Copyright © 2005 The Quad-City Times | www.QCTimes.com
Gross says he won't run for Iowa governor
By Charlotte Eby
DES MOINES -- Des Moines lawyer Doug Gross announced Monday that he willnot seek the Republican nomination for governor next year, ending speculation he would make another run for the job after an unsuccessful attempt in 2002.
Gross made the announcement in a letter to former Gov. Terry Branstad, saying an “all-consuming” campaign would take too much time away from his family. He and his wife are the parents of five children.
“I have come to the conclusion that I simply do not have the singular commitment required to undertake this race,” Gross wrote. “My commitment to Iowans, the issues and my interest in making a difference will never wane.”
Gross was the Republican nominee in 2002, winning a three-way primary ahead of former Rep. Steve Sukup of Dougherty and Sioux City businessman Bob Vander Plaats.
Gross went on to lose the general election to Democratic Gov. Tom Vilsack, who voters elected to a second term in 2002.
Gross’ announcement clears the way for two other Republicans, U.S. Rep. Jim Nussle of Manchester and Vander Plaats, who is hoping to do better next year than his third-place showing in the 2002 primary.
Nussle has not made a formal announcement that he will enter the race, but he is widely expected to run.
Vilsack has said he will not seek a third term in 2006, although some supporters are urging him to reconsider.
A lawyer with the Des Moines firm of Brown Winick, Gross served as chief of staff for Branstad. He is a native of the western Iowa town of Defiance.
Rep. Jim Kurtenbach, a Republican from Nevada, Iowa, was surprised by the announcement.
“I am disappointed. I think Doug brought a lot of energy to the gubernatorial campaign,” he said.
Kurtenbach has admired Gross’ work with the Committee of 82, a group focused on reviving the economy of the state’s 82 rural counties, and hopes Gross will continue to take an active role in state policy.
“The work he has done with the Committee of 82 provides Iowa with a blueprint for moving forward in a very progressive fashion,” Kurtenbach said.
Charlotte Eby can be contacted at (515) 243-0138 or chareby@aol.com.
Copyright © 2002 The Quad-City Times