Matt Strawn

Closing Arguments

2009-01-08T20:56:00.003-06:00

One month ago, I announced my candidacy for Chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa. Since that time, I have logged thousands of miles traveling our great state – meeting with party leaders, elected officials and grassroots activists – listening to their ideas on moving our party forward.

These travels have left me energized about the future. Republicans across the state are fired up, ready to fight for our shared values, and have party leadership eager to make the clear distinction between our party and the liberal majority that seeks greater control over your lives and your pocketbook.

My experience in professional sports has taught me that success does not come by the work of one, but many, working together as a team.

I want to be your Chairman so I can lead and inspire our Republican team and get us back in the business of winning elections – and winning those elections without betraying our conservative principles.

To my many supporters, I cannot thank you enough for your confidence. To our state central committee members and Republicans across Iowa, I’m not just asking for your support on Saturday … I’m asking for your trust … your trust that I can provide the leadership to return conservative and principled government back to the people of Iowa.

Last Call for Pizza & Dubuque Recap

2009-01-06T14:34:00.001-06:00

The tenth and final stop on the Pizza & Politics tour is tonight in Council Bluffs. Please join us at 6:30 pm at the Pizza King, located at 1101 North Broadway.

Pizza & Politics Tale of the Tape
Cities Visited: Mason City, Davenport, Burlington, West Des Moines, Orange City, Cedar Rapids, Cedar Falls and Dubuque
Miles Traveled: 1,917

Dubuque Pizza & Politics Wrap-Up

Wow … what a night. The crowd of GOP activists and leaders at The Shot Tower numbered over 25 and again, left me energized about the future of our party. There is no doubt that our Republican friends in Northeast Iowa are fired up, ready to take the fight to the Democrats, and start reclaiming local legislative seats that have been lost in recent election cycles.

I first want to thank State Rep. Steve Lukan from New Vienna for both his introduction and his enthusiastic endorsement. Steve is one of our party’s rising stars and key to the Republican renewal in NE Iowa. I also want to thank former state central committee members Rose Kramer and Dan Nicholson for their warm welcome and introductions to the past, current and future leadership of the Dubuque County GOP.

Discussion centered largely on communication. In a part of the state where Democrats enjoy a comfortable registration edge, how Republicans and our candidates communicate with the voters is paramount to both winning the trust – and the vote – of Iowans.

As I wrote in my Letter of Principles:

There is much discussion about deviating from, or watering down, Republican principles as a necessity for electoral success. I honestly believe this debate misses a key point. You name a problem, be it a social or economic ill, and I guarantee you there is a solution consistent with our party’s core beliefs.

The role of the Republican Party, along with its elected leaders, is to harness our collective talents to not only craft sound policy consistent with those core beliefs, but then to also present it to the voting public as a relevant solution to their everyday problems.

While message does matter, I also write, so too does the messenger:

Recruiting quality, authentic candidates with those core beliefs is certainly the responsibility of the party, but so is ensuring our candidates and party leaders have the ability to relate to voters with sound, conservative solutions that are relevant to the problems of the day.

I look forward to working with our elected leadership to put these principles into practice. Now, off to Council Bluffs.

RPI Forum & More Pizza and Politics

2009-01-05T13:30:00.001-06:00

The Pizza & Politics tour makes its way tonight to Northeast Iowa. Please join us in Dubuque at 6:30 pm at The Shot Tower at 290 Locust Street.

Pizza & Politics Tale of the Tape
Cities Visited: Mason City, Davenport, Burlington, West Des Moines, Orange City, Cedar Rapids and Cedar Falls
Miles Traveled: 1,511
Winter Storm Warnings: 2
Pizzas Consumed: I don’t want to know

RPI Candidate Forum

Saturday’s RPI Chair Forum has been extensively covered by both mainstream media outlets and the conservative Iowa blogosphere, so I wanted to offer a few quick takeaways from Saturday’s forum before I jump into the car and head to Dubuque

Transparency. I have stressed repeatedly throughout my public campaign for chair that all Republicans have a vested interest in the leadership of our party. Kudos to the State Central Committee for providing a very public platform for Iowa Republicans to meet, question, and interact with all the candidates for chair. Ours is a party that believes in an honest and open government that is accountable to the people and it is refreshing to see our party “walk the walk” in applying these principles to the selection of our next leader.

Enthusiasm. I have frequently commented during my Pizza & Politics tour how impressed I am with the number of Republican activists who are eager to engage in our party’s renewal. Saturday was no different as over 100 people turned out for the forum. This optimism, energy and passion among activists at all levels will be a key ingredient as we build toward our 2010 electoral successes.

Civility. While SCC member Bill Schickel referenced Reagan’s 11th Commandment during his introductory remarks, it was encouraging and illustrative that at no point during the forum did it need be invoked.

The six of us set the tone for moving the party forward by focusing on the tasks crucial to building the organizational, financial and communicative structure for battling the Democrat majority and its “more government cures all ills” ideology. Over the past year, our party has seen a hard-fought GOP presidential caucus, a competitive primary for the US Senate and the Second Congressional District, as well as numerous state legislative primaries. With those battles in the rear-view mirror, it is imperative we continue to look ahead as RPI and its Chairman will be at the tip of the spear from day one in aggressively communicating to Iowa’s voters that conservative, results-oriented solutions empowering private enterprise and the family are sorely needed in Des Moines and Congress.

All the candidates bring different life experiences and skills to the RPI, but after this weekend there should be no doubt by anyone that all my colleagues competing to lead the Iowa GOP have the best interests of the party in their hearts. Many excellent thoughts were shared not just by the candidates, but by those activists in attendance. I am confident following next Saturday’s vote all Republicans are ready to move forward – together - in creating a Republican Party of Iowa that is a relevant force in delivering GOP victories at all levels throughout Iowa.

Hold onto your Wallet

2008-12-28T21:21:00.002-06:00

I have commented during my campaign that a primary motivation for seeking the RPI chairmanship is: one, I’m tired of Republicans losing elections; and two, the results of those electoral losses are policies increasingly hostile to my business and my family.

And now, as if I needed additional motivation, this little nugget was splashed on the front page of my morning newspaper, “Plan would give Iowa cities the power to tax income.”

The practical and political impact of this plan should raise a red flag with every Iowa taxpayer and Republican.

The Practical. I would be the first to agree that Iowa needs fundamental and comprehensive tax reform, but the notion that this reform can be initiated by a tax increase - during a recession no less - borders on delusional.

As a business owner who interacts on a daily basis with both Iowa’s largest corporations and many small business owners, I am witness to the difficult decisions being made regarding reduced budgets for 2009. Every company, regardless of size, is not only trimming the fat but in many instances, cutting to the bone due to economic uncertainty. Why Iowa’s municipalities fail to acknowledge this reality is beyond me. Simply put, House Leader Kraig Paulsen nailed it by saying this is “an outrageous proposal.”

The Political. This proposal is political cover for Democrat legislators and Governor Culver. Numerous Democrat legislators campaigned, and won, on an anti-tax platform, while Culver himself is now saying tax increases have no place in the 2009 legislative session.

This policy is designed as a legislative slight-of-hand to allow those legislators and Culver to support higher taxes without having to vote for, or sign into law, a direct tax increase. Pretty clever, huh? Just watch, these legislators will attempt to claim with a straight face that a vote for this proposal is a vote that merely provides local municipalities the power to tax, not mandate that they do so.

Our Republican leaders must call them on this and drive this debate in the eyes of the voting public. Republican leaders at all levels must aggressively define this vote as a vote for higher taxes and hold those tax-increasing legislators accountable at the ballot box. A vote for this plan is a vote for higher taxes. Period. End of discussion.

I look forward to an honest and vigorous debate over tax and spending policy in Iowa, but first things first, at a minimum the debate must be honest.

RPI Chair Forum Canceled

2008-12-27T08:45:00.002-06:00

Good morning.

I have received word that the RPI Chair Candidate Forum scheduled for today is canceled due to the ice storm and deteriorating road conditions here in central Iowa.

While my ongoing Pizza & Politics tour has afforded me the opportunity to talk with many of our Republican activists around the state, if you were planning to attend the forum and wanted to ask any questions regarding my vision for the Iowa GOP, please drop me an email at mns@mattstrawn.com. After all, by the sound of the weather forecast, I will be at home in front of the computer for most of the day.

What’s Past is Prologue

2008-12-26T12:21:00.002-06:00

In today’s WSJ, former RNC Chairman and current MS Gov. Haley Barbour draws upon his own experiences in taking over the RNC following the 1992 elections as a roadmap for the challenges facing the GOP today.

Of particular note to Iowa Republicans should be the four-point plan employed by Barbour that was instrumental in laying the groundwork for the successful 1994 midterm elections. While unintentional, my philosophy for rebuilding the Iowa GOP outlined in the December 8 Letter of Principles is strikingly similar in construct to Gov. Barbour’s then-four-point plan for rebuilding the RNC.

These four points, as applied to the Iowa GOP in my Letter of Principles, include:

1. Rebuild from the ground up, not the top down. This is precisely the point of my ongoing Pizza & Politics tour of Iowa – that our grassroots activists, county chairs, and local officials are the source of our party’s energy, ideas, and future.

2. Expand RPI’s small contributor financial base. I have frequently noted that our party has become overly reliant on a few larger donors, which is why I have identified numerous innovative fundraising programs that will involve Republicans of all means, ages and geographic locations.

3. Immediately embrace new political communication technology. I have written and demonstrated extensively during this campaign that an immediate embrace of new media would be a hallmark of my tenure as RPI Chairman.

4. Convince voters Republicans have fresh ideas -- specifically, ideas that translate conservative philosophies into policies that address contemporary problems. In my Letter of Principles, I describe this as follows: “The role of the Republican Party, along with its elected leaders, is to harness our collective talents to not only craft sound policy consistent with those core beliefs, but then to also present it to the voting public as a relevant solution to their everyday problems.”

As they say in the investing world, past performance is no guarantee of future returns; however, the four-point plan that served Barbour and the national GOP so well in 1994 is certainly a worthy roadmap to follow as Iowa Republicans rebuild and prepare for 2010.

Merry Christmas from the Strawns!

2008-12-24T15:47:00.002-06:00

Sioux City Event Canceled

2008-12-20T08:25:00.002-06:00

Unfortunately, due to the Blizzard Warning the Sioux City Event has been canceled.

- Matt

Update From The Road

2008-12-20T08:21:00.001-06:00

Good Morning.

Between ice storms, Governor Culver’s refusal to rule out tax increases, and hundreds of miles on the ol’ Strawn cruiser, it has been an awfully busy week.

Today, the Pizza & Politics tour will reach the halfway point as it rolls into Western Iowa. Of course, we’re calling an audible on the “pizza” portion for the morning’s first stop in Orange City, where you can join me for “Breakfast & Politics” at 8:30 am at De Koffiehoek and Bistro (819 Lincoln Place SE). Later in the day, please feel free to meet up with us at 11:45 a.m. in Sioux City at the Town House Pizza & Lounge (2701 Floyd Blvd.).

Following today’s Western Iowa travels, I will provide a mid-tour update; but, in the meantime, here is a brief report and audio interview from IowaPolitics.com regarding yesterday’s Pizza & Politics in West Des Moines. Thanks to all who attended.

IowaPolitics.Com, December 19
-- Matt Strawn, one of at least nine candidates vying to replace Stewart Iverson as state Republican Party chairman, said today that his party must utilize new communication tools such as YouTube, Facebook and blogs in order to compete with Democrats. “We need to be more technologically savvy,” Strawn said. “The Obama campaign was communicating with people of all ages using the types of devices and techniques they used. And our party quite frankly fell down and didn’t utilize those technologies.” Strawn, a co-owner of the Iowa Barnstormers and former state director for John McCain, was at the Tavern in West Des Moines Friday for the fourth in a 10-stop “GOP Pizza & Politics” tour of the state. Strawn has taken his candidacy for state party chairman to the public, even though only the 17 members of the State Central Committee can cast votes. “We’re a party that believes that people in Des Moines and people in D.C. don’t have all the answers,” Strawn said. “I think it’s important to reach out to Republicans statewide and find out what they think about rebuilding the party. It’s a little bit unorthodox, but in football terms I’ve always believed that you play how you practice. So I’m running my campaign in a way that shows people how I will play as chairman. That’s why I’ve utilized blogs, utilized YouTube, utilized a very aggressive e-mail campaign.” James Van Ginkel, chairman of the Madison County Republicans, was one of about 20 people at the event Friday. He said Strawn’s approach to running makes people feel more represented, and that might be a welcome change after the last election cycle. “I think this is a great way to run for state party chair,” Van Ginkel said. “I’m a big fan of Stew (Iverson) and I hate to see him leave, but he’s got other things. I don’t think the party’s in that bad of straits, but if you lose you’ve got to say, ‘Hey, we need something.’”

*Listen to an interview with Strawn:http://www.iowapolitics.com/1009/081219strawn.mp3

On the Road

2008-12-17T08:17:00.000-06:00

Despite the snowy weather, last night’s initial Pizza & Politics event was a grand success. Before one leads, they must listen and learn. In Mason City, I had the opportunity to hear from elected officials, candidates, and grassroots activists regarding their thoughts and opinions for getting the Iowa GOP back on track.

Special note of thanks must also go to longtime GOP leader De Byerly for braving the elements and coming out to talk politics. Folks, if there was a Hall of Fame for Iowa GOP activists, De would be an unanimous first-ballot selection. If we are to move forward together as a party, longtime activists such as De are a key resource for us.

When asked about what can best unify our Republican team, her response was simple, “start winning.”

The conversation than centered on those elements that can help us start winning, such as going on offense and stop allowing our opponents to define us, having a consistent and easily understood Republican message, and restoring some accountability in the party organizational structure.

Just like on the football field, all eyes are on the quarterback when he drops back to pass, on the ball while it’s in the air and on the receiver while he’s making the catch. What most in the crowd do not see, are the actions of the other six teammates (well, six in my business, nine in the outdoor game), such as the offensive linemen providing the protection for the quarterback. If the team is to succeed and win the game, every player on the field must do their job and be accountable to their teammates.

Politics is no different. While all eyes are on the candidate during campaign season, it is the work of the men and women on the frontlines doing the “blocking and tackling” of grassroots organization that ultimately determine if our Republican team is to succeed at the ballot box. At the conclusion of the Pizza and Politics tour, I look forward to sharing with you the many ideas I have on how the state party structure, working as teammates with our local activists, can help assist those on the frontlines so we can once again enjoy the thrill of victory and not the agony of defeat.

More Pizza & Politics. Well, time to hit the road. For our friends reading in Eastern Iowa, I hope you can join us at one of today’s two Pizza & Politics stops: 11:45 am at Happy Joes (201 W. 50th St.) in Davenport or 6:30 pm at Pizza Hut (1400 N. Roosevelt Ave.) in Burlington. See you there!

Turning the Corner

2008-12-16T11:54:00.002-06:00

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.

Dave Vaudt was Right

2008-12-13T09:59:00.002-06:00

“While the FY 2009 budget calls for a 4.7% increase in spending, it creates at least a 9.3% spending gap, $569.3 million, which the next legislature will have to address. Iowans should ask lawmakers how they plan to bridge that gap. Will it be through tax and fee increases, or will they find areas to reduce spending? Iowans deserve to know where their leaders are taking them.”
-- David A. Vaudt, State Auditor, May 28, 2008

Seven months later Iowans are still waiting for an answer from Governor Culver and legislative leaders.

Yesterday, Iowa’s Revenue Estimating Conference said Iowa will have $99.5 million less in revenues for the current budget year, with the outlook for FY 2010 even worse.

Not to worry, says Democrat House Leader Kevin McCarthy in today’s Des Moines Register because they can tap the rainy day fund of $620 million in reserves.

Mr. McCarthy, the state’s economic weatherman told you seven months ago it would be raining, why is it you still don’t have an umbrella?

Perhaps he’s just following the lead of his caucus. Above the fold on the front page of Tuesday’s Des Moines Register was a story on 2009 legislative priorities with the headline: “Cell phones, smoking, flu shots on '09 agenda.” Not one mention from a Democrat legislator about reducing spending or state bureaucracy. Not one mention of bold and innovative tax policies that actually incentivize business investment or job creation. No recognition at all of recent layoffs and a slumping ag economy.

How can our leaders solve problems when they fail to recognize their existence? Fortunately, Iowa taxpayers have a principled public servant who isn’t afraid to tell them the truth in Dave Vaudt. By the sound of yesterday’s statements, it looks like Dave’s posse has grown in ranks. Strong statements yesterday from new GOP leaders Paul McKinley and Kraig Paulsen show that our Republican leadership is prepared for a serious debate on tax and spending policy in Iowa.

I am encouraged to see Republicans speaking with a unified voice in drawing sharp and clear distinctions that focus on our principles of responsible economic stewardship. All Republicans should be prepared to join this fight at the opening bell of the legislature next January.

Pizza & Politics

2008-12-12T11:11:00.002-06:00

My experience in professional sports has taught me that it would be awfully difficult, actually impossible, to win a game with just a quarterback on the field or just a single coach on the sideline. If we are to win as Republicans, we must do so as a team.

Additionally, I realize in some corners of the state, mine is not yet a household name. This is why I will also be directly reaching out to Republicans statewide. As Republicans, we share the ideology that Washington, DC and Des Moines are not the sole source of wisdom when it comes to public policy, and to our party. Our grassroots activists, county chairs, and local officials are on the frontlines everyday and are an untapped resource of ideas for rebuilding our party. I want to tap into this resource, which is why today I am announcing a series of ten “Pizza & Politics” events to be held across the state to personally introduce myself to our fellow Republicans, as well as receive their input and ideas about moving our party forward.

I look forward to seeing you at a “Pizza & Politics” in your area.

Tuesday, Dec. 16
Mason City (6:30 pm)
The Other Place
125 First Street, SE

Wednesday, Dec. 17
Davenport (11:45 am)
Happy Joes
201 W. 50th Street

Burlington (6:30 pm)
Pizza Hut
1400 N. Roosevelt Ave.

Friday, Dec. 19
West Des Moines (11:45 am)
Tavern II Pizza
1755 50th Street

Saturday, Dec. 20
Orange City (8:30 am breakfast)
De Koffiehoek and Bistro
819 Lincoln Place SE

Sioux City (11:45 am)
Town House Pizza and Lounge
2701 Floyd Blvd.

Monday, Dec. 22
Cedar Rapids (11:45 am)
Zio Johno’s
2925 Williams Pkwy SW

Cedar Falls (6:30 pm)
The Other Place
4214 University Ave

Monday, January 5
Dubuque (6:30 pm)
The Shot Tower
290 Locust Street

Tuesday, January 6
Council Bluffs (6:30 pm)
Pizza King
1101 North Broadway

Welcome to the Strawn for Chairman Blog

2008-12-11T16:05:00.005-06:00

I know it is tradition in Iowa political circles to have one’s supporters create a seemingly organic and neutral blog that over time becomes all but a mouthpiece for a particular campaign. Well, that’s not my style as I have always been a “cards on the table” kind of guy.

That is the spirit in which I am waging my campaign for Chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa. In football terms, I’ve always believed that you play how you practice. The race for Chairman is no different. I will conduct my race for Chairman with the type of accountability, transparency and leadership that will define my service as Chairman.

While we all know the ultimate decision regarding our party’s next leader will be made by 17 members of our party’s leadership, this is not to say though that all Republicans do not have an interest in the outcome. After all, you are here reading this blog. You are a volunteer. You are an activist. You are a county chair. You are a donor. You are an elected official. You are someone who has chosen to make a difference in the future of the Republican Party of Iowa and deserve a voice in the process of selecting our next Chairman.

Letter of Principles. On Monday, December 8, I sent an introductory Letter of Principles to the State Central Committee and Iowa’s elected Republican leadership. This letter may be viewed here.

100-Day RPI Action Plan. In the business world, I know what it is like to meet a bottom line and to have a board of directors assess your performance. This is a good thing. It instills accountability. I also believe it is imperative for state central committee members and statewide Republican leaders to have a Chairman who sets identifiable goals for measuring progress and accountability. I have submitted to the State Central Committee and Iowa’s elected Republican leadership a detailed 100-Day RPI Action Plan on those programs or initiatives that would be completed or underway within my first 100 days as Chairman.

The 100-Day RPI Action Plan covers responsibilities as varied as communications, fundraising, education and training, list development, voter and candidate assistance programs, technology and administration. Given the strategic nature of this document, I will not be posting it online; however, I do encourage you to contact your respective State Central Committee member and ask to see a copy of the Strawn 100-Day RPI Action Plan.

Feedback. As I travel across the state talking to Republicans during the four-week sprint to January 10, I plan to use this blog frequently to share my plans for the future of the Iowa GOP. So, stay tuned for regular updates and in the meantime, send me an email at mns@mattstrawn.com or message me on Facebook and share with me your ideas for getting our great party back in the business of winning elections.

Now, let’s get to work.

Announcement Video

2008-12-10T10:52:00.001-06:00