Branstad, Culver build campaign war chests (Iowa Governor)

DES MOINES – The two leading political contenders heading into the 2010 governor’s race flexed their fundraising muscles on Thursday.

First, former Gov. Terry Branstad opened the bidding by announcing that he had come out of the fundraising chute fast in his bid to land the Republican gubernatorial nomination – raising more than $1.5 million since mid-October.

Not to be outdone in a game of political one-upsmanship, the Culver/Judge Campaign announced it had raised $2.145 million in the past year and Democratic incumbent Gov. Chet Culver enters the election year with $2.59 million on hand.

“We are excited and energized that so many Iowans have faith in our ability to govern and keep our state moving forward,” Culver said in a statement. “Iowans have shown that they share our goals and our values — investing in job creation to ensure a brighter economic future, providing funding for preschool education, keeping the promise to our veterans, and investing in green-collar jobs and renewable energy.” Officials with the Governor Branstad 2010 Committee released a summary of its fundraising progress through Dec. 31 that indicated he has garnered support from more than 3,000 contributors in all 99 counties. His campaign reported having $1.36 million cash on hand.

“In just over two months, Gov. Branstad 2010 has raised unprecedented resources as Terry Branstad has explored a potential run for governor in 2010,” said Jeff Boeyink, Branstad’s committee manager. “By every conceivable measure, the fundraising success of this campaign shows Iowans are ready and willing to help Gov. Branstad lead Iowa’s comeback.”

Preliminary figures indicate Branstad raised money from 3,044 contributors statewide, with 94 percent of the funds coming from Iowans and 96 percent of his $1.5 million coming from individuals donors.

Abby Curran, the Culver/Judge campaign manager, said the report the campaign will file on Tuesday with the Iowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board will show broad and deep base of support throughout Iowa. The campaign received contributors from more than 1,000 donors – 85 percent of which are Iowa residents – and more than half the contributions were for $250 or less. One difference in the numbers, Curran said, is that “Branstad is going to have to spend all his money down in a divisive primary before he could reach the general election.”

Branstad, who served four terms as Iowa governor from 1983 to 1999, is slated to formally announce his 2010 bid next Tuesday before embarking on a 17-city tour to tout his candidacy.

Also seeking the 2010 GOP gubernatorial nomination to challenge Culver in the November general election are Sioux City business consultant Bob Vander Plaats and state Reps. Christopher Rants of Sioux City and Rod Roberts of Carroll.

http://go.terrybranstad.com/photo/albums/website-launch-party
Branstad website launch party at Graze 01/12/2010

http://www.governorbranstad2010.com/branstad-2010-committee-releases-300-person-99-county-chair-organization
The Governor Branstad 2010 committee releases names of leadership team from every county

http://www.governorbranstad2010.com/governor-branstad-2010-committee-releases-announcement-tour-dates-cities
“”FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Contact: Tim Albrecht (515) 276-2266

Branstad 2010 Unveils
“Iowa Comeback Tour” Schedule

(URBANDALE) – The Branstad 2010 Committee today released the detailed schedule for Gov. Terry Branstad’s “Iowa Comeback Tour” events, where he will announce his run for governor.

The tour begins at the Iowa State Historical Society Building in Des Moines, and will cover 17 cities in four days.

“The State Historical Building exists because of Terry Branstad’s vision and leadership,” said committee manager Jeff Boeyink. “He raised a majority of the funds through private donations and built it on its present site in hopes that it would serve as a catalyst to the redevelopment of the East Village area. The story of this building shows what a hands-on Governor can accomplish when you bring the best and brightest from the public and private sectors together to make dreams a reality.

“Now, as we launch our comeback tour at the State Historical Building and take it on the road to every corner of Iowa, we will work to write that next chapter in Iowa’s history and lead Iowa’s comeback on every level under the leadership of Terry Branstad.”

Click here to RSVP for the Tour

The following events are open to the media:

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

10:00 AM – “Iowa Comeback Tour” Kick-Off Event
Iowa State Historical Society Building
600 East Locust
Des Moines

1:30 PM – Marion County “Iowa Comeback Tour” Event
Smokey Row Coffee
639 Franklin Street
Pella

3:30 PM – Wapello County “Iowa Comeback Tour” Event
The Lucky Rooster Coffee House
207 2nd St. East
Ottumwa

5:15 PM – Jefferson County “Iowa Comeback Tour” Event
Revelations Café and Bookstore
112 North Main Street
Fairfield

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

8:00 AM – Henry County “Iowa Comeback Tour” Event
Tazza Bella
120 South Main St. Suite 101
Mt. Pleasant

10:30 AM – Muscatine County “Iowa Comeback Tour” Event
The Button Factory Restaurant
215 West Mississippi Drive
Muscatine

3:45 PM – Scott County “Iowa Comeback Tour” Event
Ross’ Restaurant
430 14th Street
Bettendorf

6:30 PM – Linn County “Iowa Comeback Tour” Event
Kirkwood Community College
Iowa Hall – Iowa Room
6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW
Cedar Rapids

Thursday, January 21, 2010

8:15 AM – Black Hawk County “Iowa Comeback Tour” Event
Beck’s Sports Brewery
3295 University Ave.
Waterloo

11:15 AM – Cerro Gordo County “Iowa Comeback Tour” Event
Jitters Coffee Bar
100 South Federal Avenue (Southbridge Mall)
Mason City

3:15 PM – Clay County “Iowa Comeback Tour” Event
Spencer Public Library
21 E. 3rd
Spencer

5:15 PM – Buena Vista County “Iowa Comeback Tour” Event
Lakeshore Cafe
1520 North Lake Ave.
Storm Lake

Friday, January 22, 2010

8:00 AM - Sioux County “Iowa Comeback Tour” Event
Northwestern Bank (Basement Conf. Room)
122 Central Ave NW
Orange City

10:15 AM – Woodbury County “Iowa Comeback Tour” Event
Sioux City Public Library
529 Pierce St.
Sioux City

1:15 PM – Crawford County “Iowa Comeback Tour” Event
Cronk’s Café
812 4th Ave. S.
Denison

3:00 PM – Shelby County “Iowa Comeback Tour” Event
Mickel’s Family Restaurant
2213 12th St.
Harlan

5:00 PM -Pottawattamie County “Iowa Comeback Tour” Event
Tish’s Restaurant
1207 South 35th St.
Council Bluffs

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