Secretary of State says he’s closer to entering race for Governor

Secretary of State Chet Culver says he’s getting “closer every day” to formally entering the race for the Iowa Democratic Party’s 2006 nomination for governor. Culver’s hired some staff, started raising money and yesterday (Tuesday), Culver announced two prominent Iowa Democrats would serve as co-chairs of his “exploratory” committee. Former Iowa Attorney General Bonnie Campbell, the Democrats’ 1994 candidate for governor, and Des Moines businessman Bill Knapp are co-chairs of Culver’s committee along with 50 other prominent Democrats. “We will continue to make steps in the right direction in an effort to win, potentially, a race for governor if, in fact, I decide to do that,” Culver says. Congressman Jim Nussle’s formal entry into the race — on the Republican side — is not going to make Culver move to formalize his campaign. “We’re in no rush,” Culver says. “I’m doing my job, most importantly every day…but at the same time I am building the organization and raising the funds necessary to win a race for governor of Iowa.” State Representative Ed Fallon of Des Moines is a candidate for the Democratic party’s gubernatorial nomination. Two other Democrats — Senator Mike Gronstal of Council Bluffs and Iowa Department of Economic Development director Michael Blouin are also considering a run for governor.