This week's Civic Skinny 01-11-06 (Where's Vander Plaats?)

[Debi]

Vander Plaats campaign sinks into the abyss; could he be looking at a different post?

Politicos and pundits are closely monitoring the financial situation of candidates in both gubernatorial primaries, with Chet Culver first out of the gate and claiming a million raised, and Jim Nussle announcing a few weeks ago his own $2 million. The focus is often on where the rest of the crowded field of Democrats will end up, and everyone will find out Jan. 20 when official fundraising results are made public. Lost in the shuffle, however, is former Republican also-ran Bob Vander Plaats who is giving it another go despite little if any traction, little press coverage and a flailing organization that has led some local GOP organizers to wonder just how bad of shape he's in. "I'm guessing that when the number hits, Bob is going to be in much worse shape than he was when he went up against Doug Gross," a top Republican source told us. "Not to mention, where is the guy?" Vander Plaats had the unfortunate story circulate about his campaign's lack of postage on a mailer, but other than that, he's pretty much gotten lost during the critical period when campaigns should be heating up, our source said.

So what gives? Well, two things are known about Vander Plaats. First, legislators and party leaders don't think he's paid the dues to even contemplate a run for governor, let alone do it twice. And second, his ego doesn't let him "hit singles," our source said, so he essentially ignores the first point. "The guy is a first pitch, swing-for-the-fence guy. And he's ambitious. But is he the answer, or is he just the guy who keeps running for an office he'll never realize?" Our source told us it appears to be the latter. However, there have begun some party rumblings that may appease both sides: have Vander Plaats run for Secretary of State. "He has name recognition and it could be the step he needs to take if he really wants to be governor someday. He won't beat Nussle, and all we (Republicans) have is the foot guy (Des Moines podiatrist Chuck Allison) who can't beat Mike Mauro for Secretary of State. Vander Plaats could. And this could be a win-win." Whether Vander Plaats is even entertaining this option is up in the air. But, we're told, if the money hasn't come pouring in come late January, top party folks are going to put the heat on Vander Plaats to "do what's best for the party," which means not forcing Nussle to blow a bundle on a primary instead of what is shaping up to be a formidable battle with Culver.

<snip>

Hey, Seth wasn't so far off!!! :P

Lastly, word is that West Des Moines advertising exec Mike Schreuers is thinking about jumping into the Republican primary for the Iowa Senate seat that Ankeny Republican Jeff Lamberti is giving up to run against U.S. Rep. Leonard Boswell. Schreuers has put together ad campaigns for the likes of U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley, but one insider told us Schreuers should think long and hard before changing hats from spin doctor to candidate. Why? Because Larry Noble, the former top dog at the Iowa State Patrol, has already announced for the seat and he has the backing of some big names, including former Govs. Bob Ray and Terry Branstad. Democrats, however, are thrilled that Schreuers' entry in the race would force the Republicans to spend big bucks in a primary and hurt their chances to hold onto the seat in a Senate that's already tied 25-25. CV

http://www.dmcityview.com/skinny.shtml

[IA_Seth]

1. That's not very good news!

I was really looking forward to the far-right Vanderputz eating up the corrupt-right Nussle's warchest a little before we had to beat him in the general.

Let's just hope he sticks to his republican roots and does what he thinks is best for him and not whats best for his party!

Oh..and about Lamberti...ha ha.

[Debi]

2. I thought you'd like that - at least I hope you're laughing for real.

I hope that the republican caucus surprises Nussle and that Vander Plaats has some grass roots support in Western Iowa. (crossing my fingers here). Remember, Nussle had to run ads out there just to get some name ID.

[IA_Seth]

3. I know he has at least a few supporters in CR.

There are a few Republicans here in Cedar Rapids that I have spoken with that are supporting VP. I am not sure how wide-spread that support is, or how strong. I don't really talk politics with a whole lot of Republicans, so to get his name mentioned with the few that I associate with might me something...who knows.

And I was laughing for real jerk!

[Debi]

4. You called me a jerk

:cry: