Former female legislator pushes re-gov movement

A former female member of the Iowa House has launched a movement to "draft" former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad into the upcoming Republican gubernatorial primary.

The announcement, which I found on facebook, quotes Greiner as saying, "Everywhere I go, everyone asks me how can we get Terry Branstad to run for Governor? Like so many Iowans, I desire experienced leadership in these challenging times our state faces. Therefore, I decided to organize an effort to encourage Governor Branstad to run."

A video, primarily comprised of photos of the younger Branstad, is available on the newly launched Web site, and there is also a twitter account for the movement.

Greiner, a resident of Keota who represented Washington County and portions of Johnson and Jefferson counties during her term in the legislature, chose not to seek re-election in 2008 and her seat was taken by Democrat Larry Marek. The new organization founded by Greiner is a Political Action Committee: Draft Branstad PAC, 8805 Chambery Blvd., Suite 300 PMB #271, Johnston, IA 50131. (A box at a UPS Store within a suburban strip mall - Westfield Plaza - that offers both mail receiving and forwarding services.)

Greiner, who supported Fred Thompson during the Iowa caucuses, is also a former national committee representative from Iowa to the Republican National Convention also ran for one of the 2008 Iowa slots on the Republican National Committee. Although she sought another term in that capacity, she was stripped of the position during a state convention in 2008. Convention attendees chose instead to elect Kim Lehman, president of Iowa Right to Life -- a decision that hasn't been without controversy. (Thanks to a helpful commenter for pointing out my error!)

The movement to draft Branstad appears to be mostly about the internal rumblings with the Republican Party of Iowa as it continues to search for its spokesman (note that they are not -- at least not as of yet -- searching for a spokeswoman) and overall ideology in the wake of numerous state-level defeats.