The new chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa says Democrats at the statehouse are giving the G.O.P. an opening for victories in the fall. Iowa G.O.P.chair Stewart Iverson of Clarion says the fiscal record of the Democratically-controlled legislature will be a top issue for Republican candidates for the House and Senate.
"The Democrats last year and Governor Culver spent an enormous amount of money. By the time we get through with this year you’re talking about a billion dollar increase. That’s more than Governor Vilsack’s eight years in office," Iverson says. "Where’s this money going to come from?" While some in theG.O.P.argue Democratic candidates should be attacked over social issues like gay marriage, Iverson suggests Iowa voters can be moved to support Republicans over Democrats on tax-and-spending issues.
"We have to be very vigilant and get this message out to people," Iverson says. On Friday, Iverson fired the two top staffers who’d served the previous party chairman and Iverson plans to install his own people in those positions within a few weeks. Iverson denies charges that he intends to hire former key Iowa aides in Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign.
"What we’re looking for is the best qualified people for the job we have to do and our focus is on the fall’s election," Iverson says. "…Where they come from is not the biggest issue." Iverson also says Republican Jeff Lamberti, a former state senator from Ankeny, is considering a second run for Iowa’s third district congressional seat. Congressman Leonard Boswell is facing a Democratic primary challenge from Ed Fallon of Des Moines in June.