RNC chair says 2006 a warm-up for ’08

The chairman of the Republican National Committee says the party’s prospective presidential candidates who’re coming to Iowa shouldn’t get too focused on the 2008 campaign. Ken Mehlman was in Iowa yesterday, meeting with Republicans. “I’m focused right now on the 2006 election, not the 2008 election. In fact, I think the best way to ensure we win Iowa again is to have a strong election and make sure we elect a governor,” Mehlman says. “I always say the first primary of 2008 is what folks do in 2006.” He says it’s crucial that Republicans fight to “protect” the majorities they hold in the U.S. House and Senate, where the GOP controls the debate agenda. Melhman says he’s been sending that message to all the prospective Republican candidates. Mehlman says President Bush has been able to accomplish things because he’s had a Republican-led Congress to work with. Several prospective Republican candidates for president will be in Des Moines this weekend when the National Governors Association convenes for its annual meeting.