my fellow RPI chair candidates Danny Carroll, Andy Cable and Matt Randall too, and I was even more encouraged by everyone’s commitment to working together to help move our party forward.
While the keynote of the breakfast was newly elected House GOP Whip Linda Upmeyer’s report on the Republican agenda for the 2009 session, a couple of rookie state representatives stole the show. Remarks made by both state representatives Chris Hagenow and Erik Helland give me great optimism for where our party is headed.
First, Hagenow told the story of his hard-fought 141 vote victory over a popular Democrat mayor in a swing, suburban Des Moines seat. Despite being outspent on the airwaves, Hagenow won by not only good, old-fashioned campaigning, but successfully based his campaign on solid conservative principles that allowed him to draw a clear contrast on property taxes with his generally well-liked opponent. As I discuss in my Letter of Principles, this is a perfect example of how our candidates can win when they are guided by core principles and relate those principles to an issue of importance to the voters.
Following Hagenow was Erik Helland, who was recently elected to represent Johnston, Grimes and much of rural Polk County in the Iowa House. Helland gave a passionate speech about how a unified GOP caucus is preparing to not just be a line of defensive against Culver and his legislative allies, but will use the upcoming session to offer conservative and responsible solutions to our state’s fiscal mess. We have learned from recent elections that just “being against something” doesn’t win elections. Ideas matter, and like you, I believe when we present our issues to the voting public, we win elections.
Innovative ideas and principled candidates who can communicate those ideas are key ingredients in turning things around for the Iowa GOP, and I sure like the direction we’re going.
First Stop on the Pizza & Politics Tour TONIGHT. Neither rain nor sleet nor snow will keep me from the first Pizza & Politics event scheduled tonight at 6:30 pm at The Other Place, 125 First Street SE in Mason City. For those hearty souls willing to brave the conditions, I look forward to meeting you in person, as well as hearing your thoughts and ideas about moving our party forward.
