Scheffler endorses Branstad

Yesteday the Iowa Family PAC announced it will not back Terry Branstad in the fall election.  Today, the Branstad campaign announced Steve Scheffler, the Republican National Committeeman from Iowa who is head of the Iowa Christian Alliance, has endorsed Branstad.  Read the release below:

Steve Scheffler announces endorsement of Terry Branstad; Encourages Iowa conservatives to rally around the Republican nominee

(URBANDALE) – The Governor Branstad 2010 committee today announced Governor Branstad has received the endorsement of prominent conservative leader, Steve Scheffler, in his bid to defeat Chet Culver this November. 

Scheffler said, “Terry Branstad is the honest conservative Iowa needs.  His record of accomplishment is a solid reflection of his pro-life and pro-family views.  Not only does he talk about supporting Iowa families, but his past actions are proof of his ability to deliver.

“For those Iowans concerned about the health and well being of Iowa families, the choice between Terry Branstad and Chet Culver is crystal clear,” continued Scheffler. “I am proud to endorse Governor Branstad and he has my 100% support.  I will personally be working to encourage Iowa conservatives across this state to join his campaign and help defeat Chet Culver this fall.”

Steve Scheffler is the National Committeeman for the Republican Party of Iowa and the president of the Iowa Christian Alliance, that state’s leading voice advocating pro-family policies in Iowa.

“I am proud to accept Steve’s endorsement of my campaign for Governor,” said Gov. Branstad. “His support in recognition for my lifelong commitment to Iowa families is appreciated and I look forward to working with Steve Scheffler as we now focus on this fall’s general election.

“It is my desire to be a Governor for all Iowans and am proud Steve will be joining our team as we build a broad-based coalition of Iowans to successfully lead Iowa’s comeback,” concluded Branstad.

The endorsement is not from ICA.  Here’s a statement from ICA, issued late yesterday:

Despite what some media outlets have recently reported, the Iowa Christian Alliance has not endorsed nor lent its support to any candidate in the current Iowa Gubernatorial race.

As an organization, the ICA does not endorse candidates and there is no plan to change that policy.  We would encourage the voters of Iowa to take an objective look at all of the candidates before voting and cast their ballot for the one that most lines up with their personal values and convictions.