Governor Terry Branstad says the state is aware of the threats to disrupt the Iowa Caucuses by the group that calls itself “Anonymous.” Branstad says that would go against everything the caucuses have become.
Branstad says both parties have worked together to make the event successful and it would be “tragic if some shadowy group that won’t even announce who they are would be successful in preventing people from participating in this first real test of the presidential process.”
He says the state will work with federal and local law enforcement to ensure the caucuses are not disrupted. The group has taken credit for hacking into the F-B-I’s website and the websites of businesses, and put out a video where it advocates shutting down the caucuses. Branstad says the Iowa Caucuses are a prime example of the importance of the process to the country.
“We have a long and proud tradition in this country and in this state of open and honest elections, and we want to do all that we can to ensure that the Iowa precinct caucuses…are open and that they are accessible and that they are not disrupted by any group. Branstad says they just learned of the potential threat this weekend and have started discussions on how to deal with the situation.
“I think everybody recognizes that we need to be vigilant and take it seriously,” Branstad says. He says there has never been a threat like this before and they will do all they can to ensure that the people’s right to participate in the system.is protected. The Iowa Caucuses are scheduled for January 3rd. Branstad made his comments at his weekly meeting with reporters.