Former University of Iowa president David Skorton left Iowa City to become president of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.  Skorton is one of three university presidents who have written an open letter to college & university presidents around the country, urging them to speak out about the need for immigration reform on April 19.

March 5, 2013

Dear University and College Presidents and Chancellors,

Today, we invite you to join us in bringing attention to one of the biggest challenges facing our colleges and universities: How US immigration laws impact our ability to attract, retain, and educate the world’s
leading minds.

As educators at our nation’s higher education institutions, we stand in support of an ever-changing workforce environment, and as drivers of American innovation. Our classes help shape the next generation of scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, creators of culture, and thinkers, while our labs help bring the next great ideas to life.

Too often, however, our ability to educate and our ability to innovate are frustrated by US immigration laws. Particularly in the innovation-rich fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), we train many of the brightest minds of the world, only to have those students sent abroad to compete against us because our immigration laws do not provide a viable path for them to stay.

On April 19, 2013, we will address our respective campuses about the role of immigration in driving innovation and creating American jobs, and the frustrations we experience when US immigration law impedes our ability to attract and retain the world’s top students and researchers. We invite you to join us on this day with your own campus events, in hopes that, by speaking with one coordinated voice, we can best bring our message to the public and to our representatives in Washington, DC.

The costs to the US economy of these policies are profound. More than three out of every four patents (76%) that the top 10 US patent-producing universities received in 2011 had an immigrant inventor.

Keeping these inventors in the US after graduation would help power American innovation and create American jobs. A recent study by the American Enterprise Institute and the Partnership for a New American Economy found that every foreign-born advanced-degree graduate we train in our universities and then keep in America working in a STEM field creates an additional 2.62 jobs for American workers.

Yet, as we see on our campuses every day, many of these job creators we trained are sent abroad even though the US economy faces a severe shortage of STEM workers. By 2018, the US will have an estimated 779,000 jobs that require advanced STEM degrees, but only an estimated 555,200 advanced STEM degree holders, a shortage of more than 220,000 workers.

It is also important to understand that this shortfall – and the challenges presented by our existing immigration laws – begin immediately upon high school graduation. Many foreign-born students arrived in our country as children but are prevented from attending college because of their undocumented status. As we deny young people in our country who are qualified to attend college access to higher education, we deny our country the talent we very much need.

We hope that you will join us by speaking out on your campus on April 19, 2013, about these and other immigration issues that affect us. To assist in planning and executing these discussions at universities around the country, we are working with the Partnership for a New American Economy, the bipartisan coalition of more than 500 CEOs and mayors making the economic case for immigration reform, and the National Immigration Forum, one of the nation’s leading immigration advocacy organizations. The Partnership and the Forum will help coordinate all events, suggesting talking points for your consideration and planning support to ensure each campus event is successful.

…We thank you and look forward to working with you to bring attention to this important issue.

Best regards,
Michael M. Crow, president, Arizona State University

Eduardo J. Padrόn, president, Miami Dade College

David J. Skorton, president, Cornell University

Congressman Tom Latham, a Republican from Clive, Iowa, today announced via email that he will not run for the U.S. Senate. (Democrat Tom Harkin announced in late January he would not seek reelection to the senate in 2014.) Below is the statement Latham emailed to supporters:

Dear Friend:

I want to thank you for your continued and faithful friendship and support.  I also want to thank you and the many Iowans who have reached out to me with their support and encouragement to enter the race for Iowa’s open U.S. Senate seat in 2014.  I cannot tell you how much I appreciated the calls, conversations, emails and notes.  I feel truly blessed and humbled to represent in Congress the greatest state and people.

My service to Iowa has never been motivated by titles, accolades or a drive to secure a place for my name in history or on a building.  I have always been motivated by a responsibility and commitment to the people of Iowa, who elected me to faithfully work for an America that provides greater freedom and more opportunity for our children and grandchildren.

The opportunity to serve Iowa in the U.S. Senate is appealing to this farm kid who grew up here, raised a family here, and helped grow a family business in Iowa. I love Iowa.

However, only 56 days ago I took an oath to “faithfully discharge the duties” of an office with which the people of Iowa’s Third Congressional District entrusted to me.  I cannot in good conscience launch a two-year statewide campaign that will detract from the commitment I made to the people who elected me, at a time when our nation desperately needs less campaigning and more leadership.

Again, thank you for your continued friendship.  I ask for your continued support and guidance as we work together for this great nation and her people.

Best -

Tom

Congressman Steve King, a Republican from Kiron, Iowa, has made clear he’s thinking about running for the senate. He issued a brief statement late today via his website. It’s copied below:

Congressman Steve King released the following statement today regarding Iowa’s open U.S. Senate seat.

“A potential Senate race remains an analytical decision first and then one that requires deep conviction. Such a decision includes, of course, my family and the best interests of Iowans and Americans. It is too big a decision to be rushed.”

A variety of written statements have been issued in the hours since Senator Tom Harkin announced he will not seek reelection in 2014.  Below are the ones which have been emailed to Radio Iowa.

The following statement was issued Sunday, January 27, 2013:

WATERLOO, IA — Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement today:

“Over the past 24 hours, I’ve been overwhelmed by the outpouring of encouragement and support from Iowans in every corner of the state urging me to consider a campaign for the U.S. Senate in 2014. Iowans deserve a Senator who will continue Tom Harkin’s legacy of strengthening the middle class and standing up for Iowans who don’t have a voice. While Senator Harkin’s shoes are impossible to fill, over the coming days my family and I will carefully weigh a possible candidacy for Senate.”  

The following statements were issued Saturday, January 26, 2013:

Statement by the President on Senator Harkin:

“By the time Senator Harkin finishes his fifth term, he will have represented the people of Iowa in the United States Congress for an incredible 40 years. He has served in the U.S. Senate longer than any Democrat in Iowa’s history. During his tenure, he has fought passionately to improve quality of life for Americans with disabilities and their families, to reform our education system and ensure that every American has access to affordable health care. Senator Harkin will be missed, and Michelle and I join Iowans in thanking him for his long-standing service and wish him and his wife, Ruth, all the best in the future.”

Statement by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack:

“Senator Harkin has been and will continue to be a terrific advocate for all those in life who have needed a helping hand from struggling family farmers and working families to those meeting the challenge of a physical or mental disability. Senator Harkin has been and will continue to be a passionate supporter of all those seeking to preserve and conserve our precious natural resources. Senator Harkin has been and will continue to be a visionary in the area of alternative approaches to treating sickness and disease. During his career he has received extraordinary support from his wife, Ruth Harkin an accomplished public servant of her own. Iowans know him as a fighter and have always been proud to call him their Senator.

“Now is not the time to reflect on anyone else but on the still evolving career and contribution of the Senator.”

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement in response to news that U. S. Senator Tom Harkin will not seek another term in 2014:

“Senator Harkin’s retirement is a huge loss for the people of Iowa. For over 30 years, Tom Harkin has been a progressive force in Washington. He’s dedicated his life to strengthening the middle class and standing up for people without a voice, and his life’s work, particularly with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Affordable Care Act, leaves a legacy that few will ever match.

“I’m proud to call Tom Harkin a friend and a mentor. His tireless work ethic and unceasing concern for everyday Iowans will be missed in Congress. Carolyn and I wish Tom and Ruth the best as they embark on their next challenge together.”

Statement from Congressman Steve King (R-Kiron):

“Senator Harkin’s retirement comes as a surprise. I congratulate him on a long and successful career in Congress. Iowans now have a real opportunity to elect a true Constitutional conservative to help lead us out of our crisis of debt and deficit.”

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after Sen. Tom Harkin announced he would not seek reelection in 2014.

“Senator Harkin’s tireless work has improved the well-being of Iowans for more than a generation. Senator Harkin has had a direct impact on the everyday lives of people all across the nation and the globe, not just in Iowa.  From his advocacy to improving the lives of people with disabilities, to rewriting the way farmers conserve and protect their land to standing up for human rights, he has been a true leader and statesman.  He has truly given a voice to those who are often not heard, rather than serving as a mouthpiece for the powerful and connected.

“His knowledge, compassion and fight cannot be replaced.  He has long been my political hero and I have been honored to serve with him these past six years.  Terry and I wish Tom and Ruth health, happiness and success in all their future endeavors.”

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement today after Senator Tom Harkin announced his decision not to seek re-election:

“Senator Tom Harkin is a pillar of the Senate, and our nation has been shaped in countless ways by his work in this institution.

“Senator Harkin has been a champion for improving Americans’ access to affordable health care throughout his entire career, and Americans will continue to benefit from his commitment to preventive care. Senator Harkin’s work on behalf of people with disabilities has changed millions of lives and advanced the cause of equality for which he has fought tirelessly for decades. And his work combating child labor and human rights abuses will endure for years to come.

“Tom is a passionate progressive, whose deeply-held principles have provided a guiding light to Democrats for decades. The state of Iowa and the nation are better off because of his service. Tom’s work in the Senate is not done yet, but I will miss him when he leaves. I wish him, Ruth and his family all the best.”

Senator Michael Bennet, Chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, issued the following statement this morning on Senator Tom Harkin’s announcement and the Iowa US Senate race:

“In my short time in the Senate and as a member of the HELP Committee, I have seen firsthand Tom Harkin’s strong commitment to the people of Iowa. He is a great legislator and his accomplishments in health care, education, and on behalf of people with disabilities will be remembered long after he leaves. I appreciate that Senator Harkin has made this decision so early in the cycle, giving us ample time to recruit a strong Democratic candidate for this seat. Iowa has a strong record of electing great Democrats, and I’m confident that we will elect a new Democratic senator next November.”

A fundraising email from Iowa Republican Party chairman A.J. Spiker:

Have you heard the breaking news today?

Democratic U.S. Senator from Iowa, Tom Harkin just announced he will not be seeking re-election 2014.

The story is already a national headline with Iowa once again jumping onto the front page of the national news. I’ve spent the day talking with dozens of media, who all want to know, “Can the Republican Party actually win this seat?” There’s been no hesitation on my part. “Yes, the Republican Party can, and with enough hard-work, I’m confident we will!”

But we need your help.

That’s why I’m calling on dedicated Republicans across Iowa to help the Iowa GOP kick off this race.

With this issue so hot in the media right now, will you help us kick off our efforts with a contribution of $50, $35, or $25? Or will you donate just $20.14 to help our 2014 efforts?

So many in the mainstream media had written off Iowa, claiming it was a “Safe Democrat Seat.”

But that only shows they’ve underestimated the dedication and hard-work of Iowa Republicans.

The mistake of the political establishment will be to the gain of grassroots Republicans all across our state.

That’s why I’m calling on Republicans all across Iowa for an immediate fundraising push to start planning to win the U.S. Senate in 2014.
Will you help the Republican Party win this U.S. Senate seat with a contribution of $50, $35, $25 or even $20.14?

With 20 of the 33 U.S. Senate seats up in 2014 held by Democrats, there is a great opportunity for the GOP to take back the Senate

Let’s do our part in Iowa.

Help us begin an immediate push to turn Iowa red with a contribution today.

AJ Spiker
Chairman

P.S. The retirement of Senator Tom Harkin just reinforces our belief that a grassroots Republican comeback can take place in 2014. Let’s have it start in Iowa. Please chip-in even $20 or $10 so we can get a Constitutional conservative in the Senate.

DES MOINES – State Sen. Jack Hatch (D-Des Moines) released the following statement on the announcement by Sen. Tom Harkin that he will retire from the U.S. Senate rather than seek re-election in 2014:
 
“It’s a moment for sadness but also a great deal of pride for Iowans as Sen. Tom Harkin announces his retirement.  For 40 years, Tom Harkin has been a stalwart and inspirational example for all those who work on behalf of people with health care needs and disabilities.  He’s a true champion of the underdog and a fighter for fairness and justice in all its forms.
 
“I was proud to work as state director of his office from 1993 to 1995, and humbled that he’s continued be a friend and mentor, offering his advice on Iowa’s health care reform process on many occasions.  His giant influence on policy and politics will be missed by Iowans and all Americans.”

 Statement from Iowa Secretary of State candidate Brad Anderson (D-Des Moines):

“For decades Tom Harkin has been an inspiration to anyone who cares about educating a child, providing opportunities for the disabled, or making America a stronger, healthier country.  He has taught us all we can fight real hard for what we believe in and at the same time find a way to work together to pass meaningful, historic legislation.  I will miss him in the Senate, but I am confident he will remain a passionate voice any struggling American who needs one.” 

U.S. Senator Tom Harkin shocked much of the Iowa Democratic Party establishment this morning by announcing he will not seek reelection in 2014.  Harkin spoke to members of the Iowa Democratic Party’s State Central Committee at about 10:30.

AUDIO : of Harkin

Harkin recounted some of his legislative accomplishments as he spoke with the committee, some of whom sat with tears rolling down their cheeks, then Harkin concluded with what you can hear by clicking on the link above.  The text is below.

“I’m not quitting today,” Harkin said. “This is not a time for legacy talks or anything like this. It’s a time for looking ahead. It’s a time for all of us, now, to renew our vigor, to make sure that we find the best candidate possible and to encourage others, as things start to move around here, that we really get behind these good candidates and bring them in,” Harkin said. “And so, this is not a goodbye speech. I’m not saying goodbye folks. I’m going to be very much a part of you for the next two years and beyond. Even after I leave the Senate, I don’t intend to get lost some place. I’m very much involved in the policies of our country, meeting that moral test of government that I spoke about when I first started. It’s my life, I just am going to do it in a different way now, two years from now.”  

Sue Dvorsky, the out-going chair of the Iowa Democratic Party, spoke to me right after Harkin finished his remarks.

“It was a surprise and what I said to him was that all anybody wants to know is that he’s O. K. and he absolutely is and he is doing the right thing, as he always done the right,” Dvorsky said, her eyes red with tears.  “…Tom Harkin is personally connected to virtually every Iowa Democrat…He is our leader. He is our heart and our soul….It’s a little earthquaky…We were surprised.” 

During an interview with me/Radio Iowa today, Harkin said he had made the decision not to seek reelection before this past week’s vote on the filibuster rule in the U.S. Senate. (Harkin sought bigger changes than were made.) Harkin said he’s been thinking about retirement since the last election.

“It boils down to two things: a promise I made to my wife, Ruth, and to myself, that we were going to live together and do some things together that we’ve often talked about, never been able to do, but we want to do it before it’s too late.  We’re both in great health. I have no health problems whatsoever. I’m very blessed in that way. Both of us are, but there are some things that we want to do that we’ve never been able to do. As you know, this job is pretty all-consuming,” Harkin said.

“Secondly, I’ve been there 40 years. I’m 73. By the time I run, I’d be 75. By the end of this term I will have been in the House and Senate for 40 years. I can’t tell you how grateful I am to my fellow Iowans for giving me this wonderful opportunity for 40 years, but it’s now somebody else’s turn. I just feel that way. It’s somebody else’s turn. It’s time for me to step aside. There’s a lot of younger Iowans out there, new people that, and by my stepping aside, as I said today, is cascades down. It opens up new opportunities for a lot of younger Iowans to move up and to take new positions of authority and responsibility and I think that’s not only good for our party, it’s good for our state and for our nation, so it’s just somebody else’s turn.”

Harkin said he does not have a ”favorite” to succeed him.

“I don’t think that it’s my job to try to pick somebody,” Harkin said. “That’s up to the Democrats to do….I hope the Democrats pick a smart, savvy, pragmatic person to run. We’ll see who emerges.”

Leaving now gives a candidate/candidates time to prepare, Harkin said.

“It opens it up and gives someone time to start to organize and think seriously about this,” Harkin said. “Unfortunately, but true, that campaigns today are more than just three- or four- or six-month – they’re two-year efforts to organize and to raise the necessary funds and stuff so I wanted to do this now to give people those opportunities and of course the same opportunity, someone said, ’Yeah, that gives the Democrats opportunity. It gives the Republicans opportunity, too.’ I said, ‘That’s fine. There’s nothing wrong with that.’ Iowa races, as you know, are always pretty good contests.”

Following up on his original statement, I asked Harkin what it is that he and Ruth want to do. Harkin said he and his wife talked about it on the plane from D.C. to Iowa.

“Ruth said: ”We’re going to take dancing lessons.’ I said, ‘You’re right,’” Harkin told Radio Iowa. “We’ve been married 45 years. She’s been on my case for about 40 of those years, at least, to take dancing lessons. She’s great at music and all that kind of stuff and I never have been and we’ve talked about it and I’m not saying I couldn’t have done, but I always had an excuse not to do it, so now, Ruth and I are going to take some dancing lessons.”

Iowa’s other U.S. Senator, Chuck Grassley, said last year health considerations were a factor in his own decision whether to run, because Grassley doesn’t want to wind up like Strom Thurmond or Robert Byrd, staying in the senate as their health deteriorated.  I mentioned Grassley’s statement to Harkin.

“I’m very fortunate to be able to leave the senate on these terms. I’m very healthy,” Harkin said. “I have no fear of losing an election. I expect to have a tough race, what the heck, but I think I can raise the money and organize a successful campaign in Iowa. It’s just, you know — it’s time. I wish I could put it more profoundly than that. I just sense that it’s time.”

The U.S. Census Bureau has released “key demographics” of all U.S. congressional districts.  Here’s the link.

In addition to the raw number of residents in each district, there is a racial breakdown as well as an average income for each district. It also lists the number of homeowners and the number of renters, the “educational attainment” of the residents in the district and how many military veterans live in the area.

For example, residents in the new third district that includes the Des Moines metro as well as Council Bluffs (represented by Congressman Tom Latham)  have an average income of $54,641.  The lowest average income is in northwest and north central Iowa’s fourth district (represented by Congressman Steve King) and that figure is $45,454.  As for the two eastern Iowa congressional districts, the first district that includes the cities of Cedar Rapids, Dubuque and Waterloo (represented by Congressman Bruce Braley) has an average income of $50, 125.  The second district includes the cities of Davenport and Iowa City (represented by Congressman Dave Loebsack) and the average income of residents in that district is $47,391.

Below is the photo of the newest member of the Iowa House of Representatives. Democrat Todd Pritchard won House District 52 in a special election yesterday.  He has a strong resemblance to a former Minnesota governor/2012 Republican presidential candidate.

I couldn’t resist taking this snapshot at sunrise today. It’s the Soldiers and Sailors Monument on the State Capital grounds, directly south of the Capital Building. The monument was started in 1894, a tribute to Iowa’s Civil War soldiers. Generals Crocker, Corse, Curtis, and Dodge are seated on horseback.

The monument’s spire extends 135 feet in the air. There’s a  ”Victory” statue (not shown above) that sits atop the monument.

It seemed a fitting picture to take after hearing author/historian Doris Kearns Goodwin speak last night about President Lincoln.  Read more about her remarks at The Greater Des Moines Partnership annual dinner here and here.

Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack is staying on for the second Obama term.  Read today’s statement below:

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement today regarding the announcement that he will continue his service in the Obama Administration.
 
“President Obama and I share a deep appreciation for rural America and its unlimited potential in the years ahead to feed a growing world population, revolutionize America’s energy, further protect our natural resources and create more jobs here at home. We will continue to urge Congress to pass a Food, Farm and Jobs Bill that will help us continue USDA’s wide range of efforts to support this work. As we look ahead to a promising future in our small towns and rural communities, I am pleased to continue working alongside President Obama to grow more opportunity in rural America.”

State Representative Nick Wagner, a Republican from Marion, lost his 2012 bid for reelection to Democrat Daniel Lundby, son of the late Mary Lundby, a former state representative and former Republican leader in the Iowa Senate.  Wagner, a fiscal hawk who had been groomed by House leaders to be the next House Appropriations Committee chairman, sent out a final ”Nick’s News from the Statehouse” newsletter this week:

As the next General Assembly is preparing to begin I want to take this moment to say Thank You.

I will not be returning to the statehouse as a legislator this year. I appreciate all of the support that I have received the past four years from other legislators, staff, the people of Iowa, the people of House District 36, and most of all, my family.  I enjoyed my time as a legislator and know I was able to make a difference. 

Legislators go to Des Moines for many reasons, mine was to do what was right for Iowa and fight for the hard working taxpayers of Iowa.  It’s something I did every day as a legislator.  My focus was on making sure the policies of Iowa were right for Iowans to be free and able to pursue their happiness. I still believe in these things and will continue to advocate for them. 

I wish the entire legislature well and hope they will continue to fight for what is right for the people of Iowa.  I no intents on making a career out of the legislature and always knew that I was not there for the long haul.  I was there to make a difference, not a legacy.  Many nights before leaving the capitol I would stop in the rotunda or on the deeply rutted steps and think about the many people that came before me and the many people that were to come after.  I am grateful that I had the opportunity and while I’ll miss it, I gave it all I had.

To my fellow Iowans, I wish you all well and would like, once again, to say

Thank You.
Nick Wagner

Tim Moran of Sioux City, a member of the Republican Party of Iowa’s State Central Committee, submitted a letter of resignation on Sunday, one day after 13 other members of the 18-member committee voted to reelect A.J. Spiker as Iowa GOP chairman. (Read a “live” blog or the Radio Iowa story about Saturday’s action.) Moran had nominated former Mason City Mayor/former legislator Bill Schickel for that post during Saturday’s meeting. Moran is moving out of the fourth congressional district, so he can’t continue to serve on the committee as the fourth district representative.

TheIowaRepublican.com posted quotes from Moran’s resignation letter email to friends & colleagues here.  Here is one segment:

“….We have an incoming administration at the State Party that has no interest in the ‘mechanics’ of organization….It’s unfortunate the incoming administration is not going to put a high premium on basic campaign tools,” Moran said.

Moran was a staffer for Mitt Romney’s 2008 presidential campaign in Iowa, Florida, and Alaska. From 2008 to 2011, he was an aide to Congressman Steve King. In 2010, he was an advisor to Republican Bill Northey’s successful campaign for reelection as state ag secretary.

I’m @ Iowa GOP headquarters in Des Moines on this Saturday morning, to live blog the opening part of the Republican Party of Iowa State Central Committee meeting, the part where they plan to elect a chairman.

Steve Scheffler of the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition, a Republican National Committeeman from Iowa, began by nominating  A.J. Spiker for a two-year term.  (Scheffler delivered the opening prayer today, asking God to help the GOP get “up off the mat” after the 2012 elections.) 

“A.J. quickly earned the respect & trust of the RNC,” according to Scheffler, who also mentioned the “attack on Iowa’s first-in-the-nation Caucus status” at the convention in Tampa” during which Spiker led the effort to maintain Iowa’s position as the lead-off event in the 2016 presidential sweepstakes.

Scheffler also said: “A.J. is not afraid to stand up for traditional values.”

Tim Moran, a member of the state central committee, then nominated Bill Schickel, the former mayor of Mason City, a former state legislator & the current co-chair of the party. Schickel unsucessfully ran for chairman in early 2012, after Matt Strawn resigned due to the fall-out from the Romney-wins-then-Santorum-wins-the-Caucuses announcements. 

Both Spiker & Schickel were given 10 minutes to speak.  Spiker began: “I’m running because I believe in the principles of the R Party of Iowa…I believe in our platform.”

Spiker mentioned raising $600,000 and managing $5 million that passed through for voter turn-out; he cited the decision to give each 2012 legislative candidate a contribution from the state party.  He says the Iowa GOP today has $400,000 in the bank.   

Spiker addressed what he called “unfounded criticism” and “snipers” who accuse him of being a Ron Paul-focused party leader. “I’ve worked very closely with Republicans of all philosophies,” Spiker said. 

But Spiker said his vision for the role of party chairman was to ”stand for the principles of the party…I am not a state party chair whose intention is to walk to party line.”

Spiker got an “Amen” from several of the three dozen audience members watching to proceedings when he said he will “never apologize for social conservatism” or throw grass-roots activists under the bus.

Schickel spoke next, strolling away from the lectern where Spiker stood to deliver his remarks.  Schickel began by asking the state central committee to “rise above individual personal personalities and vote for what’s best for the entire Republican Party of Iowa, all 600,000 members.”

Schickel said if Republicans are “honest” in evaluating 2012 election results “we can see that the promise is not being fulfilled today the way it should be…Conservatives suffered a defeat.

“…Our party is in danger of becoming a dinosaur unless we change, unless we make dramatic changes.”

Schickel accused Spiker of running a “good old boys campaign” for chairman.

“Let’s start talking about what we’re for.  I propose we have 100 ideas for the future, for the future betterment of Iowa,” Schickel said. “…Our platform is a beautiful document. It’s about time we started implemented some of those things.”

Schickel also pledged to boost fundraising by five percent over 2008 fundraising totals.

The two men then literally stood before the central committee and answered questions from committee members.  Of note: both expressed support for continuing the Iowa GOP’s presidential Straw Poll in August of 2015.

Spiker was asked if Republican Governor Terry Branstad had publicly endorsed his bid to continue as party chair.  Spiker, who in November had a public feud with Branstad over the future of the Straw Poll, said he did not have Branstad’s backing. “He hasn’t unendorsed me publicly either,” Spiker said, drawing laughter.

When asked the same question, Schickel said: “the governor has not endorsed my candidacy.”

State Central Committee member Loras Schulte described a sort of UNwelcome mat the Iowa GOP put out for Pat Buchanan’s supporters in 1996.  Schickel responded: “After Buchanan lost, you didn’t bring the entire Buchanan team in to run the Republican Party of Iowa.”  The comment drew a gasp or two from the audience.

At 12:14 p.m. the secret ballots were distributed.  At 12:21 p.m. Spiker reconvened the meeting and asked everyone to remain seated until the announcement.  At 12:22 p.m. the results were announced: Spiker received 13 votes; Schickel got 5 votes. Spiker won.

“Congratulations, A.J.,” Schickel said and everyone in the room except for those typing applauded.