(Des Moines, IA) The leading G.O.P. presidential candidate Tuesday received the backing of two politicians who are well-known in Iowa: former republican presidential candidate Elizabeth Dole and U.S. Senator Charles Grassley.
During a rally at the Des Moines airport, Grassley said he supports Bush because “he never leads with his finger to the wind.”
“My wife, Barbara, and I will work tirelessly for George Bush,” Grassley said.
The Iowa politician was a crucial supporter to Bob Dole’s previous bids for the White House, canvassing the state in tandem with the former U.S. Senate Majority Leader. Grassley did not, however, endorse Dole’s wife’s 2000 campaign, finally making his presidential preference known publicly onTuesday.
Mrs. Dole abandoned her own candidacy in November after raising just $5 million, but gaining success in Iowa by attracting women to politics.
During an interview with Radio Iowa, Dole said the key reason she’s supporting Bush now is that he has executive experience.
“He’s had that in business and also as the Governor of our second-largest state,” Dole said.
About 200 people gathered at the airport rally to see Bush. Many shook his hand in a rope line. Some, including Congressman Greg Ganske, bore copies of Bush’s book for his autograph.
“Caucus night is literally right around the corner,” Bush told the crowd. “….20 days from today, people are going to start showing up in Caucuses all across Iowa expressing their opinions.”
Bush visited Davenport and Cedar Rapids on Tuesday, too. He’ll pick up crucial backing from Iowa Christian Coalition members on Wednesday.