The longest-serving governor in U.S. history says the Democratic National Committee made a huge mistake in turning its back on Iowa.
Terry Branstad, a Republican who served a record six terms as Iowa governor, tells The Iowa Star the DNC decision to cast aside the Hawkeye State’s preeminent position as host of the first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses will prove costly.
“I think they’ll pay a real price for that, here in Iowa,” said Branstad, a featured guest Saturday at Arizona Republican gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake’s rally in Ankeny. “Iowans like to be able to meet the candidates and make their choice … Iowans will not forget that.”
Members of the DNC last month overwhelmingly voted to change up the presidential primary pecking order, pushing Iowa out of its coveted position as the first state in the presidential nominating contests. Instead, the DNC moved up early state primaries in South Carolina, Nevada, Georgia and Michigan, states, according to committee, that are more reflective of the Democratic Party’s “diversity.”
The Republican National Committee has no plans to change Iowa’s status. The Midwest state will kick off the nominating process in about a year from now.
State Democrats say they may go without the blessing of the national party. They plan to follow state law, which mandates Iowa caucuses be held at least eight days earlier than any other state’s presidential nominating vote.
But Iowa Democrats could pay a political price if they abide by the law. States that jump the line could lose half of their delegates at the party’s national convention. At the same time, candidates who campaign in such renegade states could lose all of their delegates from those states.
Branstad said it’s still a bad look for the national Democrats, and bad for a presumptive presidential candidate who has had his problems in Iowa.
“(President Joe) Biden hates Iowa,” the former governor said. “He came in fourth here.”
Trump beat Biden by 8 points in Iowa in 2020.
“Maybe they don’t think Iowa matters, but we think America’s Heartland is still an important part of the presidential race,” Branstad added.
Asked whether he would support Trump again, Branstad demurred.
“I think the Iowa voters can best decide who they think has the best vision of the future,” said Branstad, who served as Trump’s ambassador to China. “I think he had a good record. I think he also has some baggage.”
“I think we need to look over all the candidates and determine who is the one who’s got the best chance to win the presidency, to restore our country,” he added. “We’re in world of hurt and the Biden administration is a disaster.”
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M.D. Kittle is the National Political Editor for The Star News Network.
Photo “Terry Branstad” by United States Department of State. Background Photo “Iowa State Capitol” by Tony Fischer. CC BY 2.0.
