I don’t have any problem being embraced by the rank and file of the GOP.
But you haven’t shown them that you’re a team player. Why should they support you?
Aren't you supposed to be a straight shooter, not the typical politician? Yet you won't answer a simple yes or no question. If Branstad wins the Republican nomination, will you vote for him in the general election? It's just a yes or no question.
If you continue to not answer the question, I think we can all assume the answer is no, you won't vote for Branstad. And if no is the answer, then you are just using the Republican apparatus to get somewhere politically because you know you can't do it as an independent candidate.
If you ever want to get anywhere, you are going to have to approach this differently. Ron Paul got nowhere in the GOP, his son Rand just got done helping elect Jolly in Florida by helping move some libertarian votes his way. If your never a team player for the party you choose to run in, they will pretty much never acknowledge you.
Why not help campaign for Branstad if he wins the nomination? And we know that is the likely outcome. So you help him in his election effort and people and party members throughout the state may actually help you run for something next time around (assuming you make a decent candidate). Maybe start with something less than President or Governor.