Another Branstad sign: a campaign manager

Former Governor Terry Branstad has a campaign manager, should he decide to run for a fifth term.   It’s Jeff Boeyink, a former Iowans for Tax Relief executive who has been serving as executive director of the Republican Party of Iowa for the past eight months.  UPDATE: I just spoke with Richard Schwarm, Branstad’s former law partner and the fellow heading up the “Terry Branstad 2010 Committee.”  Here’s a transcript of our conversation: 

Henderson:  “I don’t think a fellow would resign from his job if he didn’t think he was landing a sort-of full time gig.  Is this the signal here?

Schwarm:  “Well, the statement pretty much speaks for itself, but I think individuals could certainly draw the conclusion that you have.”

Henderson: “Why Jeff?”

Schwarm:  “Well, if the governor, if Governor Branstad decides he is going to run, part of what I and others were looking for were the best people to be involved in his campaign, along with other things.  Jeff is a great talent in Iowa, long experience, great individual, was very — is a great catch.  We visited with him and had no idea if he would take it and he has agreed to step into this role and we’re very pleased.”

Henderson:  “When you say ‘we’ and ‘we are’ — who do you mean?”

Schwarm: (Laugh) Terry Branstad 2010 Committee, the exploratory committee. (Laugh)

Henderson: “It seems odd that someone would sign on without having talked to Governor Branstad himself.  Has Governor Branstad signed off on this hire?”

Schwarm:  “Governor Branstad is aware of the hire.”

Henderson: “So, where are you in this process?  Is an announcement imminent or within 24, 48 hours?”

Schwarm:  “It’s not my role to give that information.”

Henderson: “Is there anything else our listeners need to know about this moment?”

Schwarm:  “I think that the statement needs to speak for itself.”

‘Tis hard for written statements to speak on the radio, as you may know.  Read the written statement Schwarm emailed this morning below.

Jeffrey Boeyink named to head Terry Branstad 2010 Committee

            Richard Schwarm today announced the hiring of Jeffrey Boeyink to lead the Terry Branstad 2010 Committee as it continues to explore a possible gubernatorial run by former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad.

            Schwarm said, “This is the next natural step in our exploratory process as we move from a volunteer effort to the acquisition of professional staff and financial resources to take Terry Branstad 2010 to the next level of effectiveness.”

            Boeyink has served as Executive Director of the Republican Party of Iowa (RPI) since last February and resigned yesterday to accept this new position.  Prior to joining RPI, Boeyink served as President of Iowans for Tax Relief where he worked for more than two decades.

            Schwarm also noted, “This appointment does not signal any change in Terry Branstad’s status as a potential gubernatorial candidate.   He continues in his role at Des Moines University and will make his plans known at a future date.”

UPDATE — a statement from the Iowa GOP: Chairman Strawn Comments on Executive Director’s Resignation

Des Moines, IA – Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Matt Strawn issued the following statement after the resignation of Executive Director Jeff Boeyink:

“I hope all Iowa Republicans join me in thanking Jeff for a job well done. The Iowa GOP is better off because of his service and tireless advocacy for principled, conservative government. I’m personally grateful for his wisdom and guidance and wish him well.”