Steve Sukup (pronounced SOOK-up) and his brother, Charles, run a family business in north central Iowa that makes grain handling equipment, notably grain bins. Steve Sukup served in the Iowa legislature and ran for governor in 2002, losing a tight primary race to nominee Doug Gross. (Trivia: Tim Albrecht, Governor Branstad’s press secretary, was the communications guru for the Sukup campaign in 2002.) In 2006, Sukup endorsed Bob Vander Plaats, another contestant in that 2002 primary race, before Vander Plaats dropped out and ran as Jim Nussle’s 2006 lieutenant governor running mate.
I saw Sukup in Waterloo (a long way from his home in Clear Lake) in August, as he was in the audience to hear Rick Perry and Michele Bachmann. Sukup said at the time he thought the pair would make a good 2012 ticket for Republicans. Sukup is now thinking of another name for the top of the ticket, as you see in the news release below from Rick Santorum’s campaign.
Urbandale, IA – Rick Santorum’s presidential campaign has received the endorsement of influential Iowa businessman, conservative activist, and former legislator Steve Sukup.
Steve Sukup said: “My family has been in the manufacturing sector for decades and there is one candidate who understands the needs of businesses like my family’s. Rick Santorum understands what it will take to rebuild the manufacturing sector, bring jobs back to areas like northern Iowa, and revitalize our economy. I am proud to endorse Rick Santorum for President and I am excited to caucus for him this coming Tuesday.”
Rick Santorum said: “I am honored to receive Steve’s endorsement today. Steve and the entire Sukup family embody what has made America great – that if you work hard, our nation will give you the opportunity to succeed. Steve’s endorsement of my candidacy and our economic plan is a terrific boost to our campaign. I am thrilled to have Steve by my side on caucus night.”
Steve has been a Co-Owner of Sukup Manufacturing Company since 1978, a family-owned agricultural business that has been in business for over 40 years. Sukup Manufacturing Company manufactures grain handling equipment and bins for on the farm storage. It employs over 400 employees at the Sheffield, Iowa location and has six distribution centers in Nebraska, South Dakota, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas and Ohio. Sukup products are sold in all 50 states and internationally.
Steve Sukup spent 8 years as a State Representative and 3 years as Speaker Pro-Tem. Elected in 1994 to represent District 18, Franklin and Hardin Counties, in the Iowa House of Representatives. In addition, Sukup was an Iowa Gubernatorial candidate in 2002, earning 32% of the primary vote, and sharing approximately two-thirds of the overall primary vote with Bob Vander Plaats.
Sukup is a member of the Zion Lutheran Church, Farm Bureau, Association of Business and Industry, and the Iowa Motor Truck Association, of which he is currently on the Board of Directors.
Steve and his wife, Vicki, live in Clear Lake, Iowa, and have three children – son, Nickolas, and daughters, Crystal and Emily.
About O.Kay Henderson
Kay is a founding member of the Radio Iowa network newsroom. In 1994, she became the network’s news director. She’s a featured reporter and commentator on Iowa Public Television’s “Iowa Press,” and the 2002 recipient of the Shelley Award.
So this dude has no clue as to what makes up a reasonable candidate, he instead is attracted to the three biggest losers of the whole circus parade. I can’t believe I’m wasting my time responding to this .