Although the Republican State Central Committee won't be casting votes until next weekend, the six candidates interested in being the next chairman (no women are under consideration) of the Republican Party of Iowa spoke in a candidate forum at the organization's Des Moines headquarters today.
Those interested in the job are:
There is nothing yet available at the Hawkeye GOP blog, authored by Republican State Central Committeeman David Chung. Of course, since meetings in Des Moines often lead to lunches and/or dinners with friends afterward, this shouldn't be taken as a sign that he won't be posting his thoughts if he was able to attend.
For what it is worth, if I were sitting on the Republican SCC, I would be casting my vote for Pate. He's proven himself and is seasoned. When it comes to fund-raising, he can get the job done. Also, he seems to have a plan -- something the RPI seems to be lacking these days. Most importantly, however, Pate would not necessarily be seen as a win or loss between the embattled social and fiscal conservatives. He's someone who could reach to both and, perhaps, actually strike some sort of compromise or truce.
What the RPI is missing -- indeed, what it always seems to be missing -- is a strong female voice. The Republicans select three people from each of Iowa's five congressional districts as members of the State Central Committee. Of those 15 individuals only one -- a person from the 2nd District -- is female. (And, yes, they did name her as their secretary.) Of course there is also the one nationally-mandated female representative to the Republican National Committee.
If the Iowa Republicans want to make some waves, they should consider dropping the appearance of the good ole boy network in favor of something a bit more representative of the state.
Those interested in the job are:
- Andy Cable, Eldora, current chairman of the Hardin County Republicans
- Danny Carroll, Grinnell, former 12-year state representative
- Paul Pate, Cedar Rapids, former CR Mayor, former Iowa Senator, former Iowa Secretary of State
- Matt Randall, Ames, founder of Young Professionals of Iowa
- Christopher Reed, Marion, the 2008 U.S. Senate candidate who ran against Tom Harkin
- Matt Strawn, Ankeny, one of the Iowa Barnstormers owners and a former congressional aide
There is nothing yet available at the Hawkeye GOP blog, authored by Republican State Central Committeeman David Chung. Of course, since meetings in Des Moines often lead to lunches and/or dinners with friends afterward, this shouldn't be taken as a sign that he won't be posting his thoughts if he was able to attend.
For what it is worth, if I were sitting on the Republican SCC, I would be casting my vote for Pate. He's proven himself and is seasoned. When it comes to fund-raising, he can get the job done. Also, he seems to have a plan -- something the RPI seems to be lacking these days. Most importantly, however, Pate would not necessarily be seen as a win or loss between the embattled social and fiscal conservatives. He's someone who could reach to both and, perhaps, actually strike some sort of compromise or truce.
What the RPI is missing -- indeed, what it always seems to be missing -- is a strong female voice. The Republicans select three people from each of Iowa's five congressional districts as members of the State Central Committee. Of those 15 individuals only one -- a person from the 2nd District -- is female. (And, yes, they did name her as their secretary.) Of course there is also the one nationally-mandated female representative to the Republican National Committee.
If the Iowa Republicans want to make some waves, they should consider dropping the appearance of the good ole boy network in favor of something a bit more representative of the state.
You beat me to it Lynda! That's a Democrat for you! =)
I have to disagree with you on Pate. I can understand why you would choose him based on his experience. However, there is more to a man than what he has done in his career. Pate was not able to get elected to go to the National Convention as a delegate by the second district attendees. There must be something there if his "own" people won't elect him.
My choice is Matt Strawn. I like his management style. I like his wanting to get out and meet us. He listens. If the Republicans need anything at all, we need to barnstorm the State with what we believe.
I don't know if Matt can raise the money that Pate is capable of raising. But, if money could win elections, Mitt Romney would have been the Republican nominee.
I also don't like the comment Pate made regarding the dumb ways that Democrats are spending money. I am tired of hearing Republicans bash Democrats. We have got to work together. Dialogue is what makes our two party system work. Let's talk about what we think would be the best thing to do, let's listen and then explain where our Party stands on issues.
Maybe I am dreaming. So many people of our Party have been stuck on social values and tearing down the members of the Party that disagree with them.
I'm tired of the fanatics. The difference between a fanatic and a normal person? When I see there is no way we can agree on a subject, I am willing to go to another subject. This is not true of so many today.
How will we ever be able to show the Independent voters why they should join us if we continue to be so busy fighting among ourselves.
Good stuff =)